Chelsea will hold off from making a fourth bid for defender John Stones until the Everton player submits a transfer request, according to reports.
The Blues reportedly had a third bid, worth in the region of £30m, rejected by Everton, who are desperate to keep the 21-year-old centre-back.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez is unhappy with the aggressive way Chelsea have pursued Stones, and The Telegraph claims that the Premier League champions want the player to make a similar commitment.
The paper reports that Jose Mourinho is willing to pay what is necessary to get Stones, but the deal would be helped along if the player tries to force his way out of the club and Chelsea are happy to wait and see if he chooses to do so.
Stones joined Everton from Barnsley in 2013.
Written by
Charlie Bennett
Charlie Bennett
