Steven Naismith confident Chelsea target John Stones will not leave Everton this summer

Everton forward Steven Naismith has emphasised the club are very much looking ahead to a future with John Stones in the team.

The Toffees rejected pre-season bids of £20million and £26million from Chelsea for 21-year-old England defender Stones.

And while Everton would not comment on Tuesday on reports they had turned down a third bid of £30million from the London club, Press Association Sport understands the Merseyside outfit's stance on the matter has not changed - that Stones is not for sale.

That was something stressed last week by Everton boss Roberto Martinez.And regarding Stones, Naismith told Press Association Sport on Tuesday:

"We definitely want him to stay - he is a fantastic guy and footballer, and a mainstay in our team.

"You want your best players to be here to hopefully continue bringing success to Everton.

"He has progressed rapidly in the last two years and we want him to continue that under the leadership of the manager (Martinez) and also (Stones' Everton captain and fellow England centre-back) Phil Jagielka - I'm sure Stonesey would be the first to say he learns so much from him on a day-to-day basis."

Then asked if Everton could cope with the loss should further bids lead to Stones' departure, Naismith - speaking at Toxteth Jobcentreplus, where he was giving tickets for Toffees matches to unemployed fans - said:

"I think the club's stance on it has been pretty straightforward and the manager is looking forward with Stonesey in the team.

"The manager has mentioned wanting to bring in three more players in to strengthen, and I don't think anyone has ever thought about Stonesey moving on."