Holgate signs Everton deal

He said: “John’s performance at the weekend was really strong”.

£30m is a substantial amount to spend on any player, regardless of the premium rate on homegrown talent, but Stones has proven how capable a Premier League performer he already is, despite his youthfulness.

Martinez is deliighted with the capture of the teenage Holgate and said: “With Mason, an opportunity came up and we didn’t want to lose out”. We are looking forward to see the best of John over the next few seasons not just the next few weeks. What I would say is that in terms of the personality, the character and the focus they have, they’re very similar. But he only has 20 appearances to his name in League One. The Stamford Bridge outfit have been very public in their pursuit of the English defender and that has enraged the Blue half of Merseyside, who have already rejected two bids from Chelsea.

“From the outside it is a bit more volatile, and there is uncertainty, but we have always been clear, we have always known what we will do, and we are building towards success – we are not a selling club”.

Everton are adamant that he is not for sale, but former Arsenal player and current Sky Sports pundit believes Stones should make the switch for the good of his career.

Holgate, who now plies his trade with Barnsley in League One, supposedly underwent a medical at Finch Farm this afternoon and all things being well, he will reportedly join up with the squad at some point during the week.

It’s an excellent place for him to prove himself against top teams, go far in cup competitions and get regular football in the most demanding and excellent league in the world.

Replacing Stones with a lower division youngster is a downgrade, and Martinez must look for a true Stones replacement.

“If you were a kid and a team like Manchester United came in for you, then you’d probably find it very hard to refuse if they offered you a deal”. He has scored one goal in his time at Oakwell.

“He’s our player and I think he can recover his confidence playing games”.