POPULAR NEWS

This area does not yet contain any content.
MORE FOOTBALL BLOGS
    WRITE FOR FF

    « England U-21’s dire championship, who to blame? (video) | Main | Luis Suarez against the world »
    Wednesday
    Jun122013

    Roberto Martinez targets defender as first Everton signing, but what does it mean for Leighton Baines?

    Now that Everton have got their man in the shape of Roberto Martinez they can start building for next season. The former Wigan gaffer is set to revisit his old club in order to nab their centre-back Antolin Alcaraz on a free transfer, according to the Mirror

    The Latics man is out of contract in the summer and is unlikely to be offered a new deal at the DW Stadium after an injury hit stint at the club, but one mans' trash is another man's treasure and Martinez is keen to snap the Paraguayan as he believes he fits in with the new philosophy that he plans on implementing at Goodison Park.

    During his time at Wigan Martinez strived for an attractive passing style of play with an emphasis on hitting teams on the break, and the formation he often preferred was a 3-5-2.

    With Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin both performing brilliantly last season Alcaraz could perhaps slot in as the third point of the trio, but what would that mean for Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman on the flanks?

    Manchester United are said to be circling rapidly for the former, but only if a deal can be done to rid the left-back slot of Patrice Evra. However, should Baines stay in Merseyside then the wing-back role is something that could potentially further his game, if that is possible, after an impeccable season bombing down the wings from a more defensive position. 

    This transfer could trigger a domino effect in the Premier Legue this summer.