Former Everton defender Sylvain Distin believes John Stones needs more time to develop his skills at Goodison Park before moving on.

The England defender has been strongly linked with a move to Premier League champions Chelsea, with manager Jose Mourinho clearly a big admirer of the former Barnsley starlet.

Everton are determined to keep hold of one of their prized assets, who came on in leaps and bounds on Merseyside last season.

Former team-mate Distin, who will be playing in the red and black of Bournemouth next season, has been impressed with Stones on and off the field, but feels Everton is the place for him to grow as a player for now.

He told Sky Sports News: “He’s young, English, full of qualities and a good guy as well.

“I’ve often said it’s not enough to have quality on the pitch. Off the pitch you need to be grounded and a good person – and he is.

“He hasn’t played a full season yet. So he needs to become a little more experience, understanding of the Premier League and know a bit more about himself, and then you can speak of it (a move to Chelsea).”

Manager Roberto Martinez will be hoping Stones is still wearing the blue of Everton when they host Watford on the opening day of the Premier League season.

The Toffees are 1.75 to make a winning start to their campaign, the draw is 3.75, and the Hornets are 5.00 to take all three points at Goodison Park.