Roberto Martinez: Marouane Fellaini release clause expired on July 31

Everton manager Roberto Martinez

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that his star player Marouane Fellaini’s release clause in the contract has expired last month.

ESPN reports that the midfielder had a release clause of £22 million in his contract (which is expired now), leading to speculation that the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal might activate that clause.

However, Martinez, who succeeded current Manchester United boss David Moyes at Everton this summer, has stated that an exit for the Belgium international is not on the cards.

Martinez said: “Marouane had a clause that was very straightforward, but that finished on July 31. Everyone was a bit expectant. We now focused on adding to the squad.”

United are also linked with Everton left-back Leighton Baines but Martinez is confident that his key players will not leave Merseyside.

“I’m not concerned at all. I’m looking internally at our squad and this (speculation) is normal. Until it closes, you will get speculation,” the former Wigan manager said.

“Not just at Everton but every other club. Up until now, all we have done is talk about speculation. Now this is the start of the season and we can look forward. It does not affect us internally.

“We need to make sure we start the season well and we want to close the window with the strongest possible squad. Then you can evaluate. This is not a moment to set targets in terms of points.”