Chelsea ready to spend big on defensive duo in January

Chelsea are reportedly ready to reignite their moves for Everton’s John Stones and Paris St-Germain’s Marquinhos in January.

The Blues had bids rejected for both defenders in the summer, but after the club’s poor start to the season, which has seen them concede 17 goals in just eight Premier League matches, they are ready to go back in for the duo.

The West London club saw a number of offers, the highest at £38m, turned down by the Toffees for Stones, while PSG said no to their offer of around £31m for the Brazilian, Marquinhos.

Jose Mourinho’s side currently lie 16th in the league, but owner Roman Abramovich this week gave the Portuguese manager a vote of confidence.