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Everton boss Roberto Martinez hits out over Chelsea's pursuit of John Stones

Image: Chelsea are expected to renew their efforts to sign John Stones

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has taken a swipe at Premier League counterparts Chelsea over their public pursuit of defender John Stones.

The Londoners had a £20m offer for the 21-year-old centre-back rejected by Everton on Friday but Sky sources understand they are preparing to table an improved bid for the England international.

Speaking after the 3-1 defeat by Arsenal in the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy in Singapore, Martinez insisted further advances would not be welcomed.

"We pride ourselves on playing a certain way and educating our young players in a manner that they are going to always get attention from elsewhere and that is always a compliment," he said.

"The other side is the disappointment of seeing a football club leaking such statements to the press and making it so open.

John Stones of England in action during the International friendly match between England and Norway at Wembley Stadium
Image: Roberto Martinez insists Stones will remain an Everton player

'Selling club'

"That is not the way we would do it at Everton, we would not speak of a player who is registered at another club and there is no issue from our point of view - John Stones is an Everton player.

"We are not a selling club. We are not a club that needs to be worried about what other clubs put through the press."

Despite losing out to the Gunners in front of a 52,000 crowd at a sun-drenched National Stadium, Martinez declared himself satisfied with the benefits his side will take from the competition.

"In pre-season, you don't get many opportunities to get a competitive game like that against the quality of Arsenal and from that point of view, it was a great workout," added the Spaniard.

We are not a selling club. We are not a club that needs to be worried about what other clubs put through the press.
Roberto Martinez on John Stones

"Obviously we wanted to win and probably it showed that we are in pre-season because the lapses of concentration were very poor by our standard.

"But all in all, I thought it was the perfect way to stretch the squad and test it, and I think that the benefits from this tournament will be immense."

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