Roberto Martinez has refused to rule out any big signings during this transfer window, with rumours of Ukrainian winger Andriy Yarmolenko resurfacing once again.
The 26-year-old was a target of Everton’s in the summer and could’ve made the switch – but it was later revealed by Dynamo Kyiv’s president, Ihor Surkis, that Martinez had approached Kyiv too late into the transfer window.
With rumours of Yarmolenko’s agent attending the FA Cup third round tie on Saturday, Martinez spoke to the Liverpool Echo:
I don’t know the identity of every person who comes to Goodison. We even had a cat there who knows a lot about our play!
I’m sure there were many other people watching the game which would give us links with other footballers around the world.
There’s nothing to comment on.
Two players have already signed on the dotted line this month with Swiss striker Shani Tarashaj, 20, and defender Matty Foulds, 17, who joined from Bury – both for undisclosed fees.
Tarashaj has linked up with his former club Grasshoppers on loan for the rest of the season, whilst Foulds will be with the U19’s squad.
When asked about any more signings, Martinez was quick to admit it’s possible more could enter the doors at Goodison Park:
Yeah we could. I never close the doors on the window.
We have been working really, really hard to get some business done early. I think Shani Tarashaj was our target number one in terms of getting it done quickly.
I think Matty Foulds was a different age group.
A few players have been linked with moves away from Goodison Park over the past month with Aiden McGeady seemingly attracting the most interest.
He has only made one appearance this season, in the Capital One Cup win over Barnsley in August.
Martinez confirmed three clubs had enquired for the Republic of Ireland winger, but he insisted any move this month for McGeady would be a loan move:
Aiden McGeady has had three enquiries and we will work with his representative to make the final decision,
It will be a short term deal so Aiden can finish the season strong then have possible involvement with the Republic of Ireland.
He has one opportunity to go abroad and two domestically. But we are in the early stages yet.
It’s not a view to a permanent deal. It would be a loan and he would return to compete in pre-season with a view to next season.
Fellow Republic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson has been linked with a move away since last summer. It seemed his career at Everton was over in September after he admitted to drink-driving, careless driving at failing to stop at the scene of an accident.
Since then, he has gone on to make just six appearances so far this season, two of which in cup competitions.
We are trying to get Stevie fully fit for the squad and until that changes we will just try and prepare from game to game and get him fit for those matches.
At the moment there is nothing to comment on,
I think Steven just wants to concentrate on the games in the next few weeks.
