ROBERTO MARTINEZ has reaffirmed Everton’s intention to offer Leighton Baines a new contract.

The England defender is a reported target for Manchester United but the Blues are keen to keep hold of their current Player of the Year.

Baines has established himself as one of Europe’s best left-backs and Martinez wants the 28-year-old to be part of the new era at Goodison Park.

The Kirkby-born player described Martinez as a “terrific manager” in the days before his appointment as successor to David Moyes.

And the 39-year-old Spaniard has returned the compliment saying that Baines has been a “top performer” for the Blues who is well deserving of a new contract.

Baines signed a five year contract with Everton in June 2010 and Martinez says it is time offer him fresh terms.

“It is very important and it’s (a case of) rewarding players who have been phenomenal for the football club, and I think Leighton is in that category,” he said.

“The chairman is very keen to express that and obviously I’m desperately looking forward to meeting the players.

“For Leighton, as the top performer he has been in the last few years, it is important that we reward his work and make sure that he can look forward to kicking-on and go into the next chapter of his career with Everton.”

Phil Jagielka has also received high praise from the new Everton boss who confirmed that the England defender would retain the club captaincy.

“I think it is the right moment for him to take that role and, for me, he represents the standards of our football club on a daily basis,” said Martinez.

“I am a big admirer of Phil Jagielka and I do feel that now is the peak of his career in terms of leadership and what he has achieved when representing England, the role he has had for the national team and the role he has had for a few seasons at Everton.

“He is going to embrace the role and be the perfect fit for a role that has been, traditionally, a great honour at the football club.

“He is going to be a phenomenal captain at the football club.”