Everton boss Roberto Martinez has stated that John Stones will be remaining at the club despite apparent interest from Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea
The 21-year-old England international has been a target of many major clubs in past transfer windows, notably Chelsea in last summers window when the Toffees rejected four bids from the champions.
Although there is growing interest with scouts from all over Europe looking into the defender, Roberto Martinez is keen to keep Stones at Goodison Park. He also added that he will not be letting other players such as Romelu Lukaku (who PSG are interested in buying) depart with the club during the upcoming transfer window.
“From our point of view, the window in January will be to see if there are any opportunities to improve the squad. It is a matter of continuity. It is about developing the best level we can maintain. January is in the middle of the season.”
“As I have said many, many times, we do not have to balance any books. We want continuity. The signs we have shown so far have been impressive. We are looking to develop that. It’s our time to show what we can do and the next 19 games will be crucial.”
‘It’s such an incredible block of fixtures now. We have been through the international period with a sense of satisfaction, we have not picked up any injuries. Now is the block of football where we will try get some momentum.”
Martinez was also questioned about Ron Vlaar after the out of contract defender was linked to the Merseyside club recently but responded by saying:
“He has good experience in the Premier League,’ said Martinez. ‘At the moment he is unattached but there is nothing to comment on.”
John Stones is set to stay at the club in January, but with an impending tug of war from Barcelona and co. in the summer, it may be hard for the Merseysiders to keep him.
Any interest in Ron Vlaar is purely to add strength in depth, and is no way a replacement for the Barnsley boy.
