Roberto Martinez not concerned about Romelu Lukaku's future

Everton boss Roberto Martinez insists he is not concerned about Romelu Lukaku’s new intermediary, Mino Raiola, casting doubt over his future at the club.

Having added the Belgium striker to a client list already including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Balotelli, Raiola said Lukaku would not have signed for Everton had he been responsible for the player sooner.

After Lukaku missed Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Southampton through injury, Martinez was bullish about the forward's position at the club.

"Mino Raiola is an agent that has worked just a short period of time with a new client," he said. "For whatever reason, he needs to make those comments.

"I am sure every agent will have some sort of comments about his clients. I am not going to get involved talking about an agent."

Lukaku signed for Everton from Chelsea in a £28m deal last July and has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season.

Martinez added: "From my point of view, Romelu is one of the most important signings we have ever made – one that shows the commitment and the investment we have made.

"For me there is not an issue. He has an incredible talent and, at 21, he has a long-term contract. I always speak with Rom and all the players about those situations. Rom made the decision of changing his agent. He is entitled to do that. It is a personal decision.

"But he is a very important player for us. As a football club we showed an incredible respect and integrity in the way we conducted our decisions about him and his career and we will carry on doing that.”