Martinez has long-term vision for Barkley

, 31 December, 0comments  |  Jump to most recent

Dealing with yet more media speculation about the future of Ross Barkley, Roberto Martinez says that he is not worried about losing the 20-year-old any time soon and believes the rising star can achieve his dreams with Everton.

Press reports in the last few days have tried to push the idea that Manchester United are readying a £50M bid for Barkley in the wake of his superb form over the first half of the season but Martinez isn't fazed.

The Spaniard intimated last week that he wouldn't sell the boyhood Evertonian even he were offered a Gareth Bale-sized offer (Bale moved from Tottenham to Real Madrid for a staggering £85M in the last transfer window) and he reiterates his stance in The Mirror.

“Ross is a vital part of our team," he says. "He's enjoying his football and the best is still to come in the next six months. That's all that matters to any Evertonian and for everyone that's involved with him.”

Indeed, the boss feels that with Everton on an upward trajectory, there is scope for the Blues to eventually provide Barkley with exactly the kind of platform for his talents on offer at other clubs.

“It's early in his career," Martinez continues. "He's a very realistic person and he's got many targets to reach at Everton.

“Once he fulfils his potential at Everton, the competition itself should be able to give him more.

“If we could reach other aspects and be able to compete in Europe, to be able to compete in the Champions League that would help the player to achieve those sorts of things.

“At the moment, we're talking about something really long term. In the same manner you shouldn't be worried about finding a big talent like Ross and having fear that you'll lose him.”

Martinez has been similarly adamant about Leighton Baines in recent days who, in a well-worn press narrative that hasn't changed in a year, is linked with a move to Old Trafford when the transfer window opens. Doubts about his contract situation continue to be exploited by journalists to inflame the situation but Martinez explains:

“Eighteen months is an eternity in football,” “Leighton is not a 21- or 22-year-old player.

“He's someone who is going to the World Cup and at the moment he's been the starting left-back for England.

“He's in the best moment of his career, so it's not a worry at all. What matters now is that we're as strong as we can be going into the second half of the season and nobody should be concerned.”

 



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