Chelsea will have to switch their attentions to another centre-back this summer after their first choice target John Stones has had his transfer request rejected by Everton, Guardian Sport reports.
The Toffees have stressed their desire to keep hold of the highly-rated defender and chairman Bill Kenwright issued a statement confirming the 21-year-old is not for sale despite the player’s attempts to force a move away from Goodison Park.
— Everton (@Everton) August 27, 2015
The news is likely to be a huge blow for the reigning Premier League champions as they have already seen three offers for Stones rejected by the Merseyside outfit this summer and there had been strong rumours in the media that an fourth and final bid in the region of £40million was set to be launched before the transfer window closes on September 1.
However, with the Toffees unwilling to sell their prized asset, it remains to be seen whether Jose Mourinho presses ahead with plans to bring in an alternative before next week’s deadline.
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