Everton manager David Moyes has hit out at midfielder Marouane Fellaini following the Belgium international's controversial comments.

The 24-year-old told a Belgian newspaper that he could leave Goodison Park in the January transfer window but has since backtracked on his statement.

"I think sometimes the players, when they go away on international duty, have their egos massaged and things are said when they maybe think they are talking to a different audience," ESPN quotes Moyes as saying.

"They think maybe they can say things which don't matter. Well, it does matter and I've made Marouane aware of that. The transfer window shut a while ago, so it doesn't really matter. These things happen. I've had a word with him and we move on."

Meanwhile, the Toffees are preparing to face Newcastle United on Monday.