Everton manager Roberto Martinez hits out at agent's attempts to unsettle striker

Lukaku has in the past been targeted by Manchester United, and now PSG

ROBERTO MARTINEZ has taken a swipe at Romelu Lukaku’s agent after Mino Raiola claimed he was prepared to sell the Everton striker.

 

Raiola was quoted as saying Martinez would be willing to sell Lukaku for the “right offer” – just 15 months after signing him permanently for £28m from Chelsea.

But Martinez said: “I am not here to try and do the job of the agent. I’m not going to entertain any rumours or speculation. We have to do that during the transfer window against my wishes, so as you can understand, I’m quite happy not to go into any comments.

“What the agents do is their own prerogative.

 

“Our focus is on the weekend and win as many games as we can. It’s been a joy to see Rom develop, and now he’s in the perfect moment to take more responsibility on the pitch. 

“It’s important that Rom can keep fulfilling that role.”

Raiola said Lukaku would not have joined Everton if he had represented him earlier in his career and said this week: ““Lukaku to PSG? We had a discussion with Martinez, he said he would let him leave Everton if a good offer comes in.

 

Martinez was unimpressed by Raiola's comments

“But talking about the transfer window now makes no sense.”

Everton face Sunderland on Sunday having not won in the Premier League for a month, since the 3-2 win over West Brom.

Sunderland were boosted by last week’s derby win over Newcastle, although their last four wins over their neighbours have been followed by a defeat.

 

“We are facing a team in a good moment, but we are desperate to get back to winning ways and enjoying our football,” said Martinez.

Seamus Coleman is a doubt with a stomach bug.