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Chelsea told to forget about signing John Stones

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is adamant John Stones will not be sold and insists Barnsley defender Mason Holgate is not being signed as a replacement.

Everton are determined to keep this man at the club. Credit: PA

England centre-back Stones has been the subject of two failed bids from Chelsea, the last worth £26m, but Jose Mourinho shows no signs of giving up his pursuit while Manchester United and Manchester City have also been linked with the 21-year-old.

But Martinez is determined to hang on to one of his key players. He said:

I have said before the player is not for sale and that is the end of it. Our situation has been very clear from the beginning. We are not a selling club who will lose our best performers.

His performance at the weekend was very strong and for a young man to come up with that leadership is a real sign of what he is as a footballer.

He is very important player for us and we are looking forward to seeing the best of John over the next few seasons, not just the next few weeks.

– Everton manager Roberto Martinez