Everton
chairman Bill Kenwright has confirmed the club has rejected a transfer
request from defender John Stones.
The 21-year-old defender has been the subject of three separate bids from
Chelsea, including one for £30m, all of which have been turned down by
Everton, who insist he is not for sale.
Stones, who played all 120 minutes in a 5-3 extra-time Capital One Cup
second-round victory over Barnsley on Wednesday night, submitted the formal
transfer request on Tuesday in a bid to end the stalemate.
Roberto Martinez re-iterated after the Oakwell game the club's intent to
keep the centre-half - saying "money can sometimes not buy everything" - and
Kenwright has backed up his manager with a statement on the club's official
website.
"Everton Football Club has rejected a transfer request from John Stones,"
Kenwright said.
"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."
Speaking on Wednesday night, Martinez 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."
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