TRANSFER WINDOW WOE

Before entering the January transfer window phase, boss Roberto Martinez announced his intentions to replace Darren Gibson and Arouna Kone - both of whom are to be sidelined for lengthy periods. With under a week to go before the window closes, it is evident that he has not succeeded in his pledge. The impressive Barry has filled Gibson's role for much of the season, and done a fine job at that. Lukaku too, until recently, has been one key highlight of our season netting 9 times in the League. However, we lack depth in all areas ofy the field bar maybe that of Goalkeeping. Speaking before our 4-0 thrashing of Stevenage Town in the F.A Cup, Martinez talked of his satisfaction over the purchases of Mcgeady and Traore, and concluded by saying that no new faces will be walking through the door - until the summer at least. Everton also confirmed via their official Twitter page that two enquiries had been made for contract rebel Heitinga. If he were to leave, surely Shane Duffy would be recalled from his loan spell at Yeovil Town. The young, and at times, vulnerable looking John Stones will be our only form of cover for Jagielka and Distin - both of whom have suffered from injuries this season already. Martinez clearly feels that in Lacina Troare, Romelu Lukaku and Apostolos Vellios, we have enough fire power up front. The 23 year old Traore was our 4th lonee of this season, which is as much as we are permitted. This would require Martinez to spend some money, of which he is cautious. I am a little worried that the money received for Jelavic and Fellaini - which accounts to over £30 million - will be put aside for the club's debts and not where it needs to be - bringing new talent to the club. If Martinez is able to deliver European football at the end of this campaign he will have done an excellent job, and without spending a bomb. If however he fails in this regard, then it will be harder to attract the more promising players out there who would be available for purchase in the summer. 

Positives can be drawn from the two signings already made by the 40 year old Spainard. Having watched Aiden Mcgeady make his full 90 minute debut for the club the other night, it is fair to say we've picked up a good player. He tormented the Stevenage Town Left Back with his close-control and bursts of acceleration - however we must remember who our opposition was.  Hopefully Troare will bring a competitive element which will help Lukaku return to his previous form. It would be nice also to see the 6ft 8 giant get game time and show us what he can do.
A real statement can be made with our next outing - away at Anfield for the derby. Moyes never won there in his tenure here, then again he didn't win at Old Trafford either, yet Martinez achieved that first time...

MARTINEZ CHANGE A SMOOTH ONE

I'll be the first to admit that I panicked a little when I heard relegated Wigan manager Roberto Martinez was odds on favourite to become the new Everton manager. I looked disparingly at the stats which state that Martinez transformed Wigan into a side destined for the Championship. However, it is important to note that Everton are on a different level to that of Wigan Athletic. For one, our rich history of winning titles and cups as well as being renound for our long-standing top flight status cannot be compared. Another, is the calibre of players at the club - even the ever irritating David Moyes believed it was the best bunch of footballers he'd managed during his 11 year reign with us. It is quite fitting then that Roberto's Toffees are now four points better off than David's Devils. This brilliantly puts it into context: Moyes has taken over a title-winning side with the likes of RVP and Shrek, yet has only managed a handful of Premier League wins. The squad Martinez took on are not as good and are far fewer in numbers yet he has managed to achieve a top 6 position in the first 10 games. The United faithful would put this down the pressure of following in the footsteps of one of the greatest managers English football has ever seen. However, Martinez has had to fight off pressure of his own - relegated last year with Wigan, more than two times the amount of goals conceded than Everton last term as well as the prospect of commanding a side which has maintained a top 8 finish for more than 5 years straight. A frequent frustration which is widely held amongst many Evertonians in recent years, is our ability to draw more games than we should. In the last two years alone, we've achieved no fewer than 26. It is why some concern was drawn from our first three games of the season - all of which resulted in a stalemate. Aside from the Chelsea fixture, I believe two men are responsible for our winning streak of late - Romelu Lukaku and Gareth Barry. Both were deadline day acquisitions. This day would speak volumes about Roberto Martinez's ability to manage a team of our stature - and boy was I left impressed. By obtaining the above players alone, albeit on a season-loans, we can expect a reasonably successful debut campaign under the 40 year old Spaniard.
One worry for me though, is one which hampered Wigan throughout Martinez's spell there - the shaky defence. At times this season we have looked vulnerable. Under this new management it is common to see Baines and Coleman further up the pitch - wing-backs if you like. The idea being that whoever is placed on either side of midfield, would act as cover for when the defensive duo get forward. A lot of our conceded goals are not solely down to this however. The bearded Howard hasn't dipped in form, despite Distin looking weaker than usual. We've let in 10 goals so far which works out at 1 a game. Regardless of this stat, we seem to have developed a knack of being more clinical than we were under Moyes. We have currently won our last 5 Premier League matches and face a Spurs side at home, who too faced a transformation during the summer - not one of management, but of an influx of new players.

A FLURRY OF NEW SIGNINGS

Kone (above) is one of 4 new signings this week.

Within the space of 48 hours, Everton manager Roberto Martinez sealed the transfers of four players - Arouna Kone, Antolin Alcaraz, Joel Robles and Gerard Duelofeu. Three of the four players played for relegated-bound Wigan Athletic last season - a point which has been the focus of concern amongst many fans. However, with respect to Wigan, these players are the best of a bad bunch. Kone netted 11 times last campaign - not bad considering it was for a side who finished 18th, and for a player who was new to the atmosphere of the Premier League. The poor-performing Jelavic managed barely half of Kone's total for the season. Next term will prove key to his Everton future. As for Alcaraz, the Paraguayan was involved with Wigan - the joint top conceders in the league last year- letting in over 70 goals. However, he was not heavily involved, as the 30 year old only managed a handful of appearances due to a groin injury. Despite this limitation, at times he did impress. The capture of Joel Robles is probably the one which most intrigues me. The 23 year old only made 8 League appearances for the Latics, but was an essential figure in their F.A Cup triumph. A deal was reached with his parent club Atletico Madrid for around £2 million. He will offer competition for the number 1 spot (an issue which was never addressed by Moyes), and is a long term prospect for the ageing Howard. By far the most exciting of all the transfers, is that of Deulofeu. The 19 year old has been in stunning form for Barcelona's reserve team, netting on 27 occasions in just under 70 games. This presents a glowing opportunity for a player who needs more competitive football. It's safe to say that this deal would not have been possible without the managerial prowess of Roberto Martinez. However, we should not get too excited - the player is young and inexperienced - he has no Premier League game time and it will take a while to adapt to life in England. But it is safe to be optimistic Evertonains! At which period during Moyes's reign due you remember the securing of four players services?
Only Alcaraz and Robles have travelled with the team to Austria for pre-season training. Kone is expected there in the coming days with Deulofeu granted extra time to relax following his work during the under-20 World Cup.

Putting pen to paper: Spaniard Deulofeu confirming his season-long loan.

REDMOND REGRET?

Last week Norwich City manager Chris Hughton completed another singing - securing the services of 19 year old Englishman Nathan Redmond. The problem I have, is that he should be wearing the blue colours of Everton instead of the yellow of Norwich. His previous club, Birmingham City, have seen a decline in footballing standards since relegation from the top flight a few years ago. The clubs prize assets have now been departing. Only a year ago, Goalkeeper Jack Butland and Winger Nathan Redmond were enlisted on the squad sheet for their up and coming 2012/13 Championship campaign. Both in their teens, and both with English nationality made them an expensive pair. Although initially being linked with us and Chelsea, Butland chose the rough-sided Stoke City as his destination in the Winter Transfer Period. The price too was a shock - a bargain at just under £5 million. The cash-strapped team from the Midlands do not wish to end up in the situation of former Premier League side Portsmouth, who this year fell into administration for the the second time in 3 years.
This left a wonderful opportunity to prize away the talent of Redmond. Swansea, Norwich and Everton all reportedly showed interest in the teenager. One newspaper claimed that despite both Swansea and Norwich having bids accepted, he was holding out for a move to Everton. However, no bid arrived from us, and alas he will team up with the Cornets next season. My level of frustration increased dramatically after I looked closer at the facts. Birmingham are desperate for the money, and Redmond is a talented youngster who has bags of potential - snap him up! He reportedly expressed a desire for the Toffees - and who would blame him. The best piece of information is the price. The final fee agreed for Redmond was in the region of £2.7 million. Add ons are to be predicted, but for a player of his level - an absolute steal for sure. Despite only netting 2 goals in the Championship last year, and with a hand full of assists, there is one guarantee - he will only get better! He can play on either wing - a position (like many) that we lack in any great depth. When you compare the prices of former Championship players Wilfred Zaha (£15 million) and Tom Ince (£8 million), it seems mad not to have got involved. I trust Martinez, and hope he can deliver in the transfer-side of things, but this is surely an opportunity which should have been taken.

A missed opportunity maybe?

KONE CLOSE

Holt is to join the Latics.

A fee has been agreed for the transfer of Grant Holt to Wigan Athletic. The 32-year old's move paves the way for the arrival of the Ivorian, Arouna Kone, through the doors of Goodison Park. Holt, who has impressed during his short stay in the Premier League, appears to be a replacement for Kone, who last week reportedly had a medical with Everton. The transfer of the soon-to-be Everton man (in the region of £5 million) is set to be confirmed in the coming days. It is thought that the capture of out-of-contract defender and former Wigan player Antolin Alcaraz could also follow.
In the past few days, Everton have been linked with the promising U21 Spanish international Deulofeu - however only in a season-long-loan deal. Speculation also surrounds Celtic's Wanyama, who has been subject to bids from Southampton and Swansea. The 22-year old is thought to be attracting the eye of Roberto Martinez.

A matter of time: Kone will ply his trade at Goodison next season.

KIT FOR 2013/14 UNVEILED

Finally, it's here - the launch of the Everton 2013/14 Home kit is under way. Yet again the kit designers are Nike, who last year shaped our home strip on the Brazilian away top. In the past few months there has been constant debate surrounding the appearance of Everton in next season's Premier League, following the release of the new 'modernised' and controversial badge. It forced an apology from Everton, and a striking promise that the badge will be removed as of next year.

The new badge is controversial to say the least. 

Despite these initial concerns, the kit in my opinion doesn't look too shabby. It isn't the best we've had (mainly due to the crest), but at the same time it improves on last years attempt at a nifty kit. Modelling it in the first released photos are Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar. I have a sneaky feeling that our away kit could be a gem - I can't wait for it. It also cannot be as terrible as the Liverpool away kit!

Howard shows off the smart GK kit. 

The new motto: "It's in our DNA". 

TRANSFER NEWS UPDATE #3

• ARSENAL READY TO SNATCH UP FELLAINI
• MCMANAMAN TO STAY WITH WIGAN
• MARTINEZ EYES UP JOHANSEN TRANSFER
• EDUARDO SALVIO NOT EVERTON-BOUND

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About to pounce? Wenger targeting Fellaini.

The Fellaini transfer saga continues, despite both manager and chairman insisting that the Belgium international hasn't stated any intentions to leave. It had been widely reported last week that Arsenal had activated Fellaini's release clause of around £24 million. Everton said that they had not received anything and the tale went stale. However, since this story came to light, more news has reached our ears - Arsenal are up to their old tricks - apparently they are not willing to pay the full amount needed to acquire the services of Fellaini. Although their fans may be fed up with these tactics, it appears that Wenger isn't - but only  yesterday, sources from within the club have strongly hinted that Wenger is now ready to 'splash the cash'. (Daily Star)

Meanwhile, the exciting prospect of Callum McManaman re-joining the Toffees could prove difficult after newly-appointed Latics coach Owen Coyle regards him as an important first-team member. (Liverpool Echo)

As reports linking Everton to Wigan players go reasonably quiet, rumours of a new target in the shape of Norwegian midfielder Stefan Johansen have emerged. The 22-year-old took part in this years Under-21 European Championships which saw his side knocked out in the first stage. SportsDirectNews claims that Martinez has close tabs on him, with a whole host of other Premier League clubs interested too. 

Also, the rumours surrounding the future of Benfica winger Eduardo Salvio look to have some truth behind them - he is to leave Portugal - but not for Everton.