Defender John Stokes asked Everton to grant him a transfer to Chelsea, but manager Roberto Martinez rejected that request late last week. The statement from Everton chairman Bill Kenwright read as follows: "Everton Football Club has rejected a transfer request from John Stones. 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 steam squad." Martinez has indicated that he has significant plans in store to use Stones. As many soccer betting fans know, Chelsea had bid as high as 30 million pounds, but Martinez will not relinquish the young defender.