Chelsea eye record transfer splurge of £159m

Chelsea believe they can crown the biggest spending spree in British football by signing Paul Pogba AND John Stones in the next few days.

Jose Mourinho will make a fresh bid to land £70million-rated Juventus superstar Pogba before Tuesday’s 6pm transfer deadline.

The Premier League champions have already begun talks with Everton over a £34million deal for defender Stones, despite the Toffees' public insistence that he is not for sale.

Chelsea hope to complete a deal by the weekend — and aim to try again for Pogba after their failed bid last week.

Signing both men would take their summer spending to £159m, with teenagers Danilo Pantic and Nathan plus Asmir Begovic, Abdul Baba Rahman and Pedro already coming through the door.

Mourinho has convinced Blues owner Roman Abramovich to spend big on strengthening his side after their slow start to the season, and believes 22-year-old France midfielder Pogba is a deal that could yet be done in this window.

Chelsea’s spending would eclipse the impressive recruitment at Manchester City, who have signed £49m winger Raheem Sterling, £32m defender Nicolas Otamendi, £8m midfielder Fabian Delph and have £57m-rated Kevin De Bruyne in their sights.

Last summer, Manchester United parted with £150m, including a British record £59.6m on Angel di Maria, as they rebuilt their squad to for an ultimately successful attempt to return to the top four.

Mourinho is ready to offer Pogba a £300,000-a-week contract — and has already said this summer the player would improve any side in the world.