Steven Naismith has urged Everton teammate John Stones to stay at the club and not join Chelsea.
The Premier League champions are understood to have had two bids for the 21-year-old defender knocked back by the Toffees.
Chelsea are expected to continue their pursuit of the England international this summer, but Naismith believes that Stones should stay at Goodison Park in order to develop further as a player.
"There's no doubt about his quality and as a teammate and as a friend he is a fantastic man and a great prospect," the Scotland international told Sky Sports News.
"Everton is a fantastic club for him and they have shown in the past, even with the core group of youngsters that we have at the moment, that there is so much talent here.
"There are not many young defenders that are as composed and read the game as well as he can. That's why Everton went out and bought him when it was just young potential and they are reaping the rewards at the moment."
Stones, who scored one goal in 28 appearances for Everton last season, moved to Goodison Park from Barnsley in 2013 for £3m.
Jack Prescott
