Everton fear that they will be forced to sell centre-back John Stones to Chelsea this summer as the champions line up a third bid, according to reports.
The Blues have had two offers rejected by Everton, who have insisted that the 21-year-old is not for sale.
However, The Telegraph claims that Chelsea are set to bid £30m and Everton are starting to believe that they will not be able to resist an offer north of that amount.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho reportedly has a career path mapped out for Stones, which will eventually see him succeed John Terry in the side.
The defender has been with Everton since he joined from Barnsley in 2013.