BILL KENWRIGHT insists Everton will do all that they can to keep hold of their star names this summer – and will start by offering Leighton Baines a new contract at Goodison Park.

Baines, along with Marouane Fellaini, has been linked persistently with a move away from Merseyside in recent months. David Moyes, appointed as new Manchester United manager last month, is believed to be interested in the pair. But Kenwright has expressed his determination to keep hold of both. Having unveiled Roberto Martinez as his new boss earlier this week, the Blues chairman now intends to speak with Baines about extending his contract with the club. The England left-back's current deal still has two years left to run.

"Leighton is under contract and I've told David not to come back for him, although there is nothing to stop him," said Kenwright.

"Most of our players, if not all of them, are under good, long contracts at the moment. There has been no back-and-forward dialogue with Leighton about a new contract but that will start. He knows we want him.”

Kenwright had revealed at Martinez's unveiling on Wednesday that one Everton player – understood to be Fellaini – had an “escape clause”, which would allow him to negotiate with clubs who meet a set figure.

Along with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are believed to hold an interest in the Belgian, though Everton are yet to receive a bid which would trigger the clause. Kenwright insists the midfielder has not expressed any desire to leave the club at this stage.

He said: "Marouane has given every indication he doesn't want to go. I think people were looking to see what was going to happen with the manager – the players have all been asking me – and Roberto's appointment is a decisive moment for a lot of people. Roberto is looking forward to keeping hold of the players. He rates them all."

Martinez himself is a big fan of Baines and added: “For me, Leighton has been the best left-back in the league for a few seasons now and I’m really excited to work with him.”