Chelsea's pursuit of John Stones has affected him, blasts Everton boss Roberto Martinez

Chelsea's pursuit of John Stones has affected him, blasts Everton boss Roberto Martinez
John Stones has been linked with a move to Chelsea but Roberto Martinez insists he is staying

Everton manager Martinez reiterated the club was not looking to sell the England centre-half amid sustained interest from Jose Mourinho’s side.
Stones has been the subject of two bids from Chelsea - £20m and £26m – both of which have been rejected, but Martinez said the saga has taken its toll on the youngster.

“Yes (it has affected him) and you hope you learn from it and become more mature,” said Martinez. “Clearly, John is one of the outstanding young talents we have in the squad and you are going to get interest. That is a positive.

“Our focus is on Watford this weekend. John is an Everton player.”


Chelsea are ready to return with an increased offer of around £30m and asked if every player has a price Martinez said: “You shouldn’t worry about situations you cannot affect.

“When you are not a club who is actively trying to sell players it means the focus is all about trying to win this weekend.”

Martinez expects Stones to be fit for the visit of Watford after sustaining a knock in the defeat to Villarreal last weekend.