Roberto Martínez has declined to comment on claims from Romelu Lukaku’s agent that Everton would sell the striker if the right offer came in.
Mino Raiola reportedly told a French radio station they had been given the manager’s blessing amid rumours of interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
But Martínez was unwilling to go into the issue, saying: “I’m not here to try to do the job of an agent. I’m not going to entertain any sort of rumours and speculation. I have to do that during the transfer window, against my wishes, so as you can understand I’m quite happy now not to go into any comments.”
Lukaku, the club’s record signing, has made a good start to the season after an inconsistent first campaign as a permanent Everton player, scoring seven goals in 13 appearances.
Martínez said: “With Romelu, it has been a joy to see him growing and developing from a very young age. He’s had a very important role with us and now I feel he’s in the perfect moment to kick on and even take more responsibility on the pitch. All that matters to everyone at Everton is Romelu can keep fulfilling that role, keep enjoying his football and being very important for the team.”
Martínez defended his decision to stand by Tim Howard for Sunday’s Premier League game against Sunderland, insisting the goalkeeper’s experience is crucial for a young Everton defence. Howard was culpable in Everton’s 2-1 defeat by Arsenal last weekend and his replacement Joel Robles impressed in the Capital One Cup penalty shootout win over Norwich City on Tuesday.
Martínez, however, confirmed immediately after the cup tie that the 36-year-old American would reclaim his place in the Premier League, saying Howard’s experience should not be overlooked given the fledgling nature of the Everton defence.
“The balance between young players and experience is important in any team,” said the manager. “Young players bring bravery but it is important to have old hands around the team. It’s important to have these players in the team. You need that know-how and direction and that’s why Tim Howard has been so important to us in good and bad moments of form.”
Seamus Coleman is expected to miss Sunday’s game through illness and, with Phil Jagielka sidelined until late December with a knee injury plus Leighton Baines a week away from a return, Martínez’s only fit defenders to face Sam Allardyce’s team are Tyias Browning, John Stones, Ramiro Funes Mori and Brendan Galloway.
Martínez did take time to praise the impact Allardyce has already had at Sunderland after leading them to a derby win over Newcastle last week. “Sam Allardyce’s career speaks for itself. His record is impressive. He gets his players fired up and they will perform at Goodison,” he said.
