Shortly after the January window closed, it was claimed in Spain that Everton had made a late window offer for Aaron Martin.
The Espanyol left back has been repeatedly linked with a transfer to the Premier League, with both Manchester clubs previously said to be keen, and Everton’s offer was put at €20m.
That was said to have been knocked back, with Espanyol preferring to wait until the summer before selling the 20 year old.
Everton’s approach was nearly successful, with a meeting being held between Espanyol president Chen Yansheng, sports director Òscar Perarnau, vice president Adolf Rousaud and manager Quique Sánchez Flores, but the decision in the end going against a deal.
Aaron’s release clause is €30m, something which raises to €40m in the summer, and it was explained Espanyol would be looking for higher than €20m.
Marca have it a little different on Wednesday. There’s claims around the Spanish sport media today that Aaron looks like Espanyol’s sacrificial lamb to raise money for the summer window.
The player himself is quoted as saying: “I don’t know what will happen in summer, but right now I’m fine, happy and wanting to fight here.”
Marca believe Espanyol are expecting to receive €15-20m for the player, which sounds good for any Everton interest, but the Catalan media are still suggesting the figure will have to be higher.
