STAND OUT

Everton have been one of the standout performers in the Premier league for the first half of this campaign. They have suffered just two defeats in the first half, as Roberto Martinez has done a stellar job after taking over from David Moyes. It was never going to be easy for Martinez since he was succeeding the Scot, who had clearly overachieved with Everton all these years. Everton also have one of the best defensive records amongst the Premier league teams this campaign. One of the consequences of doing well for a team like Everton is that a number of players start being linked with top clubs.

One of them is Ross Barkley, who has come of age this season. He has scored some important goals and is starting to dominate the centre of midfield. He has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea in the last few years, but it is expected that the interest will get serious from here on in. Martinez has confirmed that there will be no players leaving the club in January, while he is also planning to bring in Aiden McGeady from Spartak Moscow. The 27-year-old will be available on a free in the summer and Everton are close to signing a pre-contract agreement with him according to Martinez.

“We are very close for the summer, that’s true. You know I like Aiden. As things stand now, no, because there are too many difficulties. Many things can happen in the window but right now it would be difficult. I like Tom. As a young, English talent he’s a phenomenal footballer but it would be unfair of me to talk about him because he’s got a very important second half of the season with Blackpool,” said Martinez about the club’s transfer plans in January.