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Stones is not for sale: Everton stay firm

LONDON — Everton manager Roberto Martinez has held face-to-face talks with John Stones to inform him that his dream of joining Chelsea is over.

Stones’ wish to play for Chelsea remains a dream. Photo: Getty Images

Stones’ wish to play for Chelsea remains a dream. Photo: Getty Images

LONDON — Everton manager Roberto Martinez has held face-to-face talks with John Stones to inform him that his dream of joining Chelsea is over.

Everton released a club statement reiterating their position that Stones was not for sale and the defender’s transfer request had been rejected.

Martinez met Stones and the player’s representative at the club’s training facility on Thursday to inform him of the club’s stance.

The 21-year-old was understood to be devastated after the meeting, believing his chance of a move to Chelsea in this window was now over and fearing that such an opportunity may not come his way again.

Chelsea believe they have done all they can, offering a figure well in excess of £30 million (S$65 million) that would have made him the most expensive English defender ever.

There were indications from Stamford Bridge on Thursday night that Jose Mourinho may now have no option but to look for an alternative.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said: “Since the start of the transfer window, we have resolutely turned down offers from another Premier League club for our player.

“John is not for sale and he will remain a highly valued member of our first-team squad.”

Chelsea have had three offers for Stones rejected and believed the youngster’s request to leave would alter the dynamic of negotiations.

But since day one, Everton’s position had been that Stones was too important for the season’s ambitions, and even bids in excess of £30 million were of no interest to Martinez because he had no time to reinvest the money.

Everton were scarred when Joleon Lescott left for Manchester City in similar circumstances in 2009. Then-manager David Moyes felt his side’s slow start to that campaign was a consequence of his squad being unsettled.

Despite Stones’ formal request to leave, his power is limited because he has four years left on his contract. Stones will be as valuable next summer, and could possibly be the subject of increased bids after Euro 2016.

The England defender now faces a dilemma, although he can be assured of a sympathetic response from his manager, team-mates and the overwhelming majority of Everton supporters. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

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