Chelsea will give up their attempts to sign Everton defender John Stones and will instead offer £15m to Monaco for Aymen Abdennour, according to a report.
The Premier League champions have had three bids for Stones rejected by Everton, who also confirmed yesterday that they had turned down the centre-back's transfer request.
The Daily Mail claims that the club have now decided to look elsewhere as they seek to strengthen the centre of their defence, and that they have opened talks with Monaco over a deal for Abdennour.
The 26-year-old Tunisian international is also interesting Valencia but the report claims that Chelsea are confident of sealing his signing before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
Chelsea host Crystal Palace in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
