Romelu Lukaku: 'Everton made a statement keeping John Stones'

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has claimed that the club made a "statement" in being able to stop Chelsea from snatching defender John Stones.

The England international was the subject of four rejected bids from the Premier League champions during the summer transfer window.

"It's a statement for the club, for me," Lukaku told Sky Sports News. "It's nice to see that John showed his character and the club did their job to keep the player.

"But it's up to us to help John improve to reach the top level, as he is doing at the moment. I think the club made a statement by keeping him here at the club."

Everton, who are currently ninth in the table, will take on West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns this evening.