Everton manager Roberto Martínez has said James McCarthy is not for sale at any price after Manchester City showed an interest in signing the Republic of Ireland midfielder.

Tottenham were keen on McCarthy, 24, this summer but now face competition from City, who want to bolster their stock of homegrown players after being rebuffed in their attempt to sign Fabian Delph from Aston Villa.

Martínez said: “He’s not for sale. My responsibility is to bring competition into the squad and we have strong competition for places. We don’t want to lose that. We’re not in a position where we have to sell to balance the books and want to create a winning team.

“James McCarthy is a top performer. He has shown that over recent years. We know what he brings with young legs and good energy. He’s a vital part of our squad.”

McCarthy, a £13m signing from Wigan in 2013, was in action on Wednesday as Everton beat Stoke 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in Singapore’s Asia Trophy. Arsenal will be Everton’s opponents in Saturday night’s final after they beat a Singapore XI 4-0.

“It was a very interesting game,” Martínez said of his team’s match. “It was more than a pre-season game. Normally you’re looking to that physical aspect. On top of that it was really competitive. And to win the shootout was very pleasing. All in all a terrific exercise.

“Steven Pienaar had a knock in the first half, but was able to carry on. It was always the plan to come off at half-time. McCarthy has a knock on the ankle. He over-extended it. But he carried on and came off more as a precaution than anything.”

(Guardian service)