Everton are set to reject a transfer request from star defender John Stones amid interest from Chelsea, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

Stones has been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park in recent weeks, with Manchester United also keen on the English centre-back.

The Blues have already had several bids for Stones turned down by the Toffees, and are now considering one final attempt to sign the 21-year-old who is valued at £40million by the Merseyside club.

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And it looked as if their efforts would be eased after Stones himself submitted a transfer request to join the champions, however Everton boss Roberto Martinez revealed he will not be pressured by Stones or Chelsea to sell his prized asset.

Prompted whether he turned down Stones’ request, Martinez replied: “Not yet – because today was a match day and that was the priority. We will reject it in the morning and get on with our business.

“I am repeating myself but I don't think it is right for the football authorities to allow the window to be open when there are important games. We shouldn't put our players under that massive pressure. It becomes a bit of a circus.

“The situation with John is very clear. We care about him. We will protect him and make sure we give him everything we can to allow him to enjoy his football. Clearly we have got to a point – in life and football – when sometimes money can't buy everything.

“I think that is going to be a very strong statement at Everton. We have a Chairman who will do the right thing for the club and for the team and, as a true Evertonian, we are clear he will not be easily influenced in taking the money and accepting things which will clearly make our team weaker.

“This is not a moment of the campaign when we can use any money to get us stronger. John is under massive, massive pressure and I thought he was terrific. I think it is wrong for the window to be open. The situation is very clear. We are going to protect him and give him everything we can.”

Everton bounced back from going two goals down against Barnsley in the League Cup on Wednesday to beat them in extra time 5-3 and progress to the next round.

Stones made 28 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring one goal.

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