John Stones: Everton defender set to hand in transfer request amid Chelsea and Manchester United interest

Chelsea and Manchester United target John Stones is reportedly set to hand in a transfer request to force through a move from Everton this summer, according to the Mirror.

The Toffees defender has been on the radar of the Premier League giants in recent weeks, and the Merseyside club have already rejected three bids from the Stamford Bridge outfit, but that has not deterred his admirers and the report claimed that they are preparing yet another bid.

Jose Mourinho has publicly expressed his admiration for the young English defender and even confirmed that there was a bid in place for the defender.

However, according to the Guardian, Everton are reluctant to sell their top defender, and have turned bids in excess of £26m ($40m), but are bracing themselves for a another bid over the £30m-mark.

It is claimed that as reluctant as they are to sell him, Everton could sanction the move if Chelsea take their offer close to around £40m.

According to Sun, as reported by the Mirror, the young defender will inform the Everton hierarchy that he wants to leave Goodison Park and push through a move to one of the top clubs in England.

The Red Devils are big admirers of the defender as well and Louis van Gaal is looking at defensive signings after missing out on primary target Sergio Ramos. Moreover, ESPN FC has reported that they are plotting a move for the defender with Jonny Evans being offered as part of the deal.

Meanwhile, Everton teammate Steven Naismith has urged Stones to snub interest from Chelsea and United and remain with the Merseyside to continue his football development alongside established England international Phil Jagielka.

"Have a long think about it - the grass isn't always greener [sic]. At this stage, it's hard for players to see this exact moment in their career. You can be blinded," Naismith said, as quoted by the Mirror.

"I know, when I was injured and coming back, not playing football was the hardest thing and I would have dropped down two divisions just to play."

"There's so much to think about, and Phil Jagielka is a great mentor. He's a great leader - not just for defenders, but our squad as a whole. I think John, if you ask him, he would be one of the first to mention him as one of the folk he's learnt off most at the club," the former Rangers forward explained.