In recent seasons, Everton have fought off overtures for the likes of Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Ross Barkley and Seamus Coleman.
Marouane Fellaini moved to Manchester United in 2013 due to an exit clause in his contract, but even then Everton secured a £4m premium to take his fee to £27m and tend to now only sell on their terms.
They see Stones as crucial to their future and handed him a new five-year contract at the start of last season, while the former Barnsley starlet has said he is happy at Goodison Park
^ Fair point.