Roberto Martinez reaffirms that John Stones is not for sale

The message from Everton manager Roberto Martinez is simple: John Stones is not for sale.

While his stance on the subject hasn't changed since Chelsea's first bid for the young defender, another of England's big clubs has joined the race to sign the young defender, as Manchester United's been linked with a move for Stones.

"I have said before the player is not for sale and that is the end of it," Martinez told reporters ahead of Everton's match against Southampton. "Our situation has been very clear from the beginning. We are not a selling club who will lose our best performers.

"His performance at the weekend was very strong and for a young man to come up with that leadership is a real sign of what he is as a footballer.

"He is very important player for us and we are looking forward to seeing the best of John over the next few seasons, not just the next few weeks."

Martinez's comments come on the heels of two failed bids from Chelsea, with a £30-million bid reportedly on the way after Everton rejected a £25-million offer.