Everton manager Roberto Martinez will formally reject John Stones’ transfer request as the tug-of-war over the defender continues.
Stones wanted to fulfill his dream move to Chelsea and planned to force a move starting with the formal request. But, his current club knows that he is an asset they can ill-afford to lose.
Stones is a well-publicized target of Chelsea who have pursued the England international defender all summer. The Blues had lodged three bids too which were rejected by Everton.
Stones even featured for Everton in the 5-3 win over Barnsley in the Capital One Cup tie yesterday. The 21-year-old has shown immense maturity beyond his years by not getting distracted through the transfer window.
This is one of the reasons why Stamford Bridge hierarchy views Stones as the long term replacement for club captain John Terry. And with Terry struggling to replicate his usual high standards, Jose Mourinho wants to hasten the arrival of Stones.
The defender still has four years remaining on his contract at Goodison Park. Martinez and Everton view him as central to their future plans. But, the confidence in Chelsea camp is that Everton will be ready to do business.
There is interest in the defender from elsewhere but Mourinho believes that Stones has his heart set on a move to Chelsea. The latest move by Martinez is just an act of desperation to delay the departure or increase the bid amount. It is just a matter of when (but not if) Stones will sign for Chelsea.
