New Everton boss Roberto Martinez is confident key midfielder Marouane Fellaini will stay at Goodison Park this summer.
The 25-year-old has a release clause in his contract, believed to be set at around £22million, and has been heavily linked with a move this summer to either Arsenal or Manchester United – where he could again work under old Everton boss David Moyes.
However, Martinez, who was officially unveiled at Goodison Park last week, believes the Belgium international will opt to stay.
He told the Sun on Sunday: “I don’t think it is an issue. You are not talking about a player who is out of the squad or in negotiations with another club. I won’t look to speak to him about this because there is nothing to speak about.
“What I want is him to be ready for the next season, to be ready to take an important role at the club and understand that it is a big season for him.
“As an individual, he has got an exciting year in front of him and I don’t think he is personally thinking, ‘Am I going to be here?’ I don’t think that’s in his head.”
Martinez will hope to keep Fellaini and also left-back Leighton Baines over the summer, with the England man linked heavily with Manchester United as well, while Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has admitted the new boss will be given some funds to strengthen the squad he inherited from Moyes.
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