Everton's Tom Cleverley keen for John Stones to stay at Goodison Park

Everton midfielder Tom Cleverley says John Stones is a "Rolls Royce" defender and has likened him to former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand.

Stones arrived at Goodison Park in 2011 from then-Championship side Barnsley and has since established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, earning international honours with England. 

The 21-year-old, who has four England caps to his name, has been the subject of huge interest from Chelsea this summer. Everton have rejected three big-money bids from the Premier League champions and have repeatedly insisted Stones is not for sale. 

And Cleverley has been left in no doubt of the talents possessed by Stones and the importance of the centre-back to Everton. 

"He's a Rolls Royce at the back. He's so calm and composed. First and foremost you want a great defender that does all the basics right. He's a very talented player," the 26-year-old told Sky Sports News HQ. 

"If you had to liken him to anyone, it would probably be Rio (Ferdinand). Very quick and calm on the ball. You always have trust in him."

Cleverley signed for Everton on a free transfer in the summer after his contract at United expired at the end of last season. 

He spent last season on loan at Aston Villa and was part of the side that reached the FA Cup final before losing 4-0 to Arsenal at Wembley last May.   

Ahead of Wednesday night's Capital One Cup second-round tie against Barnsley, now in League One, at Oakwell, Cleverley is keen to be part of another cup run and believes Everton should be competing for honours on a regular basis. 

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"From my experience last year with Villa, a cup run can kick-start your season, get everyone fighting and get the fans on side," he added. 

"Wednesday is important to us, that we progress through and go into the hat for the next round because clubs like Everton should be in and amongst it for silverware."