London - Roberto Martinez has warned Chelsea that Everton will not sell John Stones even if the England defender hands in a transfer request.
Chelsea are continuing to pursue Stones aggressively and, having had three offers rejected, they are expected to make a fourth in the region of £35million in an attempt to land a player they regard as John Terry’s long-term successor.
It has been reported that Stones has told Martinez he wants to leave but Everton’s manager yesterday insisted he had not had any such conversation with the 21-year-old. More significantly, he stressed it would not make any difference.
Asked if a transfer request would force the issue, Martinez said: ‘No. When you got a long-term contract those things don’t change at all. If someone comes in from nowhere and puts in a transfer request that is a different situation.
‘In a saga of I don’t know how many weeks now, we are very clear. I speak to John every day. As a footballer, unless two clubs reach an agreement, you can’t do anything.’ But Chelsea, who have conceded five goals in their first two games, appear reluctant to give up their chase for Stones and would be prepared to put him straight into their defence.
‘Let’s see what happens,’ Mourinho said. ‘I don’t speak about players from other clubs when the championship has started. People used to call it the transfer window. I call it the opportunity window. While the window is open, there is always an opportunity.’
Mourinho, whose side visit West Brom on Sunday, named six players whose form has left him fed up - including his back four.
‘I’m not happy with Ivanovic’s form, Cahill’s, John’s (Terry), Azpi’s, Fabregas’s, Matic’s form, We have one point from two matches. I’m not happy with anyone.’
Chelsea’s pursuit of Stones has angered Everton and though Mourinho has attempted to be diplomatic about the situation, Martinez - who will today complete the £6m signing of Argentina defender Ramiro Funes Miro from River Plate - made his feelings clear.
‘We are trying to sign players as well but we are not coming out and saying what we are doing,’ said Martinez.
Meanwhile, Mourinho claims it took him ‘one minute’ to persuade £21m Pedro to move to Chelsea instead of Manchester United.
Daily Mail