Everton manager Roberto Martinez has made it vehemently clear that he has no intentions of selling James McCarthy.

The 24-year-old midfielder has emerged on the radar of Manchester City after they missed out on Aston Villa captain Fabian Delph but the Toffees have issued a hands-off warning to Manuel Pellegrini's club.

"He's not for sale," said Martinez after Everton beat Stoke City on penalties to progress to the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy in Singapore.

"My responsibility is to try to keep bringing competition into the squad. I think what we have got now is a very strong competition for places and we don't want to lose that.

"We are not in a situation at this football club that we have to sell to balance the books. What we want is to be successful and create a winning team.

"James McCarthy has been a top performer in the last few seasons. At the age of 24, to be over 300 games shows the know-how he brings, together with young legs and good energy.

"He is a vital part of our squad.

"It's important that we keep improving, keep getting stronger and that is the only focus we have - not losing assets."

Republic of Ireland international McCarthy joined Everton from Wigan Athletic in 2013 and has since appeared close to 80 times in all competitions for the Toffees.