No Baines, no gains - Rob wants ace to stay

ROBERTO MARTINEZ has underlined his desire to keep Leighton Baines at Everton by describing him as an “icon”.

New Manchester United manager David Moyes has already seen a £12million bid for Baines rejected.

And Goodison Park boss Martinez insists the player is going nowhere.

He described Baines as the best left-back in the country — and challenged him to prove it by forcing his way into England’s starting line-up ahead of Ashley Cole.

Martinez said: “Leighton is more than a player, he is an icon.

“He has a key role to play in a big season for the club.

“He represents a lot about our football club and I am 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 he is the best in the country.

“I can’t wait to start working with him.

“He is vital for our future and for what we are going to achieve.”

Martinez is not fazed by the efforts of his Everton predecessor, Moyes, to lure Baines to Old Trafford.

He added: “A lot of people sometimes get upset when other clubs show an interest in your players.

“I always feel that it is a real compliment — it means Leighton is working and progressing really well.

“It’s a very important year for him in terms of setting standards and trying to reach important things at the club.

“And, in a World Cup year, we are looking forward to seeing that real consistency of performances and making sure he can be himself.”