Everton manager Roberto Martinez has dismissed suggestions that there is a ‘gentleman’s’ agreement between his side and Chelsea after signing Romelu Lukaku for a record £28 million eariler this summer and also bringing Chelsea winger Christian Atsu on loan to Goodison Park. Martinez has praised the way club chaiman Bill Kenwright has built a relationship with Chelsea, but is adament there is no ‘gentleman’s’ agreement between the two Premier League clubs.
“We have a good relationship and a professional relationship and I want to believe that they feel that they can trust us in sending players out on loan,” said Martinez.
“I don’t think that relationship goes any further.
“The chairman has been instrumental on forging that relationship more than anyone.
In addition to Lukaku and Atsu joining the club, Martinez has also lured Gareth Barry, Muhamed Besic and Brendan Galloway this summer, but has re-assured the media that he is not ‘desperate’ to bring any other acquisitions to Goodison Park.
“He has developed that bridge between the two clubs and there is a possibility for both to use it in a good way, but there is no commitment in any sort of future deals.”
“I am very happy, today, at the start of the season, with the business we have done,” said the Spaniard ahead of his side’s trip to Leicester for their Premier League opener.
“If there is anything (in the transfer market) which will help the team until the next window opens we will always look into that but in terms of the squad we have I am delighted with what we achieved and the continuity we got.”We have brought the right characters into the club. Now we are in a position where I am desperate to see how the team reacts to the first game of the season.
“In terms of being desperate to bring someone in the answer is ‘no’ but we are going to use the period from now until the window closes to see how strong the squad is.
“If there is anything we need to help the players we will do that.”
