Rio Ferdinand has backed Chelsea's pursuit of defender John Stones after saying the 21-year-old is Everton's best player since Wayne Rooney.
The Blues are believed to be ready to table a second bid of about £26million for Stones after having an initial £20million offer rejected by Everton.
It is thought the player wants to move to Stamford Bridge this summer, although Jose Mourinho's public comments on the proposed transfer has resulted in Toffees boss Roberto Martinez criticising Chelsea.
Despite Everton insisting the defender is not for sale, former Manchester United and England centre-back Ferdinand believes Stones is a player Chelsea should not let slip through their fingers this summer.
Speaking in a video posted onto his Instagram account on Tuesday night, Ferdinand said: "Everton don't want to let him go, and I can understand why.
"He's top drawer, a young player - best player they've had since Wayne Rooney.
"I'd get him if I were Chelsea. [He's] top drawer."
Gary Cahill also gave his thoughts on Chelsea's interest in Stones after he said the 21-year-old will find it difficult to say no to a move to Stamford Bridge.
"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 because you want to achieve the most you can in the short period you have in your career as a professional footballer," he told Standard Sport.
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"When a top club come 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."
