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Spurs lead Chelsea and Arsenal in battle for Everton's John Stones
TOTTENHAM have leapfrogged Chelsea and Arsenal in the race for Everton star John Stones after launching a fresh bid for his services.
Belgium international Jan Vertonghen could be on his way to Barcelona this summer, and new Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is determined to land a replacement as soon as possible.
The north London outfit have already seen a bid rejected by the Toffees, but have returned with a larger sum in order to tempt Roberto Martinez and Bill Kenwright into parting with the youngster.
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Stones, who travelled with England to the World Cup in Brazil despite failing to make Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad, has been tipped to emulate the likes of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, and has been the subject of interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea.
Both clubs are keen to secure the signatures of more English youngsters, but the offer of first-team football from Pochettino could be enough for Stones to join Tottenham instead.
Spurs are looking at a number of players as they aim to qualify for the Champions League during the next season, and are also ready to make a bid for Swansea left-back Ben Davies.
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