Everton face a battle to hang on to John Stones after the defender submitted a transfer request in an attempt to force a move to Chelsea.

Everton defender John Stones has handed in a transfer request in an attempt to force through a move to Chelsea.

Chelsea have had three bids rejected for the 21-year-old, the latest reportedly worth in excess of £30m, and there are suggestions the centre-back is considering formally asking to leave.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez says he is not aware of any transfer request being made by Toffees defender John Stones.

Martinez was unhappy with John Terry’s comments in praise of Toffees defender Stones, whom the Premier League champions have pursued this summer and had offers rebuffed.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has conceded it may take a huge fee to prise Everton defender John Stones away from Goodison Park.