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.
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.