Everton have reiterated their desire to keep hold of John Stones in light of reported interest from Chelsea.
Club director Jon Woods, speaking to The Guardian during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City, confirmed that Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright had no intention of losing one of the club’s prized assets.
“I won’t sell him, Bill won’t sell him, because there aren’t many days to go,” the director said, confirming that Everton were not willing to bow to any pressure Chelsea may exert to secure the centre-back.
As noted by The Guardian, the Merseysiders have already rejected three bids from the Pensioners, who have made little secret of their desire to recruit the former Barnsley stopper.
Jose Mourinho has already offered fees of £20million, £26million and £30million to snare Stones, although it remains to be seen whether Woods’s comments will dissuade the Portuguese coach from making another eye-watering offer.
However, by contrast, Chelsea’s defensive failings so far this term—and particularly the struggles of John Terry—may yet prompt Mourinho to test Everton’s resolve.
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The Pensioners conceded two in an opening-weekend draw against Swansea City, before being devastated 3-0 by Manchester City and only managing to beat West Bromwich Albion by a 3-2 scoreline.
The Blues have already conceded seven goals—the second-worst defensive record in the division—and the cracks have started to show, not least for Terry, who has hauled off at half-time in the defeat to City before being sent off against the Baggies.