Manager Jose Mourinho has made clear Chelsea’s continued interest in Everton’s England defender despite having two bids rejected – and Stones has been touted as the long-term replacement for Terry.
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Martinez is certain to be on the lookout for at least one centre-back following the departures of Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz, while John Stones’ future remains uncertain amid continued interest from Chelsea.
Chelsea are ready to return with an increased offer of around £30m and asked if every player has a price Martinez said: “You shouldn’t worry about situations you can not affect”. As I’ve said from the beginning, we were not a club who are trying actively sell players. It was an incredible time to be part of that team and what we achieved was something I am immensely proud of.
The Blues boss is angry at what he sees as an “illegal” approach from the Chelsea skipper, following the London club’s two bids for Stones.
He added: “What you can control is your own finances at the football club and we are not a football club that has to sell to balance the books”.
He expects Stones and winger Kevin Mirallas to be available for the Watford game despite the pair picking up ankle knocks in last weekend’s friendly against Villarreal.
Martinez confirmed that Tomas Andrade from River Plate would be joining up with the Blues on loan but would be playing with the academy with a view to a future move.
Tony Hibbert, Steven Pienaar, Darron Gibson, Muhamed Besic and Aiden McGeady all miss out due to injury.
“We need three players to allow us to be in the shape we want to be. He’s a young talent and doing well”, Martinez added. But we are a bit light and need the right players to help the group.’.
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Collymore has also backed striker Romelu Lukaku to be the main man for the Spaniard’s team, although he implied that the Belgian still needs to mature into the sort of player who is capable of grabbing the team’s attack by the scruff of the neck.
