Southampton defender Cuco Martina has been linked with a move to Everton.
Southampton’s Cuco Martina in action with Tottenham’s Danny Rose
With just a week to go until the transfer deadline, Southampton defender Cuco Martina is being heavily linked with a move to join Premier League rivals Everton.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are closing in on the signing of full back Martina, with talks believed to be at an advanced stage.
Southampton’s Cuco Martina in action with Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling
Martina, 26, joined the Saints from FC Twente last summer as Ronald Koeman looked to bring in a versatile defender to boost his options at the back.
The Curacao international, who has made 24 appearances for his country, played 18 times for Southampton last season, and his personal highlight was a stunning long-range strike against Arsenal on Boxing Day.
Everton manager Ronaldo Koeman
Now, Martina’s future on the South Coast is in doubt. First choice Cedric has retained his position under new manager Claude Puel, and the Frenchman was decided to sign Frenchman Jeremy Pied on a free transfer, meaning Martina is now the third choice right back.
He appears to be closing in on a move to Everton though, and will be following former boss Koeman to Goodison Park as the Toffees look for cover for Seamus Coleman.
Everton’s Leon Osman in action with Southampton’s Cuco Martina
Since the rumours surfaced on Tuesday evening, Southampton fans have been taking to Twitter to give their views on the deal – and it’s fair to say that Martina’s alleged departure has split opinion.
Some believe that Martina was a solid contributor for the Saints last season and would be missed if he left the club this summer, whilst others believe that, with Cedric and Pied at the club, Martina won’t be needed – and mocked Koeman for his supposed ‘ambition’ when signing a player deemed surplus to requirements at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Here are some of the reactions from Southampton fans after defender Martina was linked with a move to join Koeman at Everton…
Would you like to see Martina sign for Everton?
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