Everton want Colombia star to replace John Stones

Everton will reportedly make a move for Cristian Zapata if the club should lose John Stones.

The England centre-half is currently subject to two rejected bids from Premier League champions Chelsea this summer, with Toffee’s boss Roberto Martinez keen to identify his replacement in case the 21-year-old leaves Goodison Park.

Defender Zapata, 28, failed to score in 13 appearances in all competitions last season for Serie A outfit AC Milan.

The Colombia international joins Swansea City’s Ashley Williams and Celtic’s Virgil van Dijk on a list of potential replacement for the in-demand Stones, with Chelsea poised to return with an improved third offer for the former Barnsley star.

Zapata, who has 31 international caps and starred at the Copa America last month, has been at the San Siro since 2012.