The sharks can circle as much as they want, but Roberto Martinez won’t be persuaded to part with Ross Barkley.
The Everton manager has once again reiterated his desire to keep his star young midfielder, claiming that he has no need to sell.
Martinez also revealed there is no buy-out clause in Barkley’s new contract that could make him an easy target.
Barkley returned to action last Saturday in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa and then made his first European appearance in Thursday’s 0-0 draw at Lille.
The 20-year-old had picked up an injury on the opening day of the season, but he is fit again and will take his place for this lunchtime’s trip to Burnley.
And Martinez is delighted to have him around.
“It is not easy to get footballers like Ross or John Stones,” he argues. “We want Ross to keep developing and he can do that at Everton.
“We are a club that does not have to sell. We have gone past that period and the football club is in a fantastic moment financially.
“All the speculation and talk is positive because you don’t get any of that when your players are not playing well or they haven’t got potential.”
Everton have faced similar scenarios with other young players. Wayne Rooney went to Manchester United and flourished. Jack Rodwell signed for Manchester City and is trying to re-establish himself at Sunderland.
Martinez wants Barkley to lead Everton into a new era, rather than opt for what looks like the easy option elsewhere.
“It’s no good saying ‘I want to have success’ and then have no responsibility about it,” reasons the Spaniard.
“I heard many players say they want to move clubs because they want to win titles. They’re in the wrong business.
“You need to take the responsibility of winning things, otherwise you’re not that good if you cannot affect the results of your team.
“Our young players are respectful of the older players but arrogant enough to understand they have big roles here. They expect that if they stay, they’ll bring success and not the other way round.
“Look at Michael Owen. He left Liverpool to go to Real Madrid to win titles, then Liverpool won the Champions League.
“So, sometimes as a player, you need to be careful what you wish for.”
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