Roberto Martinez: 'Marouane Fellaini's buyout clause has expired'

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed that the buyout clause in midfielder Marouane Fellaini's contract has expired.

The Belgium international is thought to have had a release clause worth £22m at Goodison Park, which earlier reports claimed that Manchester United manager David Moyes would meet in order to lure the midfielder to Old Trafford.

While it had been claimed that the clause expired on July 31, Martinez has today confirmed that it no longer exists.

"It's well documented that Marouane's contract has a clause," BBC Sport quotes Martinez as saying. "That clause expired on 31 July and as you can imagine for a manager that gives you a real sense of celebration when that day arrives.

"We are in a position where I don't mind having other clubs look at my players because that means they are doing good things."

Fellaini's teammate Leighton Baines has also been linked with a move to the Premier League champions, but Martinez suggested this week that United have ended their interest in the England international.