Martinez: We won't sell Stones

Posted Friday, November 20, 2015 by sportinglife.aol.co.uk

Everton boss Roberto Martinez insists the likes of John Stones will not be sold in January - and is refusing to be drawn on reports linking the club with a move for Ron Vlaar.

The Merseyside outfit stood firm this summer as Chelsea stepped up their interest in the England defender, who had a transfer request rejected.

When asked on Thursday about whether Everton's best players could be leaving in January, Martinez said: "Not at all, no. We're not in a position where we have to make financial decisions like that.

"The focus is clearly on trying to be strong together and having a real continuity. From our point of view, the window will be to try to see if there is anything we can do to help the squad we have.

"If there are any opportunities, we will always look into it. But we don't look at this window as one to be really involved, to bring players in or sell players."

One player Everton are reportedly considering recruiting is Vlaar. The Netherlands centre-half is without a club having left Villa over the summer.

When quizzed specifically about Vlaar, Martinez said: "You're talking about a player that has very good experience in the Premier League and is not attached to other clubs.

"But at the moment it is not for me to mention about any other players apart from those we have in the squad. I have nothing to comment."

Tom Cleverley is poised to make his first-team return on Saturday against his former club, Aston Villa. Fellow midfielder Muhamed Besic could also make his comeback, while defenders Brendan Galloway and Tyias Browning are doubts due to knocks.