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John Stones will NOT hand in a transfer request at Everton despite reports claiming he wants to force through a move to Chelsea.

The Blues defender has been the subject of three bids from the Premier League champions this summer, all of which have been rejected. The latest, worth £30m, was turned down earlier this week.

Chelsea are preparing a fourth bid for the 21-year-old defender, understood to be in the region of £40m, but Everton maintain Stones is not for sale.

Reports emerged on Thursday evening claiming that Stones was willing to hand in a transfer request in order to push for a move to Stamford Bridge.

But the ECHO understands that the England international will not be doing so and will take his place as usual in the heart of the Blues' defence for Sunday’s game with Manchester City.

Stones' commitment has never been in question and Everton boss Roberto Martinez has been delighted with the defender’s performances so far this season.

And when asked about Stones’ situation at his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, Martinez said: “The latest is exactly the same, it’s been the hot topic of this transfer window and will be highlighted every day the window is open.

“But our focus is only the games.

“In my eyes City are the sharpest team in the league and our focus is on preparing for that.

“It’s positive when players attract interest from other clubs.

“Transfer requests is not an area we need to concentrate on.

“What we do need to concentrate on is that in 48 hours we play the team that’s top of the league and that is all that matters.”