Transfer news: Everton want Traore to fill void left by Jelavic

A deal has been agreed to sign the Ivory Coast international on loan from Monaco, whom he joined from Anzhi Makhachkala earlier in the month.

Manager Roberto Martinez publicly confirmed their interest in Lacina Traore following Monday’s 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion.

Everton could be on the verge of completing their second signing of the transfer window as they await the result of a work permit application for Monaco striker Lacina Traore.

A deal has been agreed to sign the Ivory Coast international on loan from the French club, whom he joined from Anzhi Makhachkala earlier in the month.

Manager Roberto Martinez publicly confirmed their interest following Monday’s 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion, saying: “Lacina is a player who I really like and is someone who would fit in really well in the role we want the player to come in.

“He is a very talented footballer. He is only 23 and has already had a couple of moves [totalling] nearly £30 million [Dh181.4m], but every work permit is a difficult one and we will try our best.”

The 6ft 8ins striker is being brought in to replace Nikica Jelavic, who was sold to Hull City last week, and will provide support for fellow on-loan forward Romelu Lukaku, who is currently Martinez’s first choice.

Meanwhile, Martinez said he and the club are hoping a hamstring injury is not as serious as first feared for defender Seamus Coleman.

He limped off on Monday night and is a doubt for the Merseyside derby against Liverpool next week.

“Seamus is a really fit boy so when he got that feeling something was wrong with his hamstring we needed to take that seriously,” Martinez said.

“We will find out over the next few hours the extent of the injury.”

Martinez added he expected Steven Pienaar to be fit to face Liverpool after missing the West Brom game with a groin injury.

“Steven Pienaar had to come off against Norwich and since then he has been working hard to get back to full fitness and it was a little bit short for Monday,” he said.

“We will assess him over the next few days.”

Lukaku video removed from Everton website

Everton distanced themselves from on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku’s defence of Nicolas Anelka over his controversial “quenelle” gesture.

The Belgian featured in a video interview posted on the team website in which he said there did not have to be “such a big deal” made about the West Bromwich Albion player’s actions.

“It is the player’s opinion and not the opinion held by the football club,” Everton spokesman Alan Myers said. “The last thing we want to do is cause offence to anyone.”

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