Everton manager Roberto Martinez is set to let centre forward Nikita Jelevic, and defender Johnny Heitinga in the January transfer window, as the Spanish manager looks to reshuffle his in form Everton squad.
Martinez is looking to strengthen his side in January, with Kenwright offering funds as the Toffees push for Europe, and for Everton to make improvements to the squad, it could possibly mean that both Jelevic and Heitinga find themselves heading out of the Goodison Park exit door.
The Croatian and Dutch international’s have hardly featured for the Mersyside club this season, and with the World Cup Final’s in Brazil next summer, both Jelevic and Heitinga will be desperate to play regular first team football, with their World Cup places in doubt, following their lack of action for Everton this season.
Jelevic, who signed from Glasgow Rangers in the January of 2012, and after a successful start to his Everton career in his first season and a half, the Croat went on a servere goal drought, having not scored for Everton since the Toffees impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester City, at Goodison Prk, in a Premier League fixture in March this year.
Jelevic’s position within the first team set up was put further in doubt, following the loan signing on Romelu Lukaku, who has been in superb form for Everton since the move from Chelsea, scoring eight goals in twelve Premier League games, in a prolific loan spell.
Heitinga however, once considered one of the best Premier League full backs, has become out of favour under Martinez, after the emergance of talented Irish full back Seamus Coleman. Heitinga has not kicked a ball in anger this season, having not played a single minute in the Premier League this campaign.
Martinez is willing to listen to any offers for the out of favour pair, with London clubs West Ham United, Fulham and Crystal Palace after Jelevic, with the striker also being wanted by various German Bundesliga clubs interested in capturing the Croatian.
Heitinga is also being chased by Bundesliga clubs, and Italian side Napoli are also interested, but the Dutchman may want to return to his homeland, with Ajax interested.
Martinez stated……
“We have had conversations because it is important to know how the players feel but in the same way they are fighting to get into the team they understand that, if they don’t play minutes, it will affect their World Cup chances. Because they are such good professionals I have to consider that and need to see that. But it’s a balancing act that we don’t weaken the squad.
“That’s what we are going to do in January. I am quite open-minded about it. If the right thing appears for the players I will have to consider it and look into it. Always bearing in mind that we can replace them and make the squad in a strong position.”
Everton are also interested in taking in form winger Gerard Deulofeu in a permenant basis at the end of the current campaign, with the winger currently on loan from Spanish giants FC Barcelona.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
