World Cup Watch: Tying up Red Devils striker key for Everton
Published:A stellar first season for Roberto Martinez in charge of Everton may have lost a little of its sheen after letting Arsenal pip them to fourth, however, expectations for next season will remain high at Goodison Park nonetheless.
Essential to the Toffees’ dreams of muscling their way into the hallowed top-four berths in 2014/15 is not only adding to the current crop of talent, but retaining their best players.
Signing on-loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku – a 28/1 shot for the tournament’s golden boot – on a permanent basis appears vital to that cause.
Romelu Lukaku – Belgium – Striker
Bizarrely discarded by parent club Chelsea for the last two seasons, Lukaku followed up his goal-scoring heroics at the Hawthorns by firing Everton to within seven points of the Champions League qualifiers.
The Belgian top scored for the Toffees with 15 Premier League goals and if Martinez can possibly keep hold of a potential star of the upcoming World Cup, then things will be looking up on the blue half of Merseyside.
James Milner – England – Midfielder
If the rumours are true that Milner may be surplus to requirements at the Etihad this summer then Martinez should jump to the front of the queue to sign the Manchester City man.
Often the subject of misguided criticism, the midfielder is as accomplished going forward as he is doing the unglamorous defensive work and two Premier League winners’ medals tell their own story.
Rafa Silva – Portugal – Midfielder
With Barcelona loanee Gerard Deulofeu wanted back at the Camp Nou by new manager Luis Enrique there is certainly scope for Everton to replace the Spaniard with another young attacking talent.
A prime candidate is one of Portugal’s brightest talents, Rafa Silva, who has broken onto the scene for Braga this season.
At 21, he’s the youngest player in Portugal’s World Cup squad and the prospect of Europa League football is a decent carrot for Everton to dangle as Braga missed out this season.
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