Contract talks stall with £2.6m coach Everton like as Lampard successor

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The Belgian Football Federation have failed to agree a contract extension with Roberto Martinez as Premier League strugglers Everton keep tabs on their former boss amid rising pressure facing Frank Lampard, Het Nieuwsblad reports. 

What was it John Steinbeck said about ‘best laid plans’?

The RBFA (Belgium’s version of the FA, essentially) had hoped to put a cork in a story which threatens to undermine their World Cup campaign, uncertainty surrounding Martinez’s future likely to be the subject of much discussion over in Qatar. 

The Belgian Federation wanted to tie Martinez down to a new contract before Wednesday’s group opener vs Canada.

Both parties held talks on numerous occasions, but no breakthrough was forthcoming. Now, the Rote Duivels head into the tournament – potentially the last for many members of their so-called Golden Generation – with major doubts surrounding the longevity of their head coach. 

Martinez’s current deal, after all, expires as soon as December 31^st. 

Everton eye Belgium coach Roberto Martinez amid pressure on Frank Lampard

Martinez reportedly turned down Aston Villa before Steven Gerrard’s appointment in 2021. He was also on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar prior to the ill-fated arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo.

Everton, however, may feel like a classic case of ‘unfinished business’ for the one-time Toffees boss; Martinez having taken Everton closer than anyone post-David Moyes to the promised land of the Champions League. 

Het Nieuwsblad back up claims from HBVL, saying that Martinez remains on their radar.

There is, it must be said, no suggestion that Lampard’s job is under any immediate pressure (The Athletic). Though this could soon change if the ex-Chelsea boss cannot arrest a run of six defeats in eight games.

If you’re an Everton fan who pines for consistency, The Athletic’s claims may come as a relief. Everton have had four head coaches in the last three years alone. For those who travelled to the South Coast for those humbling defeats to Bournemouth, however…

Well, let’s just say many on Merseyside may be hoping to see Belgium bow out early in Qatar. Thus, potentially freeing up a familiar face to return.

Martinez, the report adds, earns £2.6 million-a-year in his current role. Belgium will face Canada, Morocco and Croatia in World Cup Group F. There are still major doubts, however, about the fitness of all-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku.