After the shock of John Stones handing in a transfer request earlier this week, Roberto Martinez has once again said the defender is not for sale.
After a back and forth Capital One Cup win against Barnsley, Martinez was once again asked if the the England defender was for sale. He replied with a wry smile and said “not at all, no.”
He also went on to confirm he would reject Stones' transfer request in the morning and hadn't rejected it yet because focusing on the game was more important.
Martinez’s stance has remained the same all summer
The Toffees boss has said the same things all summer, that Stones is “vital” to Everton’s future and that he was apart of a “golden generation” and that the fact remains, he is not available no matter the price.
The manager has a clear plan for this Everton team and Stones himself. He said that he has a “great desire and ambition” to turn Everton back into a “winning side” and that Stones is one of the cornerstones to that success.
Martinez went on to defend his player, while taking a swipe at potential buyers by saying that a point has been reached in life and in football where “money can't buy everything.”
He also continued to argue his point that the transfer window should be closed before the start of the new season to avoid disruption and any further situations such as this.
Stones had a tough return to Oakwell
Stones himself struggled during the 5-3 win over former club Barnsley. He was however cheered early on in the first half whenever he touched the ball by the travelling away support.
While speculation has swirled around Stones regarding his future, his performances up until this game had not suggested that he was being affected by any pressure.
Martinez said that Stones is under immense pressure but Everton will continue to “support" and "look after" Stones.