Toffees not looking to cash in on prized asset.
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Everton manager Roberto Martinez has reiterated his stance on the future of star man Leighton Baines by saying he can “guarantee” that the player will not be sold during the January transfer window, Sky Sports reports.
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Baines was a target for Manchester United over the summer, and they are thought to still be keen on taking him away from Goodison Park in the new year despite the player missing the last six games with a toe injury.
Speculation has surrounded the England man ever since former boss David Moyes saw a bid rejected for him in August, with many sources claiming that the Scot would return for him with a fresh bid as early as next week.
However, Martinez has sought to swat away the talk by claiming that the 29-year-old will not be sold to United, or anyone else, when the transfer window re-opens.
“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,” said Martinez. “That is 100 per cent.
“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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