New Toffees boss expects commitment from star player.
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New Everton manager Roberto Martinez says he is not concerned about the speculation surrounding star player Marouane Fellaini, according to Sky Sports.
The Spanish manager has just taken over at Goodison Park as a replacement for David Moyes, who was announced as Manchester United’s new manager last month following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Moyes’ move to Old Trafford has prompted much speculation that he would look to take his best players from Everton, such as Fellaini and Leighton Baines, with him to United.
Fellaini has had a breakthrough season for the Toffees, scoring 12 goals in all competitions and also attracting strong interest from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.
The 25-year-old is said to have a minimum release fee clause of around £22million, which was rumoured to have been activated by Arsenal last week, though Martinez says he is not concerned about these rumours, believing the Belgian midfielder to be committed to Everton.
“I don’t think it is an issue,” said the former Wigan manager.
“You are not talking about a player who is out of the squad or in negotiations with another club. I won’t look to speak to him about this because there is nothing to speak about.
“What I want is him to be ready for the next season, to be ready to take an important role at the club and understand that it is a big season for him.
“As an individual, he has got an exciting year in front of him and I don’t think he is personally thinking, ‘Am I going to be here?’ I don’t think that’s in his head.”