Everton Confirm Contract Talks Yet to Begin with Manchester United Target

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that the club are yet to open negotiations with Leighton Baines over a new contract despite Manchester United's clear pursuit of the left-back.

United boss David Moyes was keen for Baines to join him at Old Trafford in the summer but failed with at least two offers for the England international, however, they were successful in landing his former teammate Marouane Fellaini.

There is a belief that Moyes could well return with another bid when the January transfer window opens, especially with Patrice Evra suggesting that he is prepared to leave the club at the end of the season.

Baines is still under contract until the summer of 2015 and it seems Everton feel they are under no pressure to immediately begin discussions despite Manchester United's interest.

"There's no train of thought on that at the moment," Martinez told Sky Sports. "All that matters is that Leighton is enjoying his football. That's the only thing I'm focusing on."

The former Wigan defender has once again been in impressive form for both club and country this season, and it seems the speculation over the summer has done little to cause him unrest.

Martinez added.: "He's increasing all his personal stats. I think all his performance stats have improved from last season.

"That, for me, is very important - someone of his age and maturity is starting to enjoy his football in a great manner. The fact that he's developed his performance level as he has in the early weeks of the season is very significant. That's what matters to me.

"Everything else is just a case of trying to find an issue from the outside and see what we will comment on."

Everton have made a steady start to the new campaign, losing just one game but drawing three and currently sitting in seventh place, one position and four points above Manchester United.