Transfer Centre

Roberto Martinez "guarantees" Leighton Baines stay

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 29 December 2013

Everton manager Roberto Martinez "guarantees" that Manchester United target Leighton Baines will still be at Goodison Park at the end of the season.

Roberto Martinez has given Everton fans a 100% guarantee that Manchester United target Leighton Baines will be at Goodison Park in February.

The England left-back is expected to be the subject of revived interest from the Premier League champions, who had two bids rejected for him in the summer, when the transfer window reopens.

He has missed the last month due to a broken toe and while Bryan Oviedo had proved an able deputy, Martinez has insisted that the Costa Rican's performances will not tempt him into cashing in on Baines.

"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," Martinez told reporters. "That is 100%.

"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."

Former Toffess boss David Moyes is keen to be reunited with Baines at Old Trafford, having already returned to the Merseysiders to sign Belgian international midfielder Marouane Fellaini for £27m.