England manager Roy Hodgson has backed John Stones to put the recent transfer saga behind him and concentrate on his game this season.

Chelsea slapped in at least two offers for the England international, but Everton knocked back their overtures and remained firm on their stance.




Despite the rampant speculation surrounding his future, Everton managed to keep Stones away from the Premier League champions’ clutches and continued to play him throughout the saga.

The defender has been called up to the England squad and Hodgson is confident that the recent transfer saga is not going to have a lasting effect on the defender.
 


He has backed the youngster to remain a professional and continue to perform for Everton at a high level this season.

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"I don't think John Stones requires me to talk to him about it," Hodgson told the BBC.

"He's been 100% professional and accepted there's an offer for him from another club, but the club he is under contract didn't want to sell him.

“He will continue to play well for Everton now the window has closed. We believe in him."

Since joining Everton in January 2013 from Barnsley, Stones has made rapid progress at Goodison Park and is now one of the key elements of Roberto Martinez’s squad.

He made his debut for England just before the World Cup last summer and has already earned four international caps for the Three Lions.