Everton defender John Stones has handed in a transfer request amid continued speculation over his future, it has emerged.
The England international, 21, has been at the centre of an ever-growing transfer saga this summer, with Chelsea reportedly having bid for the centre-half on three separate occasions.
Stones, who signed for the Toffees for £3m from Barnsley in 2013, appears eager to make the switch to central London before the end of the transfer window.
Everton are reluctant to sell the young defender, but may be forced into losing their man should Chelsea return with a fourth bid, which could (according to reports) be in excess of £30m.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is keen to strengthen his defence this year, following captain John Terry’s red card at West Brom over the weekend and Gary Cahill’s slump in form.
Stones is expected to be included in the England senior squad for European Qualifiers against San Marino and Switzerland next month, when it is named on Sunday evening.
Interestingly, Chelsea’s first game back after the international break is against Everton on September 12th.
Discussion feed