Romelu Lukaku has urged in-demand teammate John Stones to stay at Everton amid speculation linking him with a big-money move to Chelsea.
The 21-year-old centre-back is said to have been identified as a long-term replacement for ageing Blues captain John Terry in West London.
Consequently, the Premier League champions are reportedly readying a fourth offer, with their latest £30m bid being knocked back by the Toffees.
With Euro 2016 just 10 months away, Lukaku - who left Chelsea in 2014 after failing to nail down a regular spot - feels that the England defender stands a better chance of being selected if he stays at Goodison Park for the time being.
"To be fair John is in a good situation at a good club which believes in him," the Belgian is quoted as saying by The Mirror.
"He is playing and is learning a lot from Phil Jagielka. He's been here two years now but this is the year where he really needs to confirm he is the top player he can be.
"He is here in a good place. He needs to keep on doing what he's doing. He has the Euros coming up, so why go?"
Stones is contracted to Everton until 2019.
Shane Callaghan
