NEVILLE SOUTHALL believes Everton’s in-demand stars should resist overtures from the Premier League’s top sides this summer to remain at Goodison Park.

The likes of Jack Rodwell, Marouane Fellaini and player of the season Leighton Baines have all been linked with big money moves in recent months, as Blues boss David Moyes faces a fight to keep his squad together.

Moyes guided his side to seventh in the Premier League table and is desperate to retain the services of his prized assets.

But with Chelsea said to be interested in Fellaini, free-spending Manchester City linked with both Baines and Rodwell, and transfer funds in short supply, fears have grown that the Blues may be forced to cash in on at least one of the trio, in order to strengthen their squad.

Southall, however, believes Goodison Park is the ideal place for any professional to play their football, and has paid tribute to the loyalty of the club’s supporters.

“Why anyone would want to leave Everton is beyond me anyway,” said Southall. “Even for Manchester United, Chelsea or anyone. This is the place to be.

“This club is in the best city in the world, the best football city in the world and with the best football fans in the world.

“Goodison is always a special place for me. The fans were absolutely magnificent to me back in my time and I have never come across fans as good as the Everton fans anywhere that I have been.

“When you are playing I don’t think you always realise how much the fans really love the club and how much time and money they put in to following the club.

“If you could bottle the commitment the Everton fans show then I’m sure the players – even the ones in my day – would all do even better.

“When you speak to people and realise the sacrifices they make then it makes some of the money flying about in the game today seem quite embarrassing really.”

Southall helped the Toffees to two league titles and two FA Cups, as well as a European Cup Winners’ Cup, during his time at Goodison, and was named Footballer of the Year in 1985 – the last goalkeeper to claim the honour.

He is also Everton’s all-time appearance record holder, but says he would like to see his 750-game haul bettered in the future.

“It is great for me to have the record but I genuinely hope someone beats it,” he added.

“If someone was to beat it then that would mean whoever it was had been at the club an awfully long time and that the club had found a good long-serving player.”