Everton became a consistent top 8 club in the Moyes years and new manager Roberto Martinez has big boots to fill in his wake.
Everton became a consistent top 8 club in the Moyes years and new manager Roberto Martinez has big boots to fill in his wake. Though it may be more important for him to try to hold on to key players Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, who are wanted by Manchester United and Arsenal respectively, that does not mean he will not be a busy man this summer. Already he has raided his former club Wigan by signing striker Arouna Koné, defender Antolin Alcaraz and goalkeeper Joel Robles. As well as bringing in Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeo on a season long loan. Martinez will want to make his mark on the first team and despite doing his business early there are a few pieces left of the puzzle.
Aiden McGeady (Midfielder, Spartak Moscow)
Martinez originally tried to buy Aiden McGeady for Wigan in January, though now at a bigger club and with McGeady being transfer listed by Spartak Moscow, he is in better stead to get his man. A skilful winger who would suit Martinez’s style of play superbly and he could be available cheap, with only a year left on his contract, Spartak will want to cash in whilst they still can. The Irishman has ambitions to play in England and has turned down a new contract with the Russian club. He has started the season well, gaining a goal and an assist in Spartak’s win over FC Ural. Martinez has also been sniffing around former Wigan winger Victor Moses, now at Chelsea, who would be another option.
Philipp Hosiner (Striker, Austria Viena)
After a staggering goal return last season of 27 games in 27 league starts, Philipp Hosiner has set himself up for a move to the premier league. With Nikica Jelavić possibly leaving, Martinez could do with another goalscorer and Hosiner fits the bill. Available for as little as £4 million Everton could well move for the striker. Crystal Palace have also had scouts watching Hosiner, who is strong both in the air and on the ground. A good finisher who looks calm in front of goal, Hosiner could be a superb signing if he takes to the Premier League well.
Scott Sinclair (Midfielder, Manchester City)
As shown with the links to McGeady and Moses, Martinez wants to add width to this Everton team. Another option he is considering is Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair who struggled for game time last season. Despite having a new manager at the club he may chose to leave for an opportunity of first team football after only 2 league starts last season. Fast, skilful and with an eye for goal Sinclair could increase the flair in the Everton team. If he could replicate his early promise he could be a good signing for Everton. Manchester City could want up to £7million for the player, a season long loan might suit both parties better.
Mory Koné (Defender, Le Mans)
Despite only recently signing striker Arouna Koné, Everton are keen to sign a second Koné, this time known for stopping goals than scoring them. Their lack of defensive players linked to the club is surprising, showing Martinez’s happiness with his current defence. Though the 19 year old centre back has giant potential and if Everton could capture him now they may see him flourish into an established defender in their backline. The French under 19 international only made his professional debut last year but Everton have seen enough of him to plan a €1 million bid. Another option would be left back Guilherme Siqueira, who could cover for Leighton Baines if he moves on to pastures new. Tough competition is expected from Real Madrid and Liverpool for the Brazillian defender whose contract contains a buyout clause of €25 million.
Alessandro Matri (Striker, Juventus)
A respectable goal tally doesn’t look enough to keep Alessandro Matri as a first team player at Juventus. Following the signings of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente, Matri now finds himself back in the playing order. After netting 27 goals in 69 games, the Italian international looks set to leave the club. He is interested in Premier League football and again Everton would have competition for his signature, with Liverpool also rumoured to be interested. The 28 year-old could cost £12 million, which might deter Martinez unless a star player leaves. A strong finisher who is also competitive in the air, Matri would offer a different dimension to Everton’s play.
Images: Twitter
