Aston Villa boss Roberto di Matteo insists they were under no pressure to sell Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Gana is set to join the Toffees after they triggered a £7.2m release clause in the midfielder's contract.

Di Matteo said: “There are other clubs interested. But the only official bid so far has been Everton.

“The fact that he is leaving is down to the clause he had in his contract.

“Otherwise there would have been no chance. We're not a club who is looking to sell.

“We don't have to, we don't need to."