Everton manager Roberto Martinez has rubbished reports suggesting there is an agreement in place for John Stones to leave at the end of the season.
The centre-back has been strongly linked with a move away from Goodison Park, with Chelsea and Manchester United both desperate to sign him.
Chelsea had three formal bids turned down throughout the summer, with £38million being their highest offer, which came in on Transfer Deadline Day.
Since then, reports have emerged that the Blues could renew their interest in the January window and they could go as high as £45m in order to land Stones, but once again, Martinez is adamant that he won’t be leaving Everton.
When asked about Stones and his future, the Spaniard was quick to rubbish reports claiming the club had agreed to sell him at the end of the season.
Martinez said: “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.”
Martinez then admitted that if he thought about selling Stones, he would already have signed a replacement for him.
“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.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt