Everton new boy James McCarthy knows he will have to work hard to justify his price tag – but is confident that he can flourish under Roberto Martinez.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder joined the Toffees from Wigan for an initial £13m fee last week and is prepared to bide his time before making his mark.

He said: “It is a price tag and one I need to deal with. I am looking forward to trying to prove why I am here.

“It is not going to be easy, we have got a lot of competition for places. I am going to give it my best shot and hopefully I can do well.”

McCarthy admitted that the opportunity to renew acquaintances with his former Wigan manager Martinez was a key factor ahead of the switch to Merseyside.

“He is a very good manager,” he said. “You can see he likes to play football. It is always pleasing on the eye for people watching.

Manchester United's new signing Marouane Fellaini says playing in the Champions League drove his decision to leave Everton.

The 25-year-old is training with his Belgium team-mates as they prepare for Friday's World Cup qualifier in Scotland as he continues to reflect on his dramatic move to United minutes before the transfer window closed.

Having arrived at Goodison Park in September 2008 from Standard Liege for £15m, Fellaini was an integral part of Everton's success but opted to hand in a transfer request late on Monday and eventually secured a deal with the Premier League champions worth £27.5m.

United, now managed by former Everton boss David Moyes, made a £28m offer for England full-back Baines and Belgian midfielder Fellaini.

But Everton rejected the bid out of hand, describing it as "derisory and insulting" in a statement on Monday.

And Martinez gave his view on Tuesday, saying: "It's been well documented what happened with the transfer speculation.

United manager David Moyes is very familiar with England left-back Baines and Belgium midfielder Fellaini from his time at the helm of the Goodison Park side.

And it has long been speculated that he might be keen to take one or both of the duo with him to Old Trafford.

However, Everton are determined to retain two of their most important players and released a club statement which read: "Everton can confirm that it has received bids from Manchester United for two players.