Stones can’t turn down Chelsea opportunity, says Cahill

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has told Blues target John Stones that he cannot afford to turn down the chance to play for the Premier League champions.

Goal understands that Jose Mourinho is preparing a £28 million offer for the Everton centre-back after an initial bid of £20m was rejected, with the Portuguese publically clashing with Roberto Martinez over the approach.

And Cahill, whose place in the Chelsea starting XI could be under threat should Stones arrive, has urged the 21-year-old to move to Stamford Bridge and begin competing for major honours.

"In terms of ambition, if you're a young player in the game, have played in the Premier League like he did a lot last year, and a big club come calling, it's very difficult to turn down," Cahill told the Daily Mail.

"You want to achieve the most you can in the short period you have in your career as a professional footballer.

"When a top club comes calling, who you know will be firing on all fronts with competitions and medals, that's ultimately what you want to be playing for. It's hard to turn down of course.

"He will look at the club, look at the players, and look at being involved in a squad like ours. When Chelsea came calling for me, it was an opportunity, it was a chance and looking from the outset you may not be sure how it's going to go.

"But it's one you can't turn down, you have to grab it with both hands. Then you have to work as hard as you can to make it work."

Having trained alongside Stones with England, Cahill is convinced the youngster will fit in well at Chelsea and has the right mentality to deal with the pressures of such a big price tag.

“When you talk about being able to handle something like that, you look at their personality,” he continued.

“From what I have seen when I have been away with him for England, he is a genuinely nice guy, a down-to-earth lad. There is nothing 'big-time' about him. I'm sure he will be able to cope with the fee.

“Plus, with the right support around him, like from the more experienced players in the squad, and his family, I'm sure he'll be fine.

“Personality wise he would fit into the group straight away. Potentially as a player he can be a top player, not just for us but also for England.

“I think England will benefit too because he will get more experience playing in the Premier League and also the Champions League. I'm sure he will become a bigger and better player for that.”