Thursday 13 August 2015 11:01, UK
Everton manager Roberto Martinez says clubs should not have to worry about interest in their players after the season has started, in light of Chelsea's pursuit of John Stones.
Martinez, speaking on Monday Night Football, insists the transfer window should end once the season is underway, a view he has previously made public.
According to Sky sources, Chelsea last month failed with a new £25m bid for Stones, an improvement on their £20m first bid.
And Martinez, in charge at Everton since the summer of 2013, says these circumstances have an effect on players.
When asked how the Stones situation has had an impact, Martinez said: "The window, when it is open and we have to prepare for official games, is very, very unfair. I don't think it is right.
"I think we should have a period where we assemble our squad, and then once the first league game starts everyone is focused.
"I think we forget that footballers have a human side and it can really affect. Players like Stones and [Ross] Barkley have an incredible future and will attract interest from the outside.
"As a football club these players are going to be a part of our success in the future, so we take [interest] as a positive compliment."
On the subject of Barkley, Martinez says the England midfielder has learned from a disappointing 2014/15 campaign, and insists his personality will make him "one of the best".
Barkley scored Everton’s first goal in the 2-2 draw with newly-promoted Watford on Saturday, but an underwhelming last 12 months saw him score only twice in his previous 36 games.
Martinez said: "Ross is a phenomenal footballer, if you want to analyse him from a physical point of view, he's someone quite unique.
"When you bring in the technicality he has, the low balance, the symmetry he has, it's quite impressive.
"He’s taken a real learning curve from the last campaign, he's got a very important role, and he's someone that is a joy to work with.
"That personality and that maturity will make him one of the best players in the league, down to his personality."
