New Everton boss Martinez keen to reward 'phenomenal' Baines and ward off United

Published: 12:50 EDT, 13 June 2013 | Updated: 03:59 EDT, 14 June 2013

New Everton manager Roberto Martinez hopes rewarding the 'phenomenal' performances of left back Leighton Baines will help keep him out of the clutches of rival clubs.

The England defender has been one of the Toffees' most consistent performers over the last two seasons and the offer of a new contract has already been raised by chairman Bill Kenwright.

Baines, who has two years left on his current deal, has been linked with Manchester United for the last couple of summers and former boss David Moyes's appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Old Trafford will only increase speculation.

On a mission: New boss Roberto Martinez wants Everton to kick on

Key man: Leighton Baines has been phenomenal for Everton

Martinez knows it is vital to retain the services of the 28-year-old and believes underlining his importance with the offer of an improved contract is the way to do it.

'It is very important and it's (about) rewarding players who have been phenomenal for the football club and I think Leighton is in that category,' said the Spaniard.

'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.

International class: Baines in action for England against Brazil

'That's important for the club as a whole, not just the dressing room.'

Martinez also has high expectations of Baines' fellow England defender Phil Jagielka.

The centre back was told by Moyes last season he would assume the captain's armband from the retiring Phil Neville, having done it on the occasions when the veteran midfielder was unavailable.

Martinez sees no reason to change that decision as he believes Jagielka is at the very top of his game.

Leading role: Phil Jagielka will be the new Everton captain

'I've been a big admirer of Phil and I do feel now he is at the peak of his career in terms of the leadership he has achieved when representing England and for a few seasons at Everton,' the new manager told evertontv.

'It is the right moment for him to take that role and for me it is very representative of the standards of the club on a daily basis.

'I know he is going to embrace that role and is going to be a perfect fit for a role which has traditionally been a great honour.'