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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. 

TRANSFER NEWS UPDATE #2

• BLUES LINKED WITH BENFICA WINGER EDUARDO SALVIO
• EX-WIGAN BOY MOSES ALSO ANOTHER REPORTED TARGET
• OUT-OF-CONTRACT DEFENDER ALCARAZ ALMOST A 'DONE DEAL'
• KONE OPEN TO PREMIER LEAGUE MOVE

• MARTINEZ LOOKS TO KEEP FELLAINI AT GOODISON

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Salvio could be Everton-bound.

The 22 year old Argentinian winger Eduardo Salvio is reportedly a transfer target for newly-appointed Martinez. Having impressed Benfica during his season-long loan spell in the 2010/11 season, he was permanently signed only last summer for around £10 million. Speculation surrounding his whereabouts for next season has intensified following an interview with the players' agent Jiminez: "At the moment his future is undecided". He went on to conclude that the player is open to a move amid "interest out there this summer from England". Salvio scored 13 goals in all competitions last term, and created a whole host of them also. However, nothing is concrete and Everton may hit a snag regarding his price tag. 

Chelsea's Victor Moses is another name that has been thrown into the mix following the Everton manager's appointment. The Nigerian was bought from newly-promoted Crystal Palace in 2010 by Martinez at Wigan for a bargain of just under £3 million. But it is now thought that only a fee treble that amount will tempt Chelsea into selling the 22 year old. He was short of chances last season, and may become surplus to the requirements of reinstated Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

Paraguayan defender Antolin Alcaraz and striker Kone are the latest Wigan players to be linked with Everton. Alcaraz's contract with the Latics is due to expire this month, and he may be used to help settle Martinez in at Goodison Park, signing a 2 year deal in the process. His fellow Wigan team mate Arouna Kone was subject to transfer news last week cornering both Merseyside clubs - and he has reacted to this since then. The Ivorian said that it is his firm desire to play Premier League football, and despite claiming that he is settled at the DW Stadium, he admitted: "I don't know what will happen". 

Meanwhile, Everton's Marouane Fellaini has drawn interest from United despite it being thought that the Belgium was ready to join the Gunners after they are supposed to have activated his £24 million buy-out-clause. However, boss Martinez insists that the Fellaini saga is 'not an issue'. The Spaniard's only current request of the 24-year old, is that he be "ready for the next season".

NEVILLE RETIRES

Former Manchester United and Everton player Phil Neville has retired from professional football. This comes after months of speculation surrounding the players next move. He had announced back in April that he would not be signing a new contract at Everton. He joins a whole host of footballing heroes to quit 'the beautiful game' this summer - they include the likes of Beckham, Scholes, Owen, Carragher, Muamba, Petrov and others. Neville chose to leave Everton after he recognised a drop in his form around the latter stages of 2012 - he only completed 5 full matches between Christmas and the end of the season.  However, it does not stop here for the 6-time Premier League medallist - the exciting yet scary prospect of football management appears to be just around the corner. He has first-hand experience of this from helping out with the England under 21 team last year, resulting in the current manager, Stuart Pearce, touting him to replace himself as manager in the not-too-distant future. Pearce went on to say: "He's got the right professional skills to be a very good coach" - and why ever not? Neville has been under the wings of Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes for the entirety of his career - he must have picked up a fair few tips. Although he was frustrating to watch at times, Phil Neville has served Everton well - demonstrating quality leadership skills.Thank you Phil, and may you enjoy your retirement in which ever way you see fit.

Phil Neville has decided to end his 19 year footballing career.

TRANSFER NEWS UPDATE

Mirallas (right) helped Belgium beat Serbia last night.

Everton attacker Kevin Mirallas has reiterated his desire to play in Spain one day. Today in an interview with Sky Sports News, the 25 year old even revealed a potential date for his departure - "Maybe next season a move to Spain". He made similar comments last month, claiming that his mother's Spanish heritage had enforced his interest in the La Liga - "My roots make me want to go and play (there)". The Belgium international had an injury-stricken debut season for the Toffees, and there were also increasing concerns about his level of fitness from then coach David Moyes - "maybe he's not quite got what's required at Everton, or the Premier League". However, he finished the season impressively - scoring a total of 9 goals and assisting 9 times too. When fully fit, his injection of pace and trickery arguably made Everton's attacking play more detrimental last term. Fellow compatriot Marouane Fellaini has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park. Various reports indicate that his next destination may be Arsenal, after the Gunners are thought to have activated his release clause. This comes however, after Chairman Bill Kenwright said that Fellaini has shown him "every indication (that) he doesn't want to go". A little over 12 months ago, Leighton Baines was just starting to be mentioned as a potential target for Manchester United after earning himself a place on the 2011/12 PFA team of the season. He has yet again been selected in the PFA team of the season for the 2012/13 campaign due to an array of  remarkable performances and widespread consistency in a season which he played every minute. With Moyes now in charge at United, inevitably rumours surrounding his future have intensified. Talking to Everton TV recently about Moyes's move, Kenwright joked that himself and Moyes would still have a good relationship - as long as he didn't come calling for Baines. To some relief, it has also been revealed by the club that Baines is currently undergoing new contract negotiations. Five players have actually left the club due to the expiry of their contracts - they are as follows; Johan Hammar, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Sam Kelly, Jan Mucha and former captain Phil Neville, who has just announced his decision to retire.

Baines is staying put.

All the talk of player departures can barely be equalled as far as potential signings go. But this is natural due to the transitional stage being experienced - with one manager leaving and another filling the void. However, Wigan Chairman, Dave Whelan, has been quoted as saying that as long as a price can be reached, he is willing to sell players to Martinez. This opens up the possibility of capturing the likes of James McCarthy, Callum Mcmanaman and/or Arouna Kone. Also, supposed January transfer window target Etienne Capoue has been told by his club Toulouse that he is for sale. The French club rejected an offer in the region of £10 million by QPR in the winter window, so it is thought that an offer near this sum would be accepted.

Former Blue Mcmanam could return.

FELLAINI SET FOR GUNNERS MOVE?

Frustrated: Fellaini's form has dipped. 

Buy-out clauses are a new feature of modern football. It aims to satisfy the player involved, supplying reassurances to which the parent club must stick by. A footballer's word isn't as trusted as it once might have been, and with the increasing control of players agents, it really is more than enough to give a manager headaches. I call into question the factor of loyalty, as it's not often demonstrated. But sure enough, only a few days ago, Everton's Marouane Fellaini claimed that his destiny lies with the Merseyside club. It has widely been reported and partially revealed by Kenwright that the Belgium international has a buy-out clause in the region of £24 million instilled in his current contract which expires in 2016. This has made Everton vulnerable to intrigue from fellow richer Premier League teams - some of which may prioritise in acquiring his services. One team which falls under this band is Arsenal. It has been the subject of media attention in the last 24 hours, that the London side have submitted a bid which is in accordance with the players supposed buy-out clause.
This poses some cause for concern, but is not disastrous. If you had told me this news in the January transfer window however, my response may have been a little different. Fellaini netted on 11 occasions in the league last season, yet only 3 of these came in the latter stages of the 2012/13 campaign - his general form seemed to dip after the 3 game suspension he received for his head-butt on Ryan Shawcross in December. However, to use a well known sporting term appropriately - form is temporary, class is permanent. Fellaini has been quoted in the media back in his home country of Belgium numerous times repeating his desire for European football, and how he wishes to leave us at some point in the future. Although frustrating to hear, this somewhat subtles the blow of potentially losing him this summer. We must also remember - Fellaini has been with us for just under 5 years which is a mild achievement. Martinez inflicts an attacking, quick passing style of football - but this does not suit the needs of the 6ft 4 man in question. A similar story has arisen concerning Andy Carroll and our rivals Liverpool - Brendan Rogers's tactics have effectively forced the England striker out of Anfield. However, Fellaini will not have given Martinez a chance to adapt his game if he does indeed leave - but can we really blame or stop him? It also leaves us in a powerless position. It wasn't too long ago that the appeal of Champions League football drew Arteta towards the Emirates Stadium, and it looks like having a similar effect on Fellaini.

Fellaini could be joining ex-Everton team mate Arteta this summer.

MARTINEZ BECOMES NEW BOSS

As if it wasn't already known - Roberto Martinez has been confirmed as the new Everton manager. It was practically a certainty after the 39 year old requested that Wigan release him from his contract - despite it having a year remaining. He now takes over from David Moyes, who last month agreed to become Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Old Trafford. Kenwright told us he would take his time before making the decision, and indeed he has.
Only a few days ago, Wigan Chairman - Dave Whelan, revealed in a phone conversation with the BBC's Mark Chapman, that compensation for Martinez's switch to Goodison Park had been accepted - "Bill Kenwright and myself have agreed a deal". Clearly disgruntled by this, Everton proceeded to release a statement on the official website claiming that Whelan's comments were "regrettable and somewhat premature", and insisted on "continuing discussions with regards to the vacant managerial position". Despite this, today Everton revealed officially that Roberto Martinez would takeover on a four-year deal. Kenwright has described the newly-announced manager as one of "the finest individuals in football today", and insists that he is the right man for the club. Martinez appears to be just as hungry as the Chairman, saying  "I cannot wait to soak myself in all things Everton" and that he is proud of the pressure which now awaits him. He also set about a target for Champions League football - although admits that it may not be achieved instantly. 
The Spaniard becomes Everton's 14th and first ever non-Birtish/Irish manager. Despite leading Wigan to relegation last term, he won the FA Cup - beating us 3-0 along the way.
Rumours surrounding the identity of our new manager were circulating at a rapid rate. Just two weeks ago, the Portuguese press claimed that Vitor Pereira had singed a pre-contract deal with us, but this turned out to be a pile of garbage. It was also widely reported that considerable thought was given to electing a figure from within the club such as Stubbs, Weir or even Phil Neville.
All in all, thumbs up to Kenwright on this choice - he never had the likes of Benitez or Mourinho under contention, but has selected a man who has managed in the top flight for 4 years now. Experience could prove key - experience with this club helped Moyes improve our fortunes. My only worry would be his record with Wigan - a 30% win rate. However, it must be noted that he was in charge of a club who arguably do not have the  resources available at Everton. Plus, it could have been much worse - before last week, coaches such as Redknapp and Hughes were being mentioned.

The beginning of a new era: Roberto Martinez with Bill Kenwright.

HEITINGA TO DEPART

Johnny Heitinga's days at Everton appear to be numbered. The Dutchman looks set to sail away from the Premier League after expressing his desire to move - and that's almost exactly what happened in January but for a collapse in transfer negotiations with the Turkish side Fenerbahce, after "Everton asked too much". The 29 year old Dutch international only started 17 League matches under Moyes last term, and is now playing out the final year in his Everton contract. He has also warned the club that "if they want to earn something for me, this is the moment".

Goodbye? Hetinga looks set to leave Goodison Park.

His performances in the 2011/12 season earned him the 'Player of the season' accolade. However, this season he has been pushed down the pecking order - with Distin arguably playing his best season for the Toffees, and striking up a good defensive relationship with new club captain Jagielka along the way. The veteran centre-back is set to turn 36 this year, so retirement does not seem far away.
It would be incredible if we could receive anything close to the £6 million price-tag we paid for Heitinga in 2009 - but it is unlikely due to a mixture of poor form and the limited length of time on his contract. With this apparent departure looming and with Distin's age, our defence must be an area which needs addressing this summer. These events could pave a way back for Lescott, who has fallen out of favour at the Etidad - although wages might be an issue.

SUPER SPANIARD NEGREDO

Negredo

Last night, Spanish international Alvaro Negredo capped off an impressive end to what could be his last La Liga game for Sevilla. He bagged all of their goals in an exhilarating 4-3 win over Valencia, bringing his total in the league to 25 - a goal tally only bettered by the likes of Falcao, Ronaldo and Messi. Not bad eh?

It was reported back in January that Everton had had a bid in the region of £13 million rejected for the 27 year old. The Spanish side (to which Negredo is contracted until 2016) have mounting debts to pay off which has restricted their ability to add new faces. Instead, they have come under increasing pressure to part company with some of their players - despite the President of Sevilla, Del Nido, insisting that the club have "no obligation to sell any player". However, since the January transfer window closed, Negredo has attracted attention from fellow Spanish side Atletico Madrid amidst the news that their key player (Falcao) has switched a life in the capital of Spain for one in France. Borussia Dortmund are also rumoured to be interested. 

But I'd like to draw you back to the price offered in January for his services - around £13 million. To me this seems a little much for a striker nearing his 30's, regardless of the fact he has netted over 100 times in Spain during his career. If Martinez is enrolled, then it's very possible that this move could occur - his first signing for Wigan was fellow countryman Jordi Gomez. We should have AT LEAST £13 million available in the summer for transfers - not to mention the end of season positional bonus money and potentially a wad of cash from a Fellaini transfer. What is for certain, is that we need to spend whatever money there is available on improving the team as best as possible - and let's hope the new manager knows what he's doing. One weakness which has proven so frustrating to watch at times last season, was the role of a genuine goalscorer - a chance-taker. Jelavic had it, but is now a mere shadow of his former self and Anichebe is a work in progress - so maybe Alvaro Negredo is our answer..?