Manchester United bid for Everton players a 'waste of time'

Roberto Martinez

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says Manchester United's £28m joint bid for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines is a "waste of time".

United's offer of £16m for Fellaini and £12m for Baines was called "derisory and insulting" by Everton on Monday.

Former Toffees boss David Moyes is keen to bring the pair to Old Trafford, but Martinez wants an end to speculation.

"It's been well documented what happened. And it was all a little bit of a waste of time," Martinez said.

"That is time I don't want the players to waste. I won't come out now and carry on talking about the speculation."

Belgium midfielder Fellaini had a £23.5m release clause in his contract which expired at the end of July and Martinez recently indicated he would not be allowed for less than that figure.

United had a £12m bid for left-back Baines knocked back in June but have come back with the same offer.

Both players started in Everton's 2-2 draw with Norwich in their opening Premier League game, and Martinez is keen for the focus to be on their forthcoming fixture with West Brom at Goodison Park.

"I don't believe in getting involved in the transfer window when the games are under way and we are in a very, very important moment of our season," he added.

"We're trying to find our feet, we got a good start under our belts, we've got real competition for places and we've got the visit of West Brom at the weekend."