Martinez stands firm on January exit rumours

Everton manager Roberto Martinez swatted away suggestions Everton could be forced to sell their key players when the January transfer window opens in just a few weeks time.

After resisting the overtures of Chelsea over the summer Martinez may have thought the rumours surrounding John Stones would've come to an end.

Unfortunately the rumour mill has cranked into gear again with Chelsea, Manchester United and even Barcelona being linked with a move for the England defender.

Martinez refused to entertain such rumours in his press conference prior to this weekend's game against Aston Villa.

The Spaniard insists the club are not interested in selling any of their established players and reiterated that he is not under any financial pressure to sell, despite the latest financial results revealing a loss of £4m.

When asked whether key players would be leaving in January, Martinez said:

"Not at all, no. We're not in a position where we have to make financial decisions like that.

"The focus is clearly on trying to be strong together and having a real continuity. From our point of view, the window will be to try to see if there is anything we can do to help the squad we have.

"If there are any opportunities, we will always look into it. But we don't look at this window as one to be really involved, to bring players in or sell players."