Roberto Martinez downplays chances of Everton signing reinforcements in January

Roberto Martinez doesn't expect to add to his squad in January

ROBERTO MARTINEZ has downplayed the prospect of Everton signing reinforcements in the January transfer window.

 

Depsite signing Aaron Lennon on loan in January 2015, Martinez has generally tended not to buy midway through a campaign and prefers to stockpile what funds he has available for the summer.

And the Everton manager suggested that trend will continue.

“It will be very important for us to make sure that the window that is going to open in the winter is gives us a bit more normality,” said Martinez. “(We may) look at the younger groups more than the first team level.

 

Leighton Baines is yet to play for Everton this season

“We want to make sure we get a clear 10-month competition out of this squad, then it will be the summer when we reassess where we are and where we should go.

“We wouldn’t be looking to the winter as a moment to make significant changes.”

Martinez, meanwhile, will not rush Leighton Baines back into action following his return from injury.

The England left-back has not played this season after damaging his ankle ligaments on the eve of the campaign which left him requiring surgery.

He had a similar operation at the end of the previous season meaning he has effectively been sidelined for six months.

Baines has re-joined training with the first team, but is unlikely to feature against West Ham on Saturday.

“Leighton Baines, Mo Besic and Tom Cleverley have been training with normality with the first team squad,” said Martinez. “It is about making sure we measure that now and don’t rush them back into action.

“I don’t think Leighton will be back at the weekend, although medically he is in a great condition.”