Since Chelsea’s first bid of £20million turned public in mid-July, Martinez has said repeatedly that he won’t promote Stones, who’s underneath contract at Everton till 2019.

Despite the saga, Stones has played both games of the Toffees’ 2015/16 Barclays Premier League campaign so far, impressing as they drew 2-2 at home with Watford before stunning Southampton 3-0 at St Mary’s last week.

Zouma would be the obvious choice to replace Terry, with Mourinho already admitting that his extra pace was needed last Sunday, but Stones could equally come in to the side and is being seen as the long-term replacement to the Chelsea skipper.

Martinez has been adamant when questioned over the future of Stones, insisting that the England worldwide would remain an Everton player, even if he handed in a request.

“Of course, yes”, said the Everton manager in a news conference, as he suggested the forthcoming signing of Ramiro Funes Mori will not lead to the sale of Stones.

“I know it is your job to keep asking the same question and unfortunately it is my job in this case to always give you the same answer”.

Real Madrid could lose two of their biggest stars before the summer transfer window shuts-with rumours Chelsea want Raphael Varane, and Manchester United desire Gareth Bale.

“He just puts a smile on your face when you see John Stones defending”.

Mourinho has spoken of his lack of first-team defensive options, with five defenders before Baba Rahman’s arrival made it six.

We often think of Roberto Martinez as one of the most promising managers in the Premier League.

Pellegrini acknowledges the task ahead of his side could also be a tricky one.

The Spaniard earlier this month said Stones had been affected by Chelsea’s interest, but he subsequently praised the 21-year-old’s focus in Everton’s opening match of the season against Watford.

“Transfer requests is not an area we need to concentrate on”.

Baines, having spoken to Martinez and chairman Bill Kenwright, did not agitate to leave and has subsequently admitted he “sat on the fence and saw how the thing played out”.