Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has labelled John Stones "the best centre-back in England" as Chelsea's pursuit of the youngster intensifies.
Chelsea have reportedly had bids for the England international turned down this summer, but Blues boss Jose Mourinho suggested that he would be willing to break the £30m transfer record for an English defender.
Kenwright told the Newcastle Chronicle that he wants to keep intact as much of the current Everton squad as possible.
"We've worked really hard to stabilise this club and we've got a great squad, a young squad... [Romelu] Lukaku and John Stones, who has to be the best centre-back in England," said Kenwright.
Stones's England teammate Gary Cahill has also weighed in on the possible move and said that Stones, 21, could handle the pressure of a big-money switch.
Written by
Pascal Lemesre
Pascal Lemesre
