London: Everton defender John Stones has handed in a transfer request in an attempt to persuade his club to sell him to Chelsea, according to reports on Tuesday. Stones is Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's top target as he seeks to bolster his defensive options, but Everton have rejected three offers for the England international and he has now taken matters into his own hands.


John Stones. Pic/AFP 

After Chelsea's latest bid of £30 million ($47 million) was snubbed by the Goodison Park outfit, Stones is widely reported to have formally expressed his desire to leave before training on Tuesday. However, Everton have been resolute in their determination to hang on to the 21-year-old and manager Roberto Martinez has insisted throughout the saga the centre-back is not for sale. Martinez refused to even discuss what the club's response would be should the player hand in a transfer request when he was asked about it on Tuesday.