Everton has rejected the transfer request handed in by centre-back John Stones.
It means that Chelsea are no closer to landing the 21-year-old defender, mamy view as the natural replacement for John Terry, when the Blues. skipper finally hangs up his boots at SW6.
Blues chairman Bill Kenwright issued a short statement on Thursday afternoon, which said: "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 team squad."
Anyone of a certain vintage will know, West End producer Kenwright, was also in Coronation Street as the less than reliable son of Rovers Return landlady, Annie Walker. Billy Walker would have sold his grandmother for a couple of extra barrels of Newton & Ridley special brew.
So come on 'Billy,' do the right thing, take the money, let the lad go and move on.
You know it makes sense.