Everton has rejected a request from John Stones to leave for Chelsea on a transfer.

Chelsea has offered Everton three separate bids for Stones with the last one hitting £40 million.

“Everton football club has rejected a transfer request from John Stones,” said the statement from chairman Bill Kenwright.

“Since the start of the transfer window, we have resolutely turned down offers from another Premier League football club for our player.

“John is not for sale and he will remain a highly valued member of our first-team squad.”

Stones was informed of the decision on Thursday after training in a meeting with the club’s manager, Roberto Martínez.