• Manager says centre-half could become best England has produced
• ‘At this moment John Stones is paramount in everything we achieve’Roberto Martínez has described John Stones as fundamental to Everton’s aims this season but accepts the club faces “another decision” next summer on a central defender he claims could develop into the finest that England has produced.
Stones was the subject of three bids from Chelsea in the last window and submitted a transfer request in the hope of sealing a £30m move to the Premier League champions,only for Everton to reject all approaches. Martínez insists Chelsea’s pursuit came at the wrong time for Everton and Stones, who will confront his suitors on Saturday when José Mourinho’s side visit a hostile Goodison Park, or that the 21-year-feeble will remain an integral share of a young team aiming for Champions League qualification.
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Source: theguardian.com