Martinez insists Baines is staying at Everton

, 30 December, 0comments  |  Jump to most recent
Boss seeks to ward off unsettling transfer speculation
Roberto Martinez has stated that Leighton Baines will be with Everton until the end of the season, insisting that he will not weaken his squad by selling the coveted left back during the January transfer window.

The Spaniard's comments come amid the inevitable resumption of media speculation linking Manchester United with another move for the 29 year-old England international.

United infamously failed in their bid to land the left back over the summer with low-ball offers that were deemed "derisory and insulting" by Everton, particularly when they ended up buying Marouane Fellaini for more than they had offered in an earlier joint bid for he and Baines.

David Moyes is expected to return with renewed interest in Baines when the window re-opens this week — The Mirror lead tomorrow's back page with the claim that the Champions are preparing a £16m bid — but he will face stiff resistance from Martinez.

"In football you don't work long-term, you go window to window, and I can guarantee that Leighton will be here at the end of the season," Martinez said prior to Sunday's win over Southampton which saw Baines return to action after a month out with a broken toe. "That is 100%.

"That is how you work from window to window — to have a stronger squad than previously. Leighton is vital for us in the second half of the season. Bryan Oviedo has been terrific but we need Leighton and Bryan fit for us if we are going to fight for our football dream."

 



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