Martinez upbeat as four return to training; repeats Stones not for sale

"I expect him to train today," Martinez said at a press conference, adding that fellow injury doubts Muhamed Besic, Gerard Deulofeu and Aiden McGeady had all returned to training.





Martinez once again ruled out any sale of defender John Stones, a target for Chelsea and Manchester United. The manager is determined to keep the 21-year-old at Goodison Park.

"I have said before the player is not for sale and that it is the end of it," Martinez insisted.

The club will find also out the extent of the injury to left-back Leighton Baines after the England defender suffered a recurrence of an ankle problem, Martinez said.

The England international injured the same ankle at the end of last season and scan results due later on Thursday will determine whether or not he needs surgery.

The club later announced it had signed 18-year-old Barnsley defender Mason Holgate.

Martinez said Holgate, who made 22 senior appearances for Barnsley, was an exciting prospect.

"With Mason, an opportunity came up and we didn't want to lose out," Martinez said. "He is a young man with a very impressive future."





(Reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru)


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