Everton-bound manager Roberto Martinez to raid old club Wigan and sign defender Alcaraz according to the Mirror
Versatile centre-half is a free agent and will allow Toffees to play 3-5-2 under Spaniard who’s expected to succeed David Moyes
Dave Whelan has given the green-light to a remarkable raid on Wigan talent by Roberto Martinez… even before the Spaniard’s expected appointment as Everton boss.
The Spaniard is still kicking his heels while he waits to be officially unveiled at Goodison, after a day of negotiation over compensation thrashed out a ‘transfer fee’ of around £1million but stalled on bonus payments.
That glitch will be sorted on Wednesday, with the Toffees ready to hand extra funds to the Lancashire club, based on performance over the coming seasons.
Even before he has walked through the door, Martinez has offered Blues chairman Bill Kenwright a list of the targets he’d like to pursue as he attempts to freshen up the squad he’ll inherit from David Moyes.
That includes rising Latics star Callum McManaman, who was an Everton youth player, and has a clause giving his former club a cut of any fee…effectively reducing the asking price.
Martinez would also love to land James McCarthy, but is likely to be beaten to the punch by Tottenham.
The Spaniard will move swiftly to secure the services of his trusted centre-half Antolin Alcaraz, whose arrival will help him switch Everton to a 3-5-2 formation.
The 30-year-old Paraguay international, available on a free transfer, is a certain Toffees signing.
Whelan was at his mischievous best on Tuesday, again claiming a deal had been struck with Everton when negotiations were continuing.
There is some frustration and bemusement at Goodison over his antics.
Kenwright had, in good faith, contacted his counterpart on Monday night to ask about a compensation figure, only for the news of an agreement to be instantly broadcast… even before negotiations had STARTED!
Martinez was forced to wait while haggling over bonus payments and compensation for his back-room staff continued.
All that will be completed on Wednesday, with the Spaniard taking his support team of Graeme Jones, Kevin Reeves, Inaki Bergera, Richard Evans and Graham Barrow with him.
The signing of Alcaraz is likely to spell the end for Dutch defender Johnny Heitinga. Is this a good thing? Have your say at www.theevertonforum.com