The Everton chairman, Bill Kenwright, has issued a statement confirming the club have rejected a transfer request from John Stones, adding the England defender is “not for sale”.
Chelsea have had three offers for the 21-year-old turned down so far and are expected to return with a bid totalling £40m before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Stones has four years remaining on his contract.
“Everton football club has rejected a transfer request from John Stones,” said the statement from Kenwright.
— Everton (@Everton) August 27, 2015
“Since the start of the transfer window, we have resolutely turned down offers from another Premier League football club for our player.
“ John is not for sale and he will remain a highly valued member of our first-team squad.”
Stones was informed of the decision on Thursday after training in a meeting with the club’s manager, Roberto Martínez.
