When a big club wants a player, they generally get them. This is the reality that Everton are currently facing with Chelsea wanting key defender John Stones.
So at what point is a club’s hand forced and they sell the player? In the case of Stones if he was towards the end of his contract Everton may be more receptive to a deal, but he currently has four years remaining.
John Stones appears to be a model professional. He hasn’t angled for a move away from the club. In fact he spoken about how much he loves life at the club and the bond he has with his teammates.
Certain media reports would have you believe he is desperate to leave, but not a single quote has been used. History shows us however that over time it can be very easy for a player to have his head turned at a potential move, something Everton manager Roberto Martinez is obviously wary of.
Jose Mourinho is a master of the media and mind games, and he has been stirring the pot in typical Jose fashion this week.
Chelsea’s first bid of £20 Million was rejected last week and Chelsea is expected to return with an improved bid of around £26 Million in the coming days.
They may potentially offer a player as a sweetener with the deal such as Victor Moses. Everton believe John Stones is the best youngster they have had at the club since Wayne Rooney and are desperate for him to stay. But at what price do you simply put this aside and do business?
Everton supporters have had a fractured relationship with the board and the club hierarchy has been questioned on ambition for the club. So far in the off-season Everton have spent £4.2 million on Gerard Deulofou and Tom Cleverley was signed on for free.
Compared to the spending of other clubs it is difficult to see how the Everton board can claim to be ambitious.
Roberto Martinez wants to build a squad that is capable of challenging for a Champions League berth, part of this process means they must hold onto their best players.
Everton fans have seen Wayne Rooney, Joleon Lescott, Mikel Arteta and Maroune Fellaini among others depart over the years so they rightfully have their concerns Stones will be another added to the list.
One thing Everton has done is get very good prices for the players they have sold, but John Stones is one sale that price does not matter to many fans.
Mourinho is playing games and now Chelsea players have joined the party. Gary Cahill made It clear if Stones has ambitions to win titles and win medals, he has to join Chelsea. The coming days will be fascinating to see how Everton respond, and if we hear from John Stones at all.
Everton are talking tough in the media that he is not for sale. Everton will try to hold their nerve, but sometimes an offer is too good to say no.
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