Everton boss Roberto Martinez: Manchester United pursuit of Seamus Coleman is a 'waste of time'

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has strongly dismissed reports linking Seamus Coleman with a move to Manchester United and urged any clubs interested in the full-back not to waste their time.

In the early weeks of 2015, Coleman, 26, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford amid reports suggesting Louis van Gaal has identified the Irishman as his long-term solution at right-back.

Rafael da Silva is United's only natural option in that position but the Brazilian's unrelenting struggles with injury could prompt the club to pursue a more reliable option.

In a season where Everton have struggled to replicate last season's feats, Coleman has emerged as a candidate for the role but Martinez insists the club will not be listening to offers.

"I've have said before that all that matters is to get some good momentum in the league and be as strong as we can be in the cups, so obviously we are not entertaining that sort of speculation of big sales," Martinez told reporters.

"We are not going to sell big assets we have at this football club in the January window, so those stories from the outside are a waste of time."

Samuel Eto'o has also been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park in recent weeks. The 33-year-old striker, who joined the club on a free transfer from Chelsea last summer, has emerged as a target for Serie A side Sampdoria, with reports in the Italian press suggesting head coach Sinisa Mihajlovic had personally called him about a move.

But Martinez dismissed talk of an offer for the ex-Barcelona star.

"I know there has been a lot of speculation but we haven't been contacted," he added. "We have had no conversations about that issue at all."