Roberto Martinez: Everton don't fear John Stones bids from Chelsea or Man Utd

John Stones was close to being poached by Chelsea over the summer

ROBERTO MARTINEZ has insisted he does not 'fear' fresh bids for John Stones in the January transfer window.

 

Everton fought off four bids from Chelsea for the defender over the summer, one of which was close to £40million, according to reports.

And Stones even handed in a formal transfer request in an attempt to force through a move, which was rejected by the club.

 

Manchester United were also rumoured to be interested in the 21-year-old after missing out on a number of high-profile signings over the summer.

However, Toffees boss Martinez has admitted he doesn't 'fear' anymore bids for the England international and has assured fans that Everton are not a selling club.

 

"That is modern football, you don't fear that situation," he said.

"What you fear is when you have to sell players to balance the books. That is the real problem as a manager when the chairman or owner of the club says we need to cash in on two or three players.

 

Roberto Martinez insists Everton are in a good position financially

"That is not the situation at Everton. We have a very strong day to day running of the club. 

"The chairman has been incredible in that respect. Any decision we make is for the benefit of the club and squad going forward."