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By Oliver Bond

John Stones would be better staying at Everton rather than making a big money move to Chelsea, according to former Blue Martin Keown.

Stones has been the subject of two failed bids from the Premier League champions in the last month, the latest one believed to be worth around £26million.

And though the Londoners are likely to return with a third offer, Everton remain adamant the 21-year-old is not for sale at any price.

And Keown believes Stones still needs time to develop as a player, and would be best served staying on Merseyside, where he is guaranteed regular football.

Interviewed by 888sport ahead of Sunday's Community Shield, Keown said: “I think it’s very early days. He’s only really had one season in the Premier League and he hasn’t yet become a man.

“I feel he needs to stay at Everton because there are things he needs to work on in his game.

“I’d like to see him more commanding from crosses and set pieces. His position is like a goalkeeper where it’s all about maturity.

“Your decision-making becomes better and the more times you play the more the same situations start to pop up in front of you.”

Keown, who played 96 times for the Blues, is adamant Stones’ development is best served in remaining on Merseyside for one more season at least.

“He needs to keep playing and at Everton he’s their kingpin and someone who is looked up to. That will give him a great deal of confidence.

I’m concerned he might get smothered a bit at Chelsea with all the players he would be surrounded by.”

Read Martin Keown's full interview on how Arsenal are special again at 888sport.com

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