• Premier League

Barkley is up and running ahead of schedule

Everton boss Roberto Martinez insists he has had no approach from Manchester City for Ross Barkley.

Widespread reports have suggested that City are lining up a bid for the England midfielder next summer.

Martinez and Everton have stated repeatedly that they have no intention of selling the 20-year-old, who is currently recovering from a knee injury.

Martinez suggested last December that Manchester United's reported plans to make an offer of £50 million would not even be enough to get Barkley on loan.

Everton's determination to hold on to the midfielder was reaffirmed when he signed a contract extension in July, which commits him to the club until 2018.

Asked if there had been contact from any club regarding Barkley, Martinez answered: "No."

Discussing the reports of City's approach, the manager said: "I don't think it's anything to comment on. From my point of view, that's something that is a rumour and we'll leave it there.

"We've spoken enough in the past about potential interest and I always say the same thing. We take it as a footballing compliment and we'll move on.

"All we want from Ross now is to be able to get him fully fit and ready to enjoy his football and help the team. We are looking forward to that day."

Barkley has yet to play for Everton this season, having suffered knee ligament damage in training on August 15, the day before their opening Premier League fixture at Leicester.

He is not expected to return until November, although estimates as to how long he will be out have varied since he sustained the injury.

The midfielder is back in light training, but Martinez is reluctant to rush him. "It's a difficult situation, because you're going to ask me every day to give you an update - and medicine and football don't go hand in hand," the manager said.

"In football, you want the player to be fit tomorrow and medicine always wants an extra day. Somewhere down the line, those two don't marry together.

"But he's doing really well. He's starting to run and that's something we didn't expect until next week. The next bit will be introducing the ball. I do expect that it's going to be a few weeks still. But he's well ahead of what we expected, and it's all positive."

Ross Barkley is recovering from knee ligament damage © Getty Images

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