Martinez Clarifies Rumours Surrounding United Defensive Target

Roberto Martinez has insisted that Leighton Baines did not hand in a transfer request at Everton in order to push through a move to Manchester United this week.

Rumours have claimed that David Moyes has returned with an improved bid for both Marouane Fellaini and Baines after seeing an initial offer of £28m for the pair rejected.

Moyes is believed to be pushing hard to bring at least Fellaini to the club but it was believed that Baines is also undergoing formal talks with Everton in which he has told Martinez that he would like to leave the club for United.

Martinez denies such talks ever took place though and insists that both Baines and Fellaini have been complete professionals amidst the talk of a move to the current title holders.

When asked if Baines had asked to leave the Toffees, Martinez replied: "No. You are going to get so many stories. The two players have been true professionals and that is what I want, players that are dedicated to the club and dedicated to the team.

"I am not going to entertain any rumours or speculation. At the moment I really feel for the game. We are concentrating on rumours too much. There is nothing to tell. If there is anything to tell, we will tell our fans straight away."

But he refused to confirm or deny that United may have put in another offer for the duo who will no doubt be getting anxious over where their future lies beyond Monday.

"There is nothing to comment," he said. "I don't want to be dealing with whatever is going on between clubs. I am concentrating on preparing the team for Cardiff [on Saturday]."