Roberto Martinez has insisted there is no agreement for John Stones to leave in the summer transfer window, and is determined to keep hold of his most prized asset.
The Catalonian had to convince the Englishman to remain at Goodison Park after three rejected bids from Chelsea saw the youngster submit a transfer request.
With Stones staying put at Everton this season, many suggested that the defender had been told that he could leave at the end of the season.
Martinez was quick to the dismiss assumptions, explaining:
That is not true. I would never do that.
It would be very negative. If you do that could you imagine the last two months for that player?
He would never put a leg in or never challenge for the ball.
Roberto also went on to explain that if he was planning to let Stones leave, he would have already recruited his replacement.
He said:
I know you can do that to keep a player for another 12 months.
But if you’re not going to have a player 12 months down the line you need to start replacing him to have a stronger team.
It is likely that Stones will attract more attention during the January transfer window, with Chelsea likely to return with a higher bid and Manchester United rumoured to be interested in the youngster. This will surely test the club’s resolve, with such a large fee that would smash Everton’s previous record for a player sale.
Martinez also expressed his belief that Everton new boy Shani Tarashaj is destined for a good career. The 20-year-old signed for the club today for £3m from Grasshoppers Zurich, but has been loaned back to the club for the remainder of the season.
He explained:
Shani is an enormous young talent in Swiss football who, without a doubt, will have a great future.
