Martinez: Jelavic won’t be allowed to leave on loan
Roberto Martinez was full of praise for forgotten man Nikica Jelavic after the Croatian hit a brace of goals in the four nil victory over Queens Park Rangers. The Everton boss said that Jela was a good pro and could understand his need for first team football with the World Cup on the horizon. Jelavic could have had a hat-trick but hit the bar with his penalty.
“I thought his performance was very, very good,” said Martinez. “He was frustrated that he couldn’t get his hat-trick. His performance deserved a hat-trick. His movement in the box is terrific and sometimes we didn’t give him the service his movement deserved.
“He has been frustrated by the limited number of minutes he has had this season. We have been very open and honest with Niki about his situation.
“Niki and John Heitinga are in the same boat. I don’t want to lose them but we have got to be honest with them.
Speaking of potential bids for the players the Spaniard said that he wouldn’t stand in the way of the players if the offer was right, but confirmed that Jelavic wouldn’t be allowed to leave on loan as it wouldn’t allow him to replace the striker.
“If (any offer) is right for the player and right for the club then we will look into it.
“I understand that for players their age and with the World Cup around the corner, they deserve for us to have that approach.
“But people won’t get him on the cheap.”
Martinez added: “Jelavic won’t be loaned out. That would not allow us to replace Jela.”
Should Jelavic still be sold or should he be given a chance in the first team? Have your say at www.theevertonforum.com
I would prefer us to keep him (he can score!) and still bring in another striker. That would then give us 4 options with Lukaku, Jelavic, Kone and the new signing. The top 4 teams all seem to have that number of options.
Then come the summer we either keep or replace Lukaku and sell Vellios (not up to grade)