According to reports from Sky Sports this morning, Everton boss Roberto Martinez has rejected John Stones’ request to leave the club amid links to Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Premier League champions have already seen three bids rejected by the Toffees, the latest being worth around £30million, leading the England international to hand in a transfer request earlier this week.
The Blues are expected to launch a fourth and final bid of £40million before the transfer deadline on September 1st – whilst some sources claim Manchester United could launch a rival offer at the final hour once Martinez has begrudgingly agreed to sell the 6 foot 2 centre-half.
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But the Spaniard revealed yesterday evening that Stones’ transfer request will be formally rejected this morning, whilst remaining persistent in his claims that the 21 year-old won’t be allowed to leave Goodison Park.
Talking to reporters after Everton’s 5-3 win over Barnsley in the Capital One Cup, he said; “Our fans know all we are doing is trying to become better and be as good as we can. John is a massive part of that and we’ve got a clear idea that in life and in football money can sometimes not buy everything. This is about values and John is a vital part of our future.”
He went on to praise Stones’ performance against his former club; “He was a real example of how to perform under massive, massive pressure. For me, it was an exceptional display by him.”