Everton supporters in the Transfer Tavern are relishing the new era at their football club following the appointment of Marco Silva as the new Toffees manager last month.
The 40-year-old has been out of work since January when he was relieved of his duties at fellow Premier League side Watford, with the Hornets pretty much blaming Everton for their advances for the Portuguese after they sacked Ronald Koeman back in October. Nevertheless, the Toffees now have their man after parting company with Sam Allardyce at the end of the season, this all despite leading the Merseysiders to an eighth place finish in the top-flight.
As such, there are many optimistic and expectant Evertonians in the Tavern at present, several of whom are likely to be interested by recent reports suggesting that Gelson Martins is seeking to terminate his own contract at Sporting Lisbon.
And having been linked with a move for the £27 million-rated ace (as per Transfermarkt) in recent times, Silva must take advantage of these reports by luring the winger to Everton, as he’d be an upgrade on Yannick Bolasie.
Ultimately, 29-year-old Bolasie didn’t hit the heights for the Toffees last term upon return from a serious knee ligament injury, with the DR Congo international mustering just one goal in 16 Premier League appearances for the Merseyside outfit.
And while his lengthy lay-off must be taken into consideration, there are a few Evertonians in the Tavern who are concerned that the former Crystal Palace man may not return to his former glories, glories that saw him score once and lay on four assists in 13 league games prior to injury.
And with Silva and his Everton team likely eyeing up the European spots next season, further reinforcements will be needed in the wide areas – Sporting’s Martins could be that man.
The 23-year-old has been in scintillating form for the Portuguese heavyweights in recent times with 13 goals and 13 assists for the club this time round, adding to the six goals and 13 assists he contributed last term in their run to third place in the Primeira Liga.
Thus, it’s clear that the Portugal international brings genuine quality to the final third and, unlike several wingers, is able to match his talent with direct contributions, while his ability to flourish down both flanks will only add to the options Silva could have at his disposal if he makes a move this summer.
And with Martins reportedly seeking to end his Sporting contract, likely as a result of the players being attacked by supporters last month, Everton must seek to take advantage by moving for the 23-year-old, as he’d undoubtedly be an upgrade on current Toffees winger Bolasie.
Everton fans… what do you think? Let us know!
