Tuesday 28 July 2015 15:20, UK
Sylvain Distin says he is not surprised John Stones is on Chelsea's shopping list and believes his former Everton team-mate will one day "end up at a big club".
Everton are desperate to hold on to the 21-year-old defender who has been capped four times by England.
Stones made his senior international debut just two days after celebrating his 20th birthday and critics predict a long and successful future for the former Barnsley centre-back.
And 37-year-old Distin, who recently joined Bournemouth on a free transfer, agrees, praising Stones for his attitude on and off the pitch.
The French defender told Sky Sports News HQ: "He’s young, English, full of qualities and a good guy as well.
"I’ve often said it’s not enough to have quality on the pitch. Off the pitch you need to be grounded and a good person – and he is.
If he carries on the way he has started and keeps working, he’ll end up at a big club, that’s for sure.
"So it’s not surprising a big club has come in for him. It is a compliment and if he carries on the way he has started and keeps working, he’ll end up at a big club, that’s for sure."
When asked whether he believes Stones can reach the pinnacle of the England game, Distin added: "He hasn’t played a full season yet.
"So he needs to become a little more experienced, understanding of the Premier League and know a bit more about himself, and then you can speak of it."
