Report: Chelsea will make £26-million bid for John Stones by Wednesday

Chelsea reportedly isn't giving up in its pursuit of John Stones.

According to the Guardian, the reigning Premier League champion will make a £26-million bid for the 21-year-old centre-back by Wednesday after having an offer of £20 million turned down by Everton last week.

Furious at Roberto Martinez for openly talking about Chelsea's activity, Jose Mourinho angrily denied that his club would launch a second bid on Thursday, saying: "You are speaking with the manager of the best team in England. We are a top team, we have top players. We don't need other players, we trust these players."

Stones is apparently understood to be keen on joining Chelsea. However, he would be forced to compete for playing time with John Terry and Gary Cahill, the former of which is 34 years old but continues to be among the Premier League's top centre-backs.

The fee for Stones could allegedly rise above £30 million if Martinez continues to play hardball.