Report: Manchester United joins Chelsea in pursuit of Everton's John Stones

Manchester United is thinking about hijacking Chelsea's move for Everton defender John Stones.

For the majority of the summer, Chelsea has tried - and failed - to pry the 21-year-old centre-back from the Merseyside club. Everton has rejected two separate bids of £20 million and £26 million from Chelsea already.

United, though, has since come in with a deal of its own by offering cash as well as defender Jonny Evans, according to ESPN FC.

Chelsea is still expected to make a third bid in the region of £30 million, per Andy Hunter of the Guardian, but a public spat between the two clubs is also emerging.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez did not appreciate comments from Chelsea captain John Terry last week that appeared to tamper with negotiations.

"One day I won't be in the team but Chelsea are looking to the likes of John Stones for the future, so the club will continue to grow and do well," Terry told reporters.

Martinez has said that Stones is not for sale, but he also added that he is "not stupid enough to say I know what will happen."

United has apparently witnessed all of this commotion from afar, and now the club is poised to take advantage of the animosity.