John Stones to Chelsea: Everton defender 'hands in transfer request' amid £30m transfer speculation
England international reportedly keen on switch
Everton defender John Stones has reportedly handed in a transfer request in a bid to push through a move to Chelsea.
The England international has been the subject of three bids from Stamford Bridge this summer and the latest reports suggest his head has been turned by the interest from the reigning champions.
Everton have rejected every bid, the most recent of which was £30m.
Stones has made no public declaration of his wish, whilst his performances for the Toffees this season have shown no ill-effects from the protracted saga.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has made clear he has no desire to let Stones leave.
"It puts a smile on your face when you see someone like John Stones defending the way he defends, getting on the ball the way he does," he said recently.
"He is an incredible footballer and to be able to organise things and control things at such a young age shows you the type of footballer he is. I thought he was outstanding once more (against City).
"We have seen John grow in the last two years and we want to be as strong as we can when the window closes. We have our own aims and objectives and want to become a winning team."
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