Everton assistant manager Erwin Koeman has insisted that John Stones is not distracted by speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City.
The Citizens have been in keen pursuit of the 22-year-old centre-back this summer and have reportedly lodged a bid of £40m for his services. The Toffees, meanwhile, are thought to be unprepared to accept less than £50m, a figure that would rate him as the most expensive English player of all time.
Amid the speculation, Koeman - older brother of manager Ronald - has claimed that Stones is remaining "positive" about his situation.
"John is very positive," he told the Daily Mail "Of course we know the rumours.
"John is very positive in training, he does his job so that's great.
"It's very simple - he is a member of Everton. Top professionals don't show anything - they do their job. They are professional and he is."
Stones was on the field for Everton earlier today as they fell to a penalty-shootout defeat to Real Betis in the Dresden Cup.
Neil Wilkes
