Everton
have rejected a £20m bid from Chelsea for John Stones, Sky sources
understand.
Stones played 28 times for Everton last term with his only goal of the
season coming in the 3-0 home win over Manchester United in April.
The defender has represented England at various youth levels and was named
on Roy Hodgson’s standby list for last year’s World Cup in Brazil.
His fine form last season saw him make his full England debut in the 3-0
friendly win over Peru at Wembley Stadium last May.
The 21-year-old's defensive statistics compare favourably to Chelsea
centre-backs John Terry and Gary Cahill. Last term, Stones averaged 1.43
tackles, 1.09 blocks and 1.52 interceptions per game - beating the Chelsea
duo in all three departments.
Stones was handed Everton’s No 5 shirt earlier this week – a number worn by
former stalwart Dave Watson.
The young defender helped Everton reach this weekend's Barclays Asia Trophy
final after playing in Thursday’s penalty shoot-out win against Stoke.
Everton will wear their new away strip for the first time in Saturday's
final against Arsenal.
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