Roberto Martinez has been doing his best to dampen the festive mood by pouring cold water on suggestions he could be active in the transfer market, though perhaps the Spaniard is missing a trick.
Amid all the transfer links surrounding the likes of John Stones and Romelu Lukaku, it’s easy to forget Everton are actually well in contention to finish in the top four this year. The Toffees have recovered from their disappointing campaign last term and have been playing some excellent football this season.
While the aforementioned duo rightly receive many of the plaudits, the likes of Ross Barkley, Gerard Deulofeu and Brendan Galloway have also been bright spots. Argentine defender Ramiro Funes Mori has been an astute signing in the heart of defence, while Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines have returned from injury at a welcome time.
So, the going’s good at Goodison. However, the club may not have a better chance to secure a top four finish for a long time. Though their resistance during the John Stones saga is to be admired, it’s hard to see the England international, as well as Lukaku and Barkley, not leaving for an elite club. One day at least.
Perhaps some astute winter activity in the transfer market can help supplement the squad and help mount a serious top four push.
Considering this, here are THREE ins and THREE outs at Everton to help push for a Champions League spot.
IN – ANDRIY YARMOLENKO – (DYNAMO KIEV)
Though he recently penned a new deal in the Ukrainian capital, manager Sergei Rebrov recently admitted he is powerless from letting the 26-year old star leave.
The interplay between Arouna Kone and Lukaku has been wonderful at Everton this term, but should the Belgian superstar suffer an injury, there’s no one really ready to replace him.
In signing Yarmolenko, Martinez would be pronouncing a HUGE statement of intent on Merseyside by landing a top player to add to his squad. We’ve heard an awful lot about this player over recent months and it would be a joy to see how he boosts the Toffees cause.
OUT – KEVIN MIRALLAS – (AC MILAN)
A fine player on his day, but Kevin Mirallas has lost his starting spot in the side and is reportedly eager to leave in search of first-team football ahead of Euro 2016.
The Belgian is thought to be interesting AC Milan as the Serie A giants weigh up a £10m move next month. Having him in the squad is a luxury right now. Although it’s one they can afford, a big money bid for an unhappy player is not be sniffed at.
It’s hard to see the 28-year old not wanting to move to the San Siro should they firm up their interest. Everton should sell up while they still can should they receive an offer upwards of £10m, those funds could be put towards finding a younger, more dynamic replacement.
IN – DENIS CHERYSHEV – (REAL MADRID)
The Russian wide man has been linked with a move away from the Spanish capital in recent times, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal. As Euro 2016 approaches, the 26-year-old is keen to get some first-team football under his belt in order to prepare for next summer’s showpiece.
Lining the ex-Villarreal loan star up on the opposing flank to Deulofeu, either side of Ross Barkley is a potentially mouth-watering prospect. The future of Kevin Mirallas is uncertain at the moment as the Belgian has been linked with AC Milan so there is potentially some wiggle room.
Securing the Madridista, even on a six month loan deal, would boost the attacking ranks at Goodison Park and give a speedy, direct option in contrast to the more technical Deulofeu on the right.
OUT – STEVEN NAISMITH – (NORWICH)
The Scot has again been rumoured to be interesting Norwich due to a lack of playing time at Goodison. Now, he’s been a wonderful servant to the Toffees during his time there and is a quality backup option, but should an offer come in for him, it should be considered at least.
In this vibrant young side, the 29-year old does not have much hope of a starting berth. Apparently frustrated, perhaps Everton should allow him to leave if that is what he wants.
We’ve seen with Petr Cech at Chelsea, that loyal servants of the club can be offered a dignified exit even if it weakens the team as a whole.
IN – NICK POWELL – (MANCHESTER UNITED)
A gamble, this one, but Martinez is said to be casting a watchful eye over Nick Powell’s situation at Manchester United. The former Crewe man has recently returned to Old Trafford in the wake of their injuries, though it’s hard to envisage a long term future there.
The Spanish coach has a good history in taking the pressure off of players and helping them get back to their best. The likes of Lukaku and Tom Cleverley left big clubs with a point to prove, and under his stewardship, have found firmer footing on Merseyside.
Powell is clearly a talent, so perhaps we shouldn’t turn our nose up at the thought of another Premier League outfit snapping him up. With Steven Naismith linked with a move away, the 21-year old could help back up the likes of Barkley.
OUT – STEVEN PIENAAR – (ANYWHERE)
Granted, Pienaar has been the subject of some unfortunate injuries for a while now, though even when fit it will be hard to see where the 33-year old fits in. The South African ace has been a great player across two spells at Goodison Park, but his time is drawing to a close.
Out of contract at the end of the season, should an offer arrive for him in January, he should be sold. It’s hard to see just where that offer is coming from due to his injuries, but stranger things have happened.
January is a time where a lot of teams panic buy and the experienced winger is still an attractive option even halfway through the season. If there’s any chance to sell him at all, Everton should pounce on it.