Everton manager Roberto Martinez has insisted that Chelsea and Manchester United transfer target John Stones is not for sale, reports the BBC.
ESPN have linked the Red Devils with a move for the player, while their London rivals have had bids of £20 million and £26 million turned down for the 21-year-old. They are expected to come back with a third offer, and it is unknown whether this statement will have an impact on the likelihood of that happening.
“The player is not for sale and that is the end of it,” said Martinez, “Our situation has been very clear from the beginning. We are not a selling club who will lose our best performers.”
The Catalan was speaking at a press conference where he also confirmed the signing of 18-year-old centre-back Mason Holgate from Barnsley. There had been some rumours that the youngster was a replacement for Stones, but the 42-year-old has denied these.
“He will be a phenomenal young prospect coming into that golden generation we feel we have at the club,” added the former Wigan boss, “And he will be a good one for the future.”
Chelsea are interested in the defender as John Terry isn’t getting any younger at 34-years-old. Although Kurt Zouma is already at the club, manager Jose Mourinho appears to want another young centre-back to help renew his back line.
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Meanwhile, the Red Devils suffered from regular errors at the back last season and, although they looked far more solid in their opening game against Tottenham, will need to improve in the area. After finishing fourth in the Premier League last time round, Louis van Gaal is now expected to build on that to have a larger say in the title race.