Everton manager Roberto Martinez has stated that the some of the process of the upcoming summer transfer recruiting is almost over. He says that the club have finally agreed on the players that they would be looking to sign in the transfer window, which opens on July 1. Everton are likely to be spending around £ 20 million in the summer, which is peanuts compared to the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool have already spent. Martinez will be aware that the club has limited budget, but he is looking at various alternatives in order to strengthen the squad.
One of the ways includes getting place on loan deals just like they did last summer. This was highly beneficial for all parties involved as the likes of Gareth Barry and Romelu Lukaku not only got arrival of first-team action, but they also proved crucial in Everton finishing fifth in the table. Despite getting a record 72 points, they could only manage a fifth-place finish. Just when it seems that Martinez could not improve this even further, the Spaniard is looking to sign a couple of players in almost every area of the pitch to strengthen the team.
It is expected that Everton will open negotiations with the targets after the World Cup 2014.
“Recruitment is vital. It’s one of those moments of the season where you recollect the good work you’ve done over the last two windows. The recruitment department have been working tirelessly to get the reports and highlight the targets and players that are going to fit in our football club. You can imagine it’s a long process. We’ve identified the players and now it’s about making sure we can get them to join,” said the Everton manager.
It is believed that Everton are in discussions with Chelsea for a permanent transfer of Lukaku.
