Everton manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed that in-demand defender John Stones has not submitted a transfer request.
It was reported on Friday that Stones had handed in a request at Goodison Park, in order to force through a move to the Premier League title-holders.
Chelsea have made several bids for the England international, all of which have been rejected by Everton, with Blues manager Jose Mourinho on the lookout to improve his back-line.
Stones, who signed from Barnsley in the January of 2013, flourished last season, featuring 31 times in all competitions for club and county during the 2014/15 campaign.
Martinez says that Stones has not handed in a formal request
Speaking ahead of Everton’s home game with Manchester City on Sunday, Martinez was adamant that the 21-year-old was not for sale.
When asked whether Stones had submitted a transfer request to Leave the Toffees, Martinez said: “No, not at all.”
The only focus is on Man City on Sunday. I have no problems picking John for that game – he added.
“I think the situation is going to be exactly the same. This has been the hot topic of this transfer window and I believe it will be a subject that is highlighted every day of this window.
