Everton manager Roberto Martinez has denied claims that John Stones will be leaving Goodison Park within 12 months.

Stones has earned the admiration of a host of top clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea with his fine performances for Everton over the last two seasons and many believe that it is just a matter of time before the defender leaves Goodison Park for greener pastures.

It was recently claimed that Stones had a verbal agreement in place with Everton to allow him to move to a bigger club in the next 12 months but Martinez has gone on to vehemently refute such claims.

Martinez said: "That is not true. I would never do that. That would be very negative. If you do that could you imagine the last two months for that player? He would never put a leg in or never challenge for the ball.

"I don't agree with doing that. I know you can do that to keep a player for another 12 months but if you're not going to have a player 12 months down the line you need to start replacing him to have a stronger team."