Everton defender Leighton Baines in dark over Manchester United's reported interest

Everton defender Leighton Baines claims he heard nothing from Manchester United over the summer despite being continually linked with the club.

"At the same time you do have to have that ambition because it doesn't last long and before you know it it'll be over. "The ambition for Everton is to finish as high as we can and if we can build on what we've done so far we have a chance of getting back towards European football. "The main thing in football at club level is the Champions League which is always going to be an aim and if you can do that it strengthens your chances at international level as well. "That's one of the main ambitions and obviously to win a trophy at some point. We lost in a cup final a few years ago [the 2009 FA Cup final to Chelsea] and lost in a semi-final to Liverpool [FA Cup lst season] so we know it's not beyond us."

Bright start

The Toffees have started the season brightly, taking six points from their opening three games, and Baines believes manager David Moyes' achievement of keeping his key players on Merseyside over the summer could be important this term. "Over the last few seasons, we've tended to lose one of our assets each summer, whether it be Joleon [Lescott], Mikel Arteta when he left, Steven Pienaar,'' he added. "This season we've not only managed to keep the squad together but added really good players.''