EVERTON FEAR BIDS
Everton are with the fear that two of their main players – Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini – maybe prized away by other clubs before the end of the transfer window. Both players have been subjected to threats from clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea in the last few months.
United were the first club to make an official approach for Baines a few weeks ago. They made a £ 12 million offer for the 28-year-old England international, which was rejected by Everton immediately. It was hoped that United will be successful with the bid if they offered £ 18 million for the player.
However, Everton manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed that the club is yet to receive any improved offer from United for the left back. He has also said that Belgian star Marouane Fellaini has also not been subjected to any bids in the last few weeks as well. Martinez will be hoping to strengthen the squad before the end of the transfer window partly in the knowledge that he could lose both these players in the final few days. This would be catastrophic for the club, which has one of the thinnest squads in the Premier league.
Martinez, though, has said that he wants his star players to remain at the club.
“I know that’s not what you might want to hear, but everyone here is focused on fighting for spots in the starting line-up and the competitive level in this group is impressive. The last concern I have is what other clubs do. I can say I have been really impressed with the togetherness of this group. I can see that in training every day and it makes me proud. We are in a great position financially and we want to start the season with the best squad we can,” said Martinez.