EVERTON are adamant none of their leading players are for sale ahead of the transfer window opening later this week.

The Goodison outfit are bracing themselves for possible bids for both Mikel Arteta and Joleon Lescott, with the pair having been linked with interest from Premier League rivals in recent months.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of Spanish schemer Arteta, and is in the market for a creative midfielder following the serious knee injury suffered by Cesc Fabregas.

Manchester City are also tracking Arteta, and are believed to be readying an £8million offer for Lescott as Mark Hughes strives to bolster his team’s leaky defence.

However, Everton have warned any would-be suitors they are wasting their time as David Moyes looks to retain the core of a squad that moved up to sixth after two wins over the festive period.

Arteta scored twice in Sunday’s 3-0 home win over Sunderland, and believes the Goodison Park outfit are now targeting European qualification.

During the last 12 months, Everton have amassed 64 points from 38 games, a total they have not reached since last winning the championship in 1987.