Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley

Roberto Martinez has stated that he will not sanction the sale of Ross Barkley even if a world record bid is tabled for the Everton midfielder in January.

Barkley has been enjoying a remarkable season at Everton under their current manager. He has scored three goals for the Toffees in their current league campaign with his latest one coming in the victory against Swansea City.

The 20-year-old was handed his Everton debut in 2011 by the current Manchester United manager David Moyes, and his performances have put many managers wanting to acquire the midfielder's services.

He is currently contracted to the club till 2016 and despite rumours linking him with other big clubs across the country, Martinez has reiterated his desire to not sell Barkley when the winter transfer window commences in January.

The 40-year-old went on to praise the English international who received his first call-up for the England senior team in August 2013. The former Wigan Athletic manager wants the youngster to concentrate and focus on improving his skills.

"It is not the right time for the player or the club to consider anything. Even if we got a Gareth Bale-size valuation we would never even consider it in January," Martinez explained.

"Ross is in a moment of his career where first, he knows that he needs to carry on developing and this is the perfect place to do that. Second, he is a mad Evertonian and enjoying every single second."

"And third, we are in the middle of a season where we would never, ever consider disrupting what we have got in our squad now," he said.

Everton have only lost one league game this campaign and Barkley has played in all but one game which was in their 4-0 victory at home against Stoke City. He was overjoyed at having scored the winner to ensure their 2-1 victory away from home at Swansea.

"It was a special moment today. We didn't play so well in the first half but we were better in the second. I thought the goal was coming, I saw the free-kick and took my opportunity," Barkley told the club's official site.