Reports this week suggest Tottenham Hotspur have had an enquiry for Belgian winger Kevin Mirallas knocked back.  Mirallas still has 18 months left to run on his contract, and it is vital that the Toffees fend off interest and keep him at Goodison Park.

The 27-year-old, who played a pivotal part in Everton's fifth place finish last term, has been in scintillating form of late. The Belgian international has netted eight times in all competitions so far - including coming off the bench last week to score and set one up in the Toffees eventual FA Cup third round replay defeat to West Ham United on penalties.

The Belgian is in such good form in fact, that he took a penalty away from regular spot-kick taker Leighton Baines yesterday, and missed. Despite his boss Roberto Martinez coming out to defend his player in his post-match interview, Mirallas sparked huge controversy in the incident and many believe that is the real reason why he was subbed at the break - the game finished 0-0, with Tony Pulis' West Bromwich Albion battling to a hard-fought point.

Martinez told Sky Sports after the match;  "Obviously our penalty taker is Leighton Baines, he's the No 1.

"But we had a penalty shoot-out against West Ham, Mirallas always takes penalties really well. He was feeling he could take the penalty and Leighton Baines was happy to allow him to do that. Both have got the quality to score goals. It was an unfortunate kick, missing the target, it makes a big issue."

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Despite Mirallas' latest controversy, he is still one of Everton's better players, and if they have any aspirations of steering away from drop-zone and climbing the table, as well as kicking on in Europe - then keeping Mirallas at the club is an absolute must for Martinez. The Belgian international has been one of the Toffees' brighter sparks in what has undoubtedly been a topsy-turvy season so far at Goodison Park.

It's not just Spurs who are keeping an eye on Everton's skilful winger either. Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid have both emerged as possible suitors, too. Despite the interest, Everton have reportedly told all concerned that he is not for sale.

Mirallas signed for Everton back in August 2012, sealing a £6million move from Greek side Olympiacos. The Toffees' number eleven hit the ground running in the Premier League, and he very quickly became a fan's favourite for the Evertonians. He has played 90 times since arriving at Goodison Park, firing 25 goals in all competitions.

But scoring goals is not Mirallas' only speciality, he's excellent in the wide areas, can beat a man, deliver a superb cross, and isn't too shabby from a dead ball situation either (excluding last night) - Mirallas was top of Everton's assist chart last season with seven to his name.

Despite all the current controversy surrounding Mirallas, Everton must do everything they can to keep their star man at the club. He's undoubtedly a very talented player who is in superb form, and losing the winger should not be an option for Roberto Martinez's side.

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