Everton’s determination to hold on to John Stones despite Chelsea’s firm interest in signing the defender has been reiterated by the club director Jon Woods, who claimed neither he nor Bill Kenwright, the chairman, will sell .
Stones impressed in Everton’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at Goodison Park on Sunday. The 21-year-old has been the subject of three bids from José Mourinho. These have been £20m, £26m and £30m.
While the Chelsea manager is expected to return with a fourth offer worth between £35-40m, Woods is clear Everton do not wish to allow the departure of Stones.
“I won’t sell him, Bill won’t sell him, because there aren’t many days to go,” the director said during the defeat by Manchester City.
Everton are expected to sign Leandro Rodriguez, a Uruguayan striker who play for River Plate Montevideo, though the 22-year-old holds an Italian passport.
