Everton boss Roberto Martinez has distanced himself from a move for Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.

The Northern Ireland international is believed to be surplus to requirements for Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal and several sources reported the Toffees were interested in the 27-year-old centre-back.

Martinez may need cover with both Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcarez departing during the current transfer window but the Goodison Park boss says he is not chasing Evans.

“No, there’s no truth, nothing,” said Martinez, when asked if he was pursuing a deal for the player. “I know I’ve always said that I wouldn’t be commenting on any of the names that are shared around but I can tell you there is nothing true in that situation.”

Martinez is under some pressure on Merseyside after Everton endured a disappointing season last time around, finishing 11th as they struggled to balance Europa League commitments with domestic progress.

According to Martinez, chasing a place in the top four is the long-term target for Everton, but he admits it may require some patience.

“The amount of money that is being used by the clubs in the league and the different budgets make it very competitive if you’re going to reach those top four positions,” said Martinez.

“We expect to be challenging for those places but we’ll have to do that in a different way, by taking time to build a solid group and by perhaps giving younger players bigger roles earlier than other clubs do.”

Everton are 13.00 to finish in the top four next season while the Toffees are 3.75 in the betting Without the Big 6 market.