Chelsea target John Stones 'better off at Everton' says Steve Howey

Steve Howey believes John Stones should continue his footballing development at Everton rather than opt for a big-money move to Chelsea.

The Premier League champions had a bid of around £20m rejected by Everton earlier this week and Sky sources understand they are preparing to table an increased offer.

But former Newcastle and England defender Howey is convinced regular first-team football would be more beneficial for the 21-year-old than time spent on the Stamford Bridge bench.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Howey said: "I like John Stones. I think he is a very, very good player.

"A few months ago I was speaking to Roberto Martinez at a coaching conference and I told him I had watched one of his first games for Everton and had been really impressed with the lad.

"He comes out with the ball, he's comfortable on the ball. He can be a little bit naive defensively but then again he is only 21 years old. But he has such a bright, bright future and for me personally I don't think moving to Chelsea at this moment would be good for him.

Financially it would be fantastic for him but for his footballing career I think he would be better off learning under a very good manager like Martinez.

"Financially it would be fantastic for him but for his footballing career I think he would be better off learning under a very good manager like Martinez. 

"He has a good team at Everton, good fans at Everton and I think he would progress better there. At Chelsea I think he would be in and out the team while at Goodison he would be a first-team regular.

"Yes, at Chelsea he would be in and around fantastic players, learning from them every single day, but there is nothing better than playing week in, week out."