United in battle for Baines

Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes Leighton Baines is vital to the club’s future and has warned Manchester United he will fight to keep the England international.

The Spaniard described the 28-year-old defender as “phenomenal” and said the standard he had produced over the last couple of years made him the best left-back in the country.

Everton last week turned down a £12 million bid from United after former Toffees boss David Moyes returned to his old club in an attempt to cherry-pick one of their prized assets.