Martinez leaves door ajar for late business

, 28 January, 0comments  |  Jump to most recent
Roberto Martinez has reiterated his satisfaction with the two signings he has made this month but also suggests that he is always looking to strengthen the squad where it makes sense.

The manager appeared to close the door on any more incoming transfers before Friday's deadline last week following the acquisition of Lacina Traore, saying that he was content to have landed the Ivorian and Aiden McGeady, his two main targets for the current window.

In his latest comment the Spaniard maintained the line that he would be more than happy if those two signings were the only two he makes this month but also left the door open for some late business if the right player becomes available.

"Obviously we'll always work as hard as we can to try to be as strong a squad as we can be when the window closes," Martinez told evertonfc.com.

"But the signing of Aiden McGeady has been a big signing for us and he's someone who is already ready to help the team.

"Lacina Traore is going to join the group this week too, and they are two significant footballers, so I'm very pleased with the numbers and the quality that we have."

In terms of the one anticipated departure, John Heitinga's future remains unclear as the deadline approaches. Martinez has been completely transparent regarding Everton's willingness to accommodate the Dutchman's desire for regular first-team football and after he turned down a move to West Ham earlier in the month, two approaches were made for Heitinga, one from a club in Turkey and one from a club in Italy.

Speculation this week has centred around a firm offer from Galatasaray and it was being reported by sources in the Netherlands yesterday that the 30 year-old was on his way to Turkey to finalise a deal.

There are fresh rumours that Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini has told his superiors that Heitinga does not fit the type of defender he is looking for but Martinez expects the situation to be resolved within the next 48 hours:

"If we can find an option where Johnny can play football that helps him get into the World Cup squad, that will be a fitting moment of his illustrious career.

"So that's the situation and we're going to find out [what happens] over the next 48 hours."

Quotes or other material sourced from evertonFC.com





About these ads

© ToffeeWeb