Swansea's Garry Monk "admires" Everton's conduct over John Stones transfer saga

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 18 September 2015

Swansea City boss Garry Monk says that he "admires" Everton for managing to keep John Stones, despite strong interest from Chelsea in the summer.

Swansea City manager Garry Monk has admitted that he "admires" how Everton conducted themselves when Chelsea were trying to poach John Stones in the summer transfer window.

The Premier League champions reportedly submitted four bids for the England defender, but Everton held firm, even when the player lodged a transfer request.

Ahead of this weekend's match against the Toffees at the Liberty Stadium, Monk has praised Everton manager Roberto Martinez for pushing away Chelsea's advances.

"Roberto was very clear on the situation and credit to Everton that they've followed through on it," the Daily Star quotes Monk as saying.

"I personally admire that because it's very difficult for clubs like Everton and ourselves, clubs outside that top six, when teams come in for your players. It's not just this league, but other leagues as well, that teams can come in and poach a player and wave that cheque in your face.

"Sometimes it's very difficult to stop a player having his head turned in those situations. It is a so-called step up and a different pay packet I would imagine, but that's testament to the club."

Stones signed for Everton from Barnsley in 2013.