Martinez: No problem with Mourinho over Stones saga

Everton boss Roberto Martinez says he will shake the hand of Jose Mourinho at Goodison Park on Saturday, insisting that he has no problem with his Chelsea counterpart's summer pursuit of John Stones.

Martinez previously accused the Portuguese of trying to unsettle Stones, who submitted a transfer request that was promptly turned down by the Merseyside club.

However, Martinez insists that he holds no grudge against Mourinho, explaining that his only issue is the fact that the transfer window is open for an additional fortnight after the start of the Premier League season.

Indeed, when asked if he would shake Mourinho's hand before kick-off, the Spaniard replied: "Of course I will, yes.

"All I am against the window being open once the season has started and clubs being able to put in bids when the competition is on.

"I am not against clubs being interested in our players. I understand [Mourinho’s interest] 100 per cent.

“But you cannot come out and comment about another player of another club because the Premier League rules do not allow you to do it.

"We’re adult enough to understand why it happened – it can put a little bit more pressure.

"It’s not accepted by the Premier League rules but it is something that happens.

"That’s why I think it’s important that when the transfer window is open and you get these kind of situations, it shouldn’t affect the preparation for a game."

Unsurprisingly, much of the build-up to the game in Liverpool has centred on Stones, for whom Chelsea reportedly bid £30 million.

However, Martinez does not believe the media attention will put the 21-year-old centre-half off his game.

"The talk won’t affect him," the former Wigan boss added. "John has been performing at a very good level and gone from strength to strength in a period of high pressure.

"He’s taken the support of us all and performed with great composure and maturity.

"Then, you see how he performs for England in such a natural manner and that’s a sign of the player we have."