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Everton yet to open contract talks with Leighton Baines

24 September 2013 - 06:30

Defender Leighton Baines has yet to sit down with his current club Everton and discuss a brand new contract. The England international left back has been linked with a move to Man Utd, but the Toffees are desperate to tie the player down to a new deal.

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Having scored two goals at the weekend against West Ham, Baines continues to impress many with his performances in defence for Everton. Manchester United were very close to securing a move for Baines, but a deal fell through towards the end of the transfer window.<br />

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is ready to offer the player a new deal, but confirmed that no talks are under way as of yet.<br />

&ldquo;At the moment, all we are thinking about is the games and any individual contracts or situations are put aside,&rdquo; said Martinez.<br />

&ldquo;The only thing that concerns me is just to make sure Leighton is as fit as he can be and gets in a stronger position and balances the demands of England and club level.<br />

&ldquo;That&rsquo;s what I&rsquo;m focused on, that his day to day is perfect. Everything else, behind the scenes we&rsquo;re happy with the situation and we&rsquo;re making sure he&rsquo;s happy as well.<br />

&ldquo;He is in a great moment of his career. In the last two games, Leighton has been sensational, probably because he&rsquo;s been able to relax and enjoy his football.<br />

&ldquo;His contribution, to be able to score goals from dead ball situations is a massive strength in any team, and he&rsquo;s in a moment where the next three or four years are the best in his career.&rdquo;

Written by Ketan Patel