John Stones’ transfer request ups pressure on Everton

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

After three failed bids — the last in excess of £30m (€41m)— from the Stamford Bridge club, the England international has now taken matters into his own hands and formally expressed his desire to leave.

Everton have been resolute in their determination to hang on to the highly-rated 21-year-old and manager Roberto Martinez has insisted throughout the saga the centre-back is not for sale.