Chelsea look set to have a long and hard battle to sign Everton defender John Stones after the Toffees insisted that their player is not for sale. Everton have continually stood firm on Stones throughout the summer, rebuffing all of Chelsea’s attempts to sign the player. It has been reiterated by the club director Jon Woods, who claimed neither he nor Bill Kenwright, the chairman, will sell.

Chelsea are linked with yet another bid for Stones, this time believed to be worth in the region of £35m. However Woods is clear that Everton do not wish to allow the departure of Stones.

“I won’t sell him, Bill won’t sell him, because there aren’t many days to go.” the director said during the defeat by Manchester City.

[Quote via the Guardian]

Stones played in Everton’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at Goodison Park on Sunday, and the 21-year-old impressed with yet another solid defensive performance.

Stones is without a doubt one of the most exciting prospects in the world. At such a young age, the defender looks composed, confident and tactically aware – showing exactly why the Premier League champions are hugely interested in acquiring his services. As well as a whole host of other clubs including both Manchester clubs.

The Englishman can also play a role at right-back, which wouldn’t hurt the team if Ivanovic becomes injured.