Premier League Transfers: Chelsea Signs Zhang Linpeng After Everton Kills John Stones Bid?

John Stones won't make the move to Chelsea FC despite submitting a transfer request to the bosses over at Everton, so Jose Mourinho has moved on and reportedly found another center-back in China national footballer and Guangzhou Evergrande defender Zhang Linpeng. The 26-year-old player, who earned the nickname "Zhangmos" in his country, is reportedly in talks with Chelsea and is excited for the opportunity to join the Premier League. Is Linpeng Chelsea's answer or should they look at other transfers? Read more on this news below.

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"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," Linpeng told a Chinese media outlet, according to ESPN FC. "I'm very happy and very excited to finally have this formal invitation."

Meanwhile, other reports are claiming Mourinho is going after Zenit St. Petersburg player Ezequiel Garay for the same position, according to The Daily Star. So it looks like it's up to these two footballers and their respective teams to make the deal happen. Do you think that Chelsea will offer the same amount they would've for Stones or will they low-ball the next signing and focus their fortunes on Paul Pogba?

The transfer window closes at the end of the month, with Pogba as Chelsea's main target and others simply remaining rumors for now. Another player in the mix is Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin. We'll have to wait and see what happens!

Whichever player is Mourinho's favorite, he isn't showing any signs either way.

"If I get another player before the end of the market, good," he recently said to the media this week, according to The Telegraph. "If not, I go with what we have and I have a good squad."