Everton boss Roberto Martinez has rejected suggestions that he will be forced to sell in the summer transfer window.

The likes of James McCarthy, John Stones and Ross Barkley have all been linked with moves elsewhere, but Martinez has stated that the club will not be under pressure to offload key members of their squad.

He told the club's official website: "We're not looking to sell any of our big assets. We're really excited with the young players, we don't have to sell the assets and we are in a very strong position to cope with whatever happens in the window.

"They're coveted players of course, and we should all be very proud of their development."

The Blues slipped to a 2-0 defeat to Sunderland at Goodison Park on Saturday.