Chelsea look set to miss out on John Stones after Roberto Martinez confirmed Everton would reject his transfer request on Thursday.
The Premier League champions have already had three bids rejected for the 21-year-old and had been expected to return with an improved offer in excess of £30m.
However, Everton manager Roberto Martinez has put up a definitive stance against selling Stones to their rivals.
“Sometimes money can’t buy everything and that is going to be a very strong statement at Everton,” Martinez is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.
“This is not a moment when we can use any money to get us stronger.
“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.”
Since signing from Barnsley in 2013, only two Everton players have blocked more shots than Stones (44) in the Premier League.
For more stats on John Stones, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
