Sunday 30 August 2015 11:17, UK
John Stones is "unlikely" to move to Chelsea following Everton's continued resilience to sell the defender, says Jonathan Northcroft.
Stones had a transfer request rejected in the week, and the 21-year-old has been the subject of three separate bids from Chelsea, including one for £30m, all of which have been rejected.
And Speaking on Sunday Supplement, the Sunday Times Football Correspondent says it would be absurd for Everton to sell at this stage.
"I don't think it can happen. I think Everton have staked out such a strong position that it would be absurd for Bill Kenwright and Roberto Martinez to let him go.
"Albeit, if Chelsea offered ridiculous money, it would have to be ridiculous money, there might be some wriggle room for them.
"But it's unlikely to happen, and it's quite a difficult situation for Stones.
"He's a young player and has been offered a great opportunity to go and work for Jose Mourinho, to maybe be John Terry's successor. And he has his heart set on that. He's now got to get his head down and start playing.
"I do feel a little bit for the player, because he's young and is in a difficult position now."
The People's Steve Bates believes Stones, who has put in several good performances for the Toffees in the opening weeks of the season, will be a future England captain, and also feels for the youngster after the position he has been put in.
"I think he will [go on to become an England captain]. You speak to people in the England set up and their just as bowled over by his talent and potential he's got.
"Stones will have to get his head around it now."
