Transfer news: Marouane Fellaini sees £22m buy-out clause expire with no moves from Manchester United or Arsenal - much to the relief of Everton
New Everton manager pleased the £22m clause in Fellaini's contract expired on 31 July
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Your support makes all the difference.Everton manager Roberto Martinez has spoken of his relief that the £22m buy-out clause in Marouane Fellaini's contract expired at the end of July, and despite speculation linking Fellaini and Leighton Baines with moves to join up with former manager David Moyes at Manchester United, he is confident the players will remain at Goodison Park.
"Marouane had a buy-out clause where it was very straightforward. If someone met that valuation, the club had no say,” Martinez revealed.
“That finished on 31 July so you can imagine during that period everyone was a bit expectant about what would happen. Once that date went, you just focus on working for the next season.
"I'm not concerned at all at the moment (about players leaving).
"The window is open and until it closes (on 2 September) you're going to get speculation, you're going to get a lot of talk, not just at Everton. It's the norm."
Martinez is still in the market for new signings himself, having brought Gerard Deulofeu and former Wigan trio Joel Robles, Antolin Alcaraz and Arouna Kone to the club this summer.
But he revealed the form of teenagers Ross Barkley and John Stones has made him even more confident about the squad he already has.
"I've been very impressed with the youngsters," the former Wigan manager said.
"Ross Barkley and John Stones have really surprised me. I knew they had a fantastic future, but what they've got is a very special present, and that excites me.
"You always need to keep looking to try to help the players we've got at the club but we're not looking for a specific number. If we don't bring anyone in, I'll be happy."
Martinez was excited by the performances of Baines and Phil Jagielka in England's victory over Scotland on Wednesday night.
Left-back Baines played the full 90 minutes and set up the deciding goal for Rickie Lambert in England's 3-2 win at Wembley while centre-back Jagielka was replaced late on.
Everton were also represented in the Scotland side, with midfielder Steven Naismith a late substitute.
Martinez will take charge of his first competitive Everton game away at Norwich on Saturday, and he said: "I thought it was one of the best friendlies that I've seen for a long time at international level.
"From my point of view I was so impressed with the roles of Phil and Leighton. They play with a real swagger, real composure.
"I thought Leighton Baines was really influential in the second half. I saw him enjoying his football, getting forward and in great positions, and he had a massive effect on the winning goal.
"Phil Jagielka looks a proper veteran playing for England and that gives you a sense of composure."
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