Report: Chelsea will return to Everton with final, £40-million offer for John Stones

Chelsea is reportedly hoping that the fourth time is the charm in its pursuit of John Stones.

The reigning Premier League champion is set to return to Everton with a fourth and final offer for the 21-year-old centre-back that could potentially be valued at £40 million, according to Dominic Fifield of the Guardian. Chelsea has apparently seen its first three offers rejected and Stones allegedly submitted a formal transfer request ahead of Tuesday's training session.

Related: Report: Everton's John Stones hands in transfer request amid Chelsea speculation

It has been reported that all three of Chelsea's bids, the third of which was worth £30 million, resulted in Everton making it clear that Stones is not for sale. However, if he has indeed submitted a transfer request, then an improved bid of £40 million – £35 million plus around £5 million in add-ons – would certainly test the Toffees' resolve.

Stones is widely viewed as a potential replacement for John Terry, whose start to the Premier League season has been something of a train wreck, as he was substituted in Chelsea's second fixture of the season versus Manchester City and was issued a red card in his club's win at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.