John Stones has handed in a transfer request in an effort to force through a move away from Everton to Premier League champions Chelsea.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho has seen three big money bids for the highly rated central defender turned down in the current transfer window, the most recent for €41 million.
But with 21-year-old Stones making his desire to leave the Goodison Park outfit clear it is expected that Chelsea will come back with an improved offer later in the week, possibly as high as €48 million.
Toffees boss Roberto Martinez has become increasingly weary of having to field questions about Stones over recent weeks.
At a media conference on Tuesday he refused to even discuss what the club's response would be should the player hand in a transfer request.
"There is nothing to comment on that," he said. "Once more, it is always the same question and always the same answer.
"The only thing that matters now is the game we have in front of us. There is nothing to announce or discuss.
"I know it is your job to keep asking the same question and unfortunately it is my job in this case to always give you the same answer."
Everton play Barnsley away on Wednesday night in the League Cup while their next Premier League engagement is Saturday’s 5.30pm kick-off against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
The Merseyside club sit seventh in the table following a mixed opening to the season, drawing with newly promoted Watford, beating Southampton comfortably and then losing to title chasing Manchester City.
The summer transfer window closes at 5pm on Tuesday, 1 September.
