Martinez: Stones Will Not Leave In January

 Roberto Martinez has stated he will not be selling John Stones in January, with Chelsea still interested in the defender.

Everton rejected numerous bids from Chelsea for Stones in the August transfer window.

And now Martinez says the only players he’ll be selling are the unsatisfied ones.

“It doesn’t matter if a club comes in. We created a squad during the summer to see how far we could go over the season. January doesn’t come into consideration,” Martinez told reporters.

“We’ll never lose anyone in January, unless it’s somebody who hasn’t been playing and we need to find a solution. If he’s a top performer, it’s not even a consideration.

“When you are right in the middle of a season, I think players understand that you can’t sell someone if you can’t replace him.

“I think the uncertainty comes in the summer, where everyone speaks about possibilities. That’s where there’s a constant debate and talk.

“January is a window to solve problems with players who are not featuring as often as they feel they should, or to bring in players from a lower league to give them an opportunity.”