The Goodison captain remembers how the protracted saga of Joleon Lescott’s £24million move to Manchester City five years ago undermined David Moyes’ plans for the campaign.
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Chelsea have made three bids for centre-back Stones – the last one of £30million – which have all been turned down.
Amidst the Paul Pogba-mania wave today, we kind of lost track on another player that has been on Chelsea’s radar: Everton’s John Stones.
Everton won’t countenance the sale of defender John Stones to Chelsea earlier than the switch deadline even when he submits a switch request, supervisor Roberto Martinez has declared.
“He is playing and is learning a lot from Phil Jagielka”, the Belgium global explained.
Lukaku feels Everton have collected a strong core of young talent that can only get better if they stick together.
“We are young, but we have a lot of potential”, he added.
“For me, the window should shut in the first week of August”.
“We’ve been very consistent”, he said.
Some media reports suggested Stones was keen to make the switch to the Premier League champions, but Martinez insists the 21-year-old – who will feature against Manchester City this weekend – has not expressed a desire to leave. “When you’ve got an essential participant you don’t need to let go, then somebody knocking on the door gained’t change it”. I know if we use my pace and I win the physical battles I will have a good game. He also has the Euros coming up [with England].
“John is a very good player”, Howard told Sky Sports News.
United are arguably the biggest club in the world along with Real Madrid and are aiming for the Premier League title this season.
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There were rumours that Stones had formally handed in a request for his transfer to Chelsea but the boss has mooted them as well.
