Roberto Martinez has claimed the transfer window is 'getting out of hand' and insists players are affected by failed offers from other clubs.
In a week that brought another bid from Manchester United for Everton's star pair Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, the Goodison Park manager is clearly troubled by the attempts to unsettle his top talents as the season is already underway.
The Premier League champions want to strengthen their squad before the end of the transfer window with manager David Moyes keen to be reunited with the duo, but Everton dismissed their latest offer of £28m for the pair as 'derisory and insulting'.
While United prepare to return with another £35m bid, Martinez said: 'It's getting out of hand, it is affecting the minds of the players.'
Wanted men: Leighton Baines (left) and Marouane Fellaini were the subject of a bid from Manchester United
Martinez added that there was no desire to sell the players and commended them on their attitude but admitted chairman Bill Kenwright has been left angered and disappointed by United's approach and it has caused some ill-feeling towards former Everton boss Moyes.
'They have been very professional,' Martinez said. 'I could not be more proud of their professionalism and how they have behaved. They are two great assets and very respectful towards the club.
'They understand that we are right at the start of the season. We want to prepare and be as good as we can on the pitch.
Strong words: Roberto Martinez has claimed the two players have been affected by the speculation
'I have seen a bit of everything (from the chairman). You need to understand that when you make a massive investment in a player and you see them emerge.
'You are going to be angry, disappointed and hurt. They are the emotions. But the chairman has always been in control of the matter.'
United are believed to be preparing a new offer of £35million after their £28m bid last week was rejected and called 'insulting and derisory' by Everton - but Martinez insisted no fresh bid has been received.
Making his move: David Moyes wants to be reunited with Baines and Fellaini after managing them at Everton
'Everything has been quiet on that front,' said Martinez. 'That is the way we are going to deal with the window. We are trying to focus on ourselves.
'There is no temptation (to sell). We want to keep our best performers and that is where we are. You get into a debate when a club matches the valuation but that has never been the case.
'We want to keep our most important players. It has been well reported (what happened with Baines and Fellaini) and we take it as a football compliment and move on.'
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