Romelu Lukaku transfer news: Roberto Martinez dismisses exit speculation surrounding Everton striker

The Spaniard also claimed that, following Farhad Moshiri's takeover, the Toffees can financially compete with world football's elite

Roberto Martinez will not consider selling Romelu Lukaku and has claimed that Everton can now hold their own financially with the biggest clubs in the world.

The Belgium international has invited speculation on his future recently by hinting that he would like to play in the Champions League next season.

Lukaku’s agent Mino Raiola subsequently declared that his client was attracting interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

Martinez, however, has insisted that he is not concerned about ‘individual situations’ within his squad and instead praised his leading scorer for showing ambition.

The Spaniard also claimed that following billionaire Farhad Moshiri’s £85million takeover last month, the club can now compete with European football’s elite and replace any player intent on leaving.

"It is not unsettling at all because that should be the aspiration of everyone, wanting to be as good as you can and aspiring to be in the best competitions," Martinez said.

"We need ambitious players and players who can carry the expectations of our football club.

"At Everton we have that aspiration, we want to be in the Champions League, we were knocked out of the League Cup semi-final, we are now in an FA Cup semi-final and we want to continue that momentum.

"What we shouldn't be afraid of is losing players,” he added. “We are in a position where financially we can compete with anyone in the world - things have changed radically in that respect.

"At this present time it doesn't really bother me what the individual situations will be in the summer. The reality is to play for Everton has to be an honour and a privilege.

"The only thing that matters now is the team's future. I'm looking at the talking he does on the pitch and the way he has been growing in confidence this season - that is all that matters."

Lukaku, who has also been linked with moves to Manchester United and former club Chelsea, is the Premier League’s third-highest scorer this season, with 18 goals in 29 appearances.

The 22-year-old moved to Goodison Park from Chelsea for £28million eighteen months ago, following a successful loan spell during the 2013/14 season.

"Three years ago we started working with him having made a huge investment and now you can see why we made that investment," Martinez added.

"It is a real satisfaction he has grown into the player we expected him to be. When you make an investment and you sign a player who doesn't fulfil his potential, that is a worry for a manager.

"To have a player growing all the time and becoming one of the best talents in European football makes you extremely proud."