Lisbon, Portugal (My Sportsbook) - Sporting Lisbon president Filipe Soares Franco has reiterated his club's stance that they do not want to sell midfield ace Joao Moutinho.

The 21-year-old Portugal international is a target for Everton, while Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in the Sporting youngster.

Franco told Setanta: "I'm quite optimistic and I'm convinced that he is going to carry on with us.

"He is a Sporting player and that's it. There have been plenty of rumors this summer and an offer was made, but we rejected it because it wasn't interesting for the club.

"With Moutinho in our team we have a great squad with many chances to win the league. I believe our team is better than last year and we mustn't weaken it."

Franco's Everton counterpart, Bill Kenwright, had earlier confirmed that the Toffees were still actively pursuing a deal for Moutinho.

He told Sky Sports News: "That is one of the ones you can believe in the papers.

"He (Moutinho) is one of our major targets, but there are others who have not made the papers yet, thankfully."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)