Everton continue loan strategy with former Real Madrid star
Published:Everton have made superb use of the loan market this season. Romelu Lukaku has been the headline acquisition in a temporary class including Gareth Barry, Gerard Deulofeu and most recently Lacina Traore, all of whom have added considerable depth to the Toffees squad.
Now, Roberto Martinez looks set to return to his tried and tested acquisition method with a raid on his homeland once again.
Segio Canales was once a heralded young footballer, plying his trade for lower-half La Liga outfit Racing Santander and racking up caps at international youth level.
Like so many promising players in Spain, his performances caught the eye of Real Madrid and the Bernabeu giants made their intentions firm in 2010 by confirming his permanent transfer to Los Blancos.
As is so often the case, Canales’ career stalled upon making the switch and he appeared just 10 times for Madrid before being loaned to Valencia, a move that became permanent in 2012.
However, like many a child star before him, Canales’ stock continued to fall at the Mestalla and the midfielder has made just 18 appearances in all competitions this season.
Out of favour in his homeland, another move looks likely, according to the Daily Mirror, and Martinez is ready to give the 22-year-old a way out, with an option to buy the player factored in to a loan move.
Everton’s bid for a top-four spot is gaining traction under a four-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and the Goodison Park club are 5/1 shots to achieve that goal this term despite being just one point behind their rivals Liverpool, who lie in fourth.
Martinez has operated on a small squad so far in the league this season, with just 12 players making 10 or more starts, and with injuries and player departures reducing the number at the club, Everton will need to boost their numbers if they want to continue to challenge for the league’s top four.
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