Everton boss Roberto Martinez rejects rumours of James McCarthy exit

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has assured supporters that James McCarthy will not leave the club this summer.

The midfielder, who joined the Toffees for £13m from Wigan Athletic in 2013, has been linked to both Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Martinez has insisted that he intends to "build a team" around the Scotsman, who missed chunks of last season struggling with injuries.

In a press conference in Singapore, Martinez said: "James McCarthy is a story that we keep hearing and I can only guess where that's coming from but from our point of view he is a phenomenal asset.

"We spent a lot of money on him and we are going to build a team around him. He has a long-term contract with Everton and there is not a single issue. He enjoys his football, is an example to the group and there is no story.

"For every Evertonian's peace of mind, James McCarthy is at Everton, his future is here and there is no story to comment on."

McCarthy played in the Toffees' pre-season match against Stoke City in the Barclays Asia Trophy on Wednesday, but did not finish the game due to a knock.