Ross Barkley transfer: Everton claim midfielder is not for sale with Manchester City weighing up £50m offer

City have been linked a move for the 20-year-old England international

Roberto Martinez (right) and Ross Barkley during the summer after the midfielder agreed his new four-year deal (evertonfc.com)

Everton have attempted to curb Manchester City's enthusiasm of signing the crown jewel of their midfield, Ross Barkley, by claiming the player is not for sale.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the 20-year-old will not be allowed to leave and is an integral part of the Toffees' long-term plans, although City are believed to still be interested in the £50m Barkley to boost the club's home-grown quota.

The midfielder, who is six weeks away from a return to fitness after suffering knee ligament damage in training during the summer, only signed a new four-year contract with the club in July.

He broke into the Everton first-team last season, making 38 appearances for the club in all competitions

Manager Roberto Martinez said has said in the summer that Barkley is a "massive" part of his squad, and that his "best is yet to come".

"There is still a long way to go in his development but he is a massive part of our squad," Martinez had said.

"Every Evertonian will tell you Ross Barkley is the kind of player you buy a ticket to see. He brings back memories of some of the legends we’ve had at this club and the best is yet to come.”