Everton manager Roberto Martinez has made it clear that he is determined to keep England international Leighton Baines at the club.
The Spaniard described the former Wigan Athletic star as one of the "best left-backs" in the Premier League, and said that he is relishing the prospect of working with him.
"For me, Leighton has been the best left-back in the league for a few seasons now, and I'm really excited to work with him," The Mirror quotes Martinez as saying.
"This dressing room finished top six and it is one of the most impressive teams, who have developed a winning mentality - it is something we cannot afford to lose."
Baines has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United since former Everton boss David Moyes moved to Old Trafford, but Blues chairman Bill Kenwright has already issued a 'hands-off' warning to the Scot.
"Leighton is under contract, and I've told David not to come back for him," said Kenwright.
"Most of our players, if not all of them, are under good, long contracts at the moment, and Roberto went through each of the players, talking on my sofa, saying what they could do.
"He is looking forward to getting all of them together and keeping hold of them. He rates them all."
Baines has two years remaining on his current Everton contract.
Mark Langshaw
