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Martinez plots January moves

Roberto Martinez says that he is in the process of identifying potential targets for when the transfer window opens next month as he seeks to bring in cover for long-term injury absentees, Arouna Kone and Darron Gibson.

The manager revealed that his fear that Kone would miss the rest of the season is likely to be realised and admitted that Gibson is similarly unlikely to figure again as both players recover from respective knee injuries.

"I don't think we are going to see Arouna this season," Martinez says in the Daily Mail.

"If we can get him back for the final two months he will have done really well. There was a big chunk of cartilage that had to be repaired in his knee.

"In the same manner we are hoping we can see Darron Gibson before the season ends but clearly it is a long-term injury as well."

That has prompted the Spaniard to consider his options for the January window as he seeks to support his team's push for Europe this season.

"We are going to use the window in January to try to help the team because we lost two players for the long term," he continued. "Arouna and Darron are two very important players for us so we will try to see if we can identify one or two players that can help the group.

"We have been working hard to identify who can help the group and that is what we are looking for in January."

It is not clear what sort of budget Martinez will have to play with but he took the opportunity to publicly acknowledge the support of Chairman Bill Kenwright who appointed the 40 year-old in June.

"I think that relationship at the top is vital. It breathes that consistency and tranquility for everyone at the football club.

"Bill Kenwright, for me, has been a real surprise. I don't think many people know how important he has been over the years.

"To have chairmen that love their clubs and are there for the right reasons, that's unfortunately not the norm."

 

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