Everton manager Roberto Martinez has warned potential suitors that Marouane Fellaini will not be sold for less than the recently expired €27.5 million buyout clause.
The Belgium international has been heavily linked with a summer move to Manchester United to link up with former boss David Moyes, but as yet no formal approach has been made.The clause in the ex-Standard Liege midfielder’s contract ceased to exist on July 31, and while Martinez said the club would be willing to listen to bids he insisted the player will not be allowed to leave for anything less than its worth.
"If there is an offer on the table then we will have to look into it," the Spaniard told reporters.
“When you are in a strong position financially you will never sell a player for less than the buyout clause.
"Marouane had that clause in his contract, it was very clear for everyone, and on the 31st of July it expired. From that point on, the club has got complete control, in every single transfer, and that's the way it should be.
“It's the right approach for all parties. Yes, you are sweating on July 30th, 31st, but after that it is just a matter that we don't have to sell players because we are not in a situation where we need an amount of money to balance the books.”
Fellaini, who is Everton’s record signing having arrived from Standard Liege for €17.5m in 2008, remains under contract at Goodison Park for another three years.