Season › 2013-14 › News Martinez unfazed by Baines speculation Lyndon Lloyd , 18 October, 0comments | Jump to most recent Roberto Martinez is unperturbed by the constant speculation regarding Leighton Baines, his contract situation and potential suitors as he becomes the subject of more and more column inches following his impressive displays for England over the past week. The closure last month of the transfer window, one in which Manchester United tried and failed to pry the left back away from Everton on the cheap, did little to end media talk linking him with Old Trafford. Indeed, suggestions that David Moyes would return with a fresh offer when the January transfer window opens cropped up almost as soon as the last window closed. Baines would be another six months closer to the end of his current contract by the end of January, but while many supporters have been eagerly waiting for signs that Everton have followed through on their pledge to start contract negotiations with the 28 year-old, his manager has consistently maintained a relaxed air about the situation. Martinez's latest comments in The Guardian are a case in point and they even hint that the club might not address a new deal for the England international until next summer. "I don't think there will be any less speculation if he signs a new contract," Martinez said. "He's not just a top left-back, he's an Evertonian icon. That's what he represents to us. "Signing a contract or not wouldn't change anything. [Edison] Cavani signed a new one and then he got sold a few months later. "Throughout the world of football, top players have become big assets. They are in demand and that's never going to change. "It could be that by next summer the contract becomes an issue," the Spaniard continued, "because you don't want assets to be devalued, but the most important thing for us is he continues enjoying his football and is happy here. "We will never get away from the debate and speculation but I see it as a compliment. No one would talk about a player who wasn't doing well." Quotes or other material sourced from The Guardian About these ads © ToffeeWeb