Roberto Martinez: Fellaini and Baines pursuit a circus

Image source, AFP

Roberto Martinez has called the transfer window "a footballing circus" after being questioned about Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini.

Manchester United are reported to be preparing a fresh offer after their 拢28m bid for the pair was rejected earlier this month.

The Everton boss declined to answer direct questions on the pair.

But he said of the transfer window: "It is becoming a bit of a footballing circus and it is not helping anyone."

He added: "I am sure the authorities will look at it and do something about it."

Everton called the joint bid "derisory and insulting", while Martinez labelled it a "waste of time", but reports have continued to suggest that both could reunite with former Toffees manager David Moyes.

He added: "There is a lot of speculation and stories, but once you have important games to prepare for, it is a bit of a farcical position that goes against the values we are trying to present in the Premier League.

"Unfortunately it is the reality of the game - I do feel a bit worried about it. It is not getting easier and it is not getting better."

Belgium midfielder Fellaini had a 拢23.5m release clause in his contract which expired at the end of July and Martinez has indicated the 25-year-old will not be allowed to leave for less than that figure.

After United had a 拢12m bid for left-back Baines, 28, rejected in June, they tabled a joint-bid of 拢28m for the pair - 拢16m for Fellaini and 拢12m for Baines.

Fellaini came off the bench and scored an extra-time winner in the 2-1 win over Stevenage in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday, while Baines was an unused substitute.

Everton have signed Wigan Athletic trio Arouna Kone,Antolin Alcaraz and Joel Robles this summer, as well as Gerard Deulofeu on loan from Barcelona.