Stones' Premier links cooled

12 October 2012 10:31
Barnsley youngster John Stones' agent has played down talk linking the defender with a big-money move to the Premier League. Recent reports have claimed Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton are all battling to sign the highly-rated full-back when the transfer window reopens in January. Stones has come through the ranks at Oakwell and made his first-team debut last March, going on to make 12 appearances for the club. The 18-year-old's form has not gone unnoticed among clubs higher up the football pyramid with a host of Premier League side thought to be keeping tabs on Stones' progress. However, Stones' agent, Georgina Lillis of Star Management Signings, has cooled talk of a move for the player in January and feels he is best served to stay at Barnsley to continue his development at this stage of his career. "There has been a lot of unwanted paper talk with regards to John," Lillis told Sky Sports. "It doesn't benefit the club and it doesn't benefit John. "Just because a scout is seen in the stands it doesn't mean a player is on the move next window. "John is at a point in his career where he needs to be playing first team football and to keep developing as a player. Barnsley is doing just that and valuable experience with England is helping him progress. "If there is any interest or approach from Premier League clubs for John then that's between them and Barnsley. "Of course John wants to play in the Premier League but what's most important, at this stage, is that he doesn't get his head turned and keeps working hard and improving."

Source: team_talk