Everton manager Roberto Martinez has sent out a warning shot to Manchester United and Chelsea telling them that centre-back John Stones is going nowhere in January, and that he knows it.
The 21-year-old England defender was the subject of three bids from Chelsea during the summer even putting in a transfer request following the Blues £40 million bid.
Now with Chelsea struggling and Manchester United compounded by injuries both clubs are expected to make a move for the former Barnsley player once the transfer window opens in a few weeks’ time.
“It doesn’t matter if Chelsea come back in for him. We created a squad to see how far we could go over 10 months. January doesn’t come into consideration,” the Spanish coach explained.
“We’ll never lose anyone in January — unless it’s somebody who hasn’t been playing and we need to find a solution. If he’s a top performer, it’s not even a consideration.”
When asked if Chelsea could cause a disruption to his team’s progress should they come back with an improved bid, Martinez replied with a blunt, “No”.
“When you are right in the middle of a season, I think players understand that you can’t sell someone if you can’t replace him.
“I think the uncertainty comes in the summer, where everyone speaks about possibilities.
“January is a window to solve problems with players who are not featuring as often as they feel they should, or to bring in players from a lower league to give them an opportunity.”
Meanwhile Manchester United have also been eyeing up the possibility of signing Stones teammate Romelu Lukaku in an attempt to increase their goal tally. Belgium international Lukaku is currently the Premier Leagues second highest scorer just one goal shy of Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy.
