Monday 4 November 2019 10:50, UK
Everton have rejected an official bid from Manchester United for left-back Leighton Baines, according to Sky sources.
Baines has been linked with a move to Old Trafford since the end of last season in the wake of David Moyes' switch from Goodison Park to replace Sir Alex Ferguson.
But Everton are determined to hold on to the England international as new manager Roberto Martinez shapes his squad for next season.
Martinez hinted two weeks ago he is keen to reward Baines, who has two years left to run on his current deal, with a new contract and the player himself said this week he is looking forward to working under the former Wigan boss.
"He was one of the first names linked with the job and the feeling straight away was he would be a great appointment," said the 28-year-old.
"He has a different style to what we have been used to but I think it is progressive and it will move us forward.
"It is also exciting for the players to be able to try that now.
"We have time to work on it, whether it is a different style of play or whether the formation changes.
"By the time we kick the first ball of the season we will be well-versed on what he wants to do."
Baines added on evertontv: "We've chatted on the phone. It was just about speaking about the start of the season and looking forward to working with each other.
"Anyone you speak to only says great things about him, as a manager and as a person."
Last season Baines created 116 chances - more than any other player in Europe's top five leagues - and was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for the second successive season.
Baines has been Everton's most consistent performer over the last couple of years and, while they are not prepared to consider a sale the club value the player, who is close to deposing Ashley Cole as first choice in the national team, much higher.
Martinez, who succeeded Moyes at Goodison Park, is due back in the country on Friday after his commitments as an American television pundit for the Confederations Cup are over.
He will meet his full squad for the first time when they return for pre-season training on Wednesday.
The Spaniard stressed from the moment he was appointed he wanted to keep his squad intact - with midfielder Marouane Fellaini the other player linked with a number of clubs.
Chairman Bill Kenwright reiterated that view on Wednesday when he said: "He (Roberto) wants to hold onto it but he also wants to bring in two or three players in the positions were we need them.
"He hasn't met the squad yet. The first step is to get the players back and get to know them and bring in two or three."
United's interest in Baines would cast doubt over the future of Patrice Evra at Old Trafford.
The 32-year-old Frenchman did well captaining the side in the absence of Nemanja Vidic last season but with the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson a change may be in order and he has been linked with a return to Monaco.
