Martinez criticises Blues over Stones bid

By Adam Borysiuk 19/07/2015

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has criticised Chelsea over their pursuit of England defender John Stones.

The Blues intend to return with an improved offer after Everton rejected their bid of £20m for the 21-year-old.

Chelsea’s interest has been confirmed by manager Jose Mourinho, which brought an angry response from Martinez.

“There is the disappointment of a club making a statement to the press and making it openly,” the Spaniard said.

“I don’t think we’d do it and speak about a player. John Stones is an Everton player, full stop.

“We are not a selling club. We are not a club that needs to be worried about what other clubs put through the press.”

Stones has been touted as a possible long-term replacement for John Terry at Chelsea.

He joined Everton from Barnsley in 2011 and has four years remaining on his contract at Goodison Park.