Rio Ferdinand has urged Everton defender John Stones to choose Manchester United over Chelsea if he is given the chance to move to Old Trafford.

Chelsea have been repeatedly linked with a move for the centre-back this summer, and reports have suggested that the Premier League champions have failed with two bids.

However, Ferdinand believes that Stones would develop quickly at his former club, while United are also rumoured to be admirers of the 21-year-old.

"If he goes to Manchester United he plays every week, so that's the right club for him, I think," he told reporters. "If he goes to Chelsea, he's not playing every week.

"He's at that stage of his development where he wants to play every week. If you say to any young footballer to leave a club to sit on the bench, you've got to be a lunatic. You have to be.

"I'd buy John Stones if I'm Man United. You're buying someone who's going to give you ten years' service. He's a great prospect — the best young centre-half in the country at the moment. It's a no-brainer for me."

Despite the speculation, Everton boss Roberto Martinez has admitted that he is desperate to keep Stones at Goodison Park.