Everton manager Roberto Martinez has once again claimed the club are not going to sell defender John Stones despite the England international handing in a transfer request.
The former Barnsley academy product played against his former side on Wednesday night in a thrilling Capital One Cup clash.
Everton were forced into extra-time with the game at 3-3 but they rallied late on to win 5-3 in extra-time.
Stones was set to miss out on the clash but Martinez insists the centre-back will still be at Goodison Park after the transfer window closes.
Martinez said: “Our fans know all we are doing is trying to become better and be as good as we can.
“John is a massive part of that and we’ve got a clear idea that in life and in football money can sometimes not buy everything. This is about values and John is a vital part of our future.”
With Stones under the spotlight on Wednesday, Martinez was quick to praise his defender for the way he played under the circumstances.
“I thought he was incredible,” he said. He came through the Barnsley ranks and it shows you what a terrific job the academy do here.
“John was incredible under enormous pressure as you can imagine. Once more I’ll say the authorities need to learn the lesson of what’s going on.
“We need to protect players in the transfer window. It’s becoming a bit of a circus.”
Martinez will hope Stones is at the back for Saturday’s trip to White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham.
The Toffees are priced at 4.00 to grab all three points, with the draw 3.50, while Spurs are available at 1.95.
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