Chelsea Transfer News: John Stones' Head Has Been Turned, Says Roberto Martinez

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has admitted Toffees centre-back John Stones has been affected by the interest in him from Premier League champions Chelsea.

The Blues have made two offers for the 21-year-old Englishman during the transfer window—of £20 million and £26 million—both of which have been rejected by Everton, reported by Darren Lewis of the Mirror.

They are now expected to return with a third bid of around £30 million, although Everton apparently want them to go to £34 million, per Matt Law of the Telegraph and Paul Joyce of the Express respectively. Asked whether Stones has had his head turned by the situation, Martinez replied in the affirmative, but is insistent that the England international is going nowhere, per the Evening Standard's Richard Parry:

"

Yes, and it is something where you hope you learn from it and you get more mature and those experiences are good experiences. Clearly John is one of the outstanding young talents we have in the squad and you are going to get that sort of interest from the outside. But all we are focused on is [Saturday’s Premier League home match against] Watford. John is an Everton player and there is nothing else to comment on that.

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Stones has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in the transfer window, with Manchester United reportedly interested in signing him up as well, per the Daily Mail's Simon Jones.

Former United man Rio Ferdinand recently weighed in on the debate, encouraging the young defender to choose Old Trafford over Stamford Bridge, per talkSPORT:

However, Chelsea are desperate to get their man as he is highly rated within the club and seen as a long-term successor for John Terry, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

Everton are clearly loath to let him go for now, though, but they could surely be swayed if Chelsea or United come in with a mammoth offer.

The Goodison Park club are right to hold out for as much money as possible. As a very talented English player, Stones warrants a big transfer fee, especially when the likes of United and Chelsea are involved.

Martinez will be hoping to see an in-form Stones when Everton face newly promoted Watford at home on Saturday for their first fixture of the new Premier League season.

Indeed, he will hope to see him at the top of his game in an Everton shirt for the whole of the 2015-16 season. 

But he may not get his wish if Chelsea do come in with a bid north of £30 million, as that kind of money is hard to pass up for any club, let alone Everton.