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Kevin Mirallas remains integral to Roberto Martinez’s plans at Everton despite constant rumours of a summer departure.

The Belgium international is regularly linked with a move away from Goodison Park, but Martinez is adamant Mirallas is going nowhere.

Blues boss Martinez says the 27-year-old’s goal threat is vital to Everton and he sees the former Olympiakos forward as an essential part of the squad as they bid to challenge for European qualification again next term.

Atletico Madrid were said to have inquired about his availability in January and Spurs are another side reportedly interested in Mirallas, whose contract expires next summer.

But the Blues have the option of extending his deal by an another season and Martinez has no intention of cashing in on the player who has scored 26 goals in 100 appearances for the club.

Injury kept Mirallas out of the Everton squad for 10 days last month but he returned to the side as a late substitute in the draw with Swansea City last weekend.

And asked if the player was in his plans for next season, Martinez declared: “Absolutely.

“Kevin picked up a really difficult injury when you are a sprinter like he is.

“He has had a soft tissue problem so we need to be careful. Now he is getting to 100% and Kevin has been a really important player for us in the last two years and his goal scoring threat is something that we really need in the team.

“He is a player I really love working with and he still has a lot to offer.”

Mirallas put his Everton future in doubt in February when he was quoted as saying: “I like it over here, but I feel ready for a new challenge. I dream of playing in the Champions League next season. With Everton or with another club. I just have to see after the season.”

Martinez, however, insists the forward’s words were lost in translation. “I think those comments were taken out of context,” he said.

“When you are a foreign player - and I know because I have been in that situation - and you do an interview with someone from your nation and all they do is ask you about playing in the best competitions.

"And, of course, you want to show desire but he has never been disrespectful to our football club or our team. He is ambitious and we are an ambitious football club and so that is a very good match.”