Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Everton over deals for Romelu Lukaku and John Stones.
Incoming Blues manager Antonio Conte has identified a number of targets as part of his Stamford Bridge overhaul, with a revived approach for England international Stones believed to be on the Italian’s wish list.
Also subject to interest from the west Londoners is Lukaku, whose 25 goals in all competitions for Everton this season have not gone unnoticed by his former club.
The Belgian international recently indicated his desire to leave Goodison Park in favour of a move to a Champions League club following a slump that saw former manager Roberto Martinez take the Toffees from a credible fifth-place finish in the Premier League to mid-table mediocrity in just two seasons.
A number of European giants, including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be preparing to lead the chance for Lukaku, who is reportedly valued at £65 million by Everton officials.
And the Daily Telegraph claim that that the want-away 23-year-old sits alongside Juventus hit man Alvaro Morata and Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain on Conte’s summer shortlist.
Talks between the Premier League rivals are already said to be underway, with Stones also mentioned during negotiations.
Chelsea saw to bids for Stones last summer rejected outright by Everton, in spite of the latter falling in the region of £40 million, but the London club remain undeterred in their quest to find a long-term replacement for captain John Terry.
Everton, however, are keen to keep their star duo and after new billionaire backer Farhad Moshiri signalled his desire to keep the likes of Lukaku and Stones at the club to work with the club’s new manager, as yet unnamed.