Lukaku urges Stones to stay put

Everton won’t countenance the sale of defender John Stones to Chelsea earlier than the switch deadline even when he submits a switch request, supervisor Roberto Martinez has declared.

Last week, club sources told ESPN FC that Manchester United were considering a move to derail Chelsea’s potential purchase of Stones, who made 23 Premier League appearances for Everton last season.

Former Arsenal and Everton FC centre-back Martin Keown has urged John Stones to reject a move to the current Premier League champions Chelsea FC.

When asked at his pre-match conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City whether he understood that to be the case, the Everton manager replied: “Not at all, no”.

“But our focus is only the games”.

Martinez said: “We are doing a lot of work, and we have highlighted the players we want”. He still needs to grow as a player and he needs to know he is number one choice. It’s natural and positive that we have interest in our players from other clubs.

After dismissing talk of a transfer request from John Stones, the Spaniard confirmed work was going on behind the scenes to strengthen his squad before the window closes.

But Toffees forward Steven Naismith has stressed Everton are in fearless mood given both the Southampton game and their notable efforts against the Premier League’s big hitters over the last few years. But we’ll learn from it. You have to look at these players and think ‘What do you have that I don’t?’ and add it to your game.

Everton welcome City this weekend more in hope than expectation, following the latter’s impressive consecutive victories over West Brom and Chelsea, although Martinez revealed that the club’s injury situation is certainly progressing in the right direction. They are always a hard team, they play very good football.