The Toffees are not going to let their prized assets leave easily.
Everton have sent out a statement of intent to Manchester United, with a stance to reject all bids from the Premier League champions for Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, reports the Guardian.
Both players have been strongly linked with United since former Toffees boss of 11 years, David Moyes, took over the reigns at Old Trafford from Sir Alex Ferguson this summer.
The Red Devils are desperate to improve their midfield following the retirement of Paul Scholes and with the continued pursuit of Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas appearing to be in the vain, Fellaini could be a very realistic alternative.
Similarly with current left-back Patrice Evra now 32-years-old and Baines regarded as one of the best full-backs in the country, the two men are the only sensible options who could make the step up to playing for United.
Of course understandably the Merseyside outfit don’t want to let their two best players leave the club and new manager Roberto Martinez wants to hold onto the best assets.
However, with the spending power Moyes now has at the Scot’s disposal, United could seriously test the 50-year-old’s former side’s resolve – with the English title holders prepared to raise their offer to £40m for the pair.
A bid in the region of this mark would be extremely difficult to turn down and Martinez would be able to use the funds to reinvest in the team ahead of the Spaniard’s first campaign at Goodison Park.
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