Chelsea turn to Garay as Stones move hits the rocks

The John Stones saga has rumbled on for what seems an age now but one thing is for sure, Chelsea need a centre half. John Terry has looked his age in this season, being dragged off against Man City and seeing red against West Brom.  

Jose Mourinho is growing tired of his pursuit of the Everton defender, who reportedly handed a transfer request in earlier this week, and has lined up a move for a more experienced customer, should the Blues’ fail to secure a deal for the former Barnsley man. 

Ezequiel Garay boasts a wealth of experience. He was a crucial part of the Argentina team that made the World Cup semi-finals and has spent six seasons in the Champions League. A commanding presence and good on the ball, the ex-Benfica man would add real depth to the Chelsea back four.  

He failed to make an impression under Jose at Real Madrid, playing just five La Liga games before moving to Benfica. But getting into the side ahead of Roberto Carvalho, Sergio Ramos and Pepe was a thankless task for any young player. 

However, at 28 he is not the long term Terry replacement that Stones is and he looks little more than a stop gap or a pawn to be used in order to force the Toffees player into a move down south. 

If indeed this deal is a goer, and reports claim that it is, maybe this could signal the end for Gary Cahill and not his much-discussed defensive partner.  

The former Villa stopper has developed massively in his time with the Pensioners but there seems to be something about him that the Portuguese does not like. Mourinho dropped him last term, bringing in the highly-rated Kurt Zouma in his place, a timely reminder that his role was not guaranteed.   

It was also Zouma who got the nod ahead of Cahill at West Brom last week, when everyone expected the captain to be the man to face the axe. 

The champions face Crystal Palace on Saturday, a game they are 4/11 to win and both Cahill and Zouma will have the chance to impress.

A move for Garay would strengthen Chelsea in the short term but if it does go through, it shows the panic currently reverberating around Stamford Bridge.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.