Chelsea linked with China international defender

A round-up of the latest transfer speculation involving Chelsea…

The Daily Express, citing a Chinese newspaper, reports that Chelsea want to sign right-back Zhang Linpeng.

The 26-year-old China international plays for Guangzhou Evergrande and it is claimed that Chelsea have offered him a contract in an attempt to sign him before next week’s transfer deadline.

It comes after he was quoted as saying: “I’m very happy and very excited to finally have this formal invitation.

“I’ve worked hard and waited these five-six years for my dream of playing overseas, and finally have recognition from the English Premier League.”

Meanwhile, there continues to be speculation over whether Everton will eventually sell England defender John Stones to Chelsea.

The Sun claim Stones, 21, has had to flee his home after being ‘terrorised’ by Everton fans following his transfer request.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright released a statement on Thursday insisting that Stones would not be leaving the Merseyside club.