Everton confirm signing of defender Mason Holgate from Barnsley

The Blues have already had a £26 million bid knocked back for the 21-year-old England global, with Everton manager Roberto Martinez reacting angrily to Chelsea’s public pursuit of one of his club’s key assets.

The report suggests that Martinez has held a long-standing interest in the Northern Irish global so Everton could very-well be tempted to do business with United if the money was right as they would be getting a ready-made replacement as part of the deal.

Holgate has made 22 senior appearances for Barnsley since making his debut last December. Becoming a regular for England will also be at the forefront of his mind, and with Chelsea’s captain John Terry unable to go on forever, maybe a move to Chelsea next summer would make more sense for Stones. Most people do the same in any job or career that they have and football is no different.

Stones, 21, is understood to be of interested to Chelsea this summer but Everton are determined to keep their first-choice centre-half.

However, Martinez does not expect Holgate to perform “straightway” in the Premier League as “that would be unfair” but he has “incredible potential” and is “one for the future rather than now.” There is no telling how he will fair in Premier League training let a lone a Premier League match. We’re really looking forward to seeing the best of John over the next few seasons, not just the next few weeks. Personally Stones has impressed me with his composure, touch and tackling ability, and has plenty of potential to become a world class defender in future.

Everton supervisor Roberto Martinez is rigid John Stones will likely not retail and swears Barnsley picket Mason Holgate has not been marked as an alternative.

“They are both very clear in what they want to achieve”.

Names like Scott Sinclair, Jack Rodwell and Victor Moses have seen their careers stall and fade by joining a top four side and never getting the opportunity to play.