Chelsea bid for 21-year old England star rejected

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have seen a bid rejected for Everton defender John Stones. The Blues supposedly made on offer of £20 million for the player, which wasn't enough to convince Everton to sell the 21-year old center back.

BREAKING: Sky sources: @Everton reject £20million from @ChelseaFC for John Stones. #SSNHQ

— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) July 17, 2015

As a target, Stones makes sense, given that Chelsea could use more long-term options in the center of the defense. Stones' status as a homegrown and association-trained player is also useful, as there just aren't that many of those who can play at the level clubs like Chelsea require.

The bid for Stones falls right in line with Chelsea's general transfer strategy this window, which seems focused on adding young, high ceiling talent for the future, instead of simply trying for one expensive signing that would push for starting minutes immediately. While I have a hard time reaching an opinion on the value of Stones due to the system Everton play, the approach is one that I like, and it pleases me to see this sort of pattern.

That said, if Chelsea think that John Stones could be a long-term solution in the center of their defense, they'll be back with another bid, likely unsettling the player in the process.