Leighton Baines is integral to Roberto Martinez's plans

Roberto Martinez has no intentions of selling Leighton Baines

Roberto Martinez has urged Leighton Baines to stay at the club as the new Everton manager calls the England defender an ‘icon’.

Leighton Baines has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United since the arrival of former Everton boss David Moyes at Old Trafford.

However, Martinez has said that Baines is a key part to his plans for the upcoming season and he is clearly not intending to sell the 28-year-old left-back.

Martinez told the Everton website: “I think Leighton is more than a player, he is an icon.”

“He represents a lot about our football club and I am really, really excited about Leighton. This is a big season for him and for us as a club.

“When you are the left-back of this football club, and the level that he has been reaching over the last few years consistently, it shows me that he is the best left-back in the country. I can’t wait to start working with him.”