John Stones Told To Ignore Manchester United & Chelsea

John Stones has been advised by Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher to continue his development by remaining with Everton for at least 2 more seasons. The 21 year-old Stones was heavily linked with a move to Stamford bridge during the Summer transfer windows, and he handed in a transfer request, but the club rejected Chelsea’s offers, twice. Manchester City were also monitoring the situation, as they were ready to extend their heavy spending in the acquisition of the highly rated youngster. Many however were of the opinion that Manchester United would be the best club for the England international.

In contrast to these suggestions, saga and rumours, Carragher says,

“The best place for him for the next two years is Goodison Park, working with Martinez. Why? For starters, it is the style of play Martinez implements.

Stones is a great reader of the game, composed in possession and starts attacks from the back. Martinez will encourage him to develop those skills. There will be mistakes along the way, playing in that fashion, but Martinez would be more tolerant of them”

But staying at the Goodison Park for Stones isn’t likely to extend more than this season, as he is unsettled and wouldn’t want to stay put with the bigger clubs calling. The trio of United, Chelsea and City all play in the Champions League, and Stones will definitely want to play in the continental games. Chelsea remains in prime position to get him, and they will be ready to approach Everton with a greater bid come Summer.

The Chelsea defense kicked off their campaign this season on the poorest of notes, struggling against Swansea City crop of attackers in their first League game, and conceding 2 goals in the process. Terry, Ivanovich and Cahill were particularly culprits, and the ageing trio aren’t at their best forms at the moment, a reality that was already setting in towards the tail end of last season. Getting a young and great player in John Stones will definitely be in the Chelsea books.