WILL BAINES STAY?

One of the main challenges for new Everton manager Roberto Martinez is to retain star players like Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, who have been linked with a move away from the club in recent months. Manchester United came in with an official offer for Baines a few months ago, but they have since not increased their offer.

The initial bid of around £ 12 million was instantly rejected by Everton. It has been reported that the Merseyside club will be looking at selling the 28-year-old defender if United come in with an offer of around £ 18 million, which is yet to materialise.

Rather than be concerned about the transfer speculation surrounding the two important players at the club, Martinez is trying to take this as a compliment that big clubs like United are interested in his players. United are currently negotiating a deal with Barcelona for midfielder Cesc Fabregas, but it is a deal that they appear to be losing.

This could shift their attention towards Fellaini, who is a player Moyes knows extremely well. He has only a few years on his contract, which also has a release clause of around £ 22 million.

United have been looking to sign a strong midfielder in the last few months.

“That's not a concern. I know that's what the media wants to know and those are the questions in the press. What I'm really really happy [about] is that Marouane Fellaini, he hasn't missed a training session. Leighton Baines is an impressive, impressive footballer that has been an ambassador for Everton. I'm looking forward to working with every player in this squad. Whatever happens in the speculation I take as a compliment,” said Martinez. Everton begin the new season with an away match against Norwich, who have spent big in the summer.