LONDON, Sporting Alert – Chelsea edged closer to signing another player before the summer transfer window closes, after Everton defender John Stones submitted a transfer request, Sky Sports is reporting.
SKY BET REPORTS: “Stones was 4/6 to make the move to Stamford Bridge this morning but is now into just 1/5 and it’s 100/30 that he remains an Everton player when the window closes.”
Stones has been a strong transfer target for Jose Mourinho and Chelsea all summer, but Everton have been working hard to keep a hold of the England man.
However, after seeing three bids for him rejected by Everton, including a massive £30-million offer – it is believed the player has had enough and has decided to hand in a written transfer request to leave the club.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez remains stubborn about letting one of the club’s best players leave, and it is understood The Toffees are prepared to block him from exiting Goodison Park.
Mourinho is hoping to add more option to his backline at Chelsea, following the sliding performances of John Terry and Gary Cahill and the Blues boss believes the 21-year-old would be perfect.
Stones has been warned about making a switch to Chelsea, as he’s not guaranteed to play every week – something that could stifle his current development.
Terry has been struggling at the moment, but he is expected bounce back to form.
Nevertheless, it is understood the player has made up his mind about leaving and is ready to do whatever it takes to push for a move to Stamford Bridge where he will be available for Champions League selection.
The last player to have submitted a transfer request at Everton was Marouane Fellaini, who asked to leave the club to join Manchester United, during the David Moyes era, two-years-ago.
In the other transfer developing news going on at the moment, Sky Sports is also reporting that West Brom have rejected another offer for striker Saido Berahino.
According Sky Sports News, West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace believes it is too late for the club to find a suitable target to lead the attack.
