John Stones has handed in a transfer request at Everton, according to Sky Sports.
The 21-year-old has been the subject of an aggressive pursuit from Chelsea, who have had a number of bids rejected by Everton.
But after a summer-long chase Chelsea have finally received positive news in their quest to bring the Barnsley graduate to Stamford Bridge, but it remains to be seen where Everton go from here.
Stones reportedly handed in the request on Tuesday and told the Everton hierarchy he wants to join Jose Mourinho’s men, who have been waiting for this kind of reaction.
Mourinho believes Stones to be John Terry’s long-term successor but Roberto Martinez said not even an official request to leave from his no.5 would change Everton’s stance.
The Catalonian sees Stones as a key part of his plans as he looks to take the Merseyside’s forward, but the battle to keep his star centre-half is now harder than ever.
With just one week left of the transfer window, will Stones go?
UPDATE: Chelsea will return with a fourth bid of £40million for John Stones after the 21-year-old submitted a transfer request on Tuesday, according to the Guardian.
The £40million offer will be double Chelsea’s first offer for the England international, but it is believed £5million will be in add-ons.
Roberto Martinez publicly stated last week not even a transfer request from Stones would change the club’s stance, but it remains to be seen whether the Goodison Park hierarchy remain firm.
It is understood Barnsley will pocket around 15% of any transfer fee, should the deal go through.
With seven days left of the transfer window and Phil Jagielka the only other senior centre-half at the club, losing Stones would be a real killer blow to Everton’s ambitions this season.
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