Chelsea FCa s summer long pursuit of John Stones made Everton FC determined to keep hold of the prodigious young talent by offering a new contract according to the Daily Star
.
Everton FC, who were firm about holding on to the young starlet, reportedly turned down multiple transfer bids during the summer for the 21-year-old English defender. Evertona s decision to hold on to Stonesa has been vindicated with Evertona s improved performance. Despite his injury, Stones has been a vital member as the Toffees look to challenge for an European spot under Roberto Martinez after a disappointing last season.
Everton, building a new team around young talents likes Stones, are looking to make a statement of intent by offering an improved contract to Stones, who has three and a half years remaining in his current contract.
Martinez though refrained from panicking as he looks ahead to the game in hand.
“It’s not a time to talk about any individuals. It’s a good, stable position and I don’t want to touch that.
“The focus now is just on performing, playing in games. It’s not a moment to look into individual situations.”
The desperation to keep hold of Stones at the club can be seen as Everton are ready to forget about him handing in a transfer request during the summer. The Merseysiders regard Stones as one of the brightest prospects and are eager to open contract negotiation to ward off interest from the bigger clubs.
The English player recovered from a knee injury recently and is expected to start against Arsenal after playing in Everton’s 3-0 defeat against Manchester United. Martinez commented that Stones should concentrate on regaining his early season form instead of transfer news.
“The focus for him is just to get back from injuries. He’s got an incredible appetite and desire to get back to the levels he showed at the beginning of the season.”