Roberto Martinez targets summer revamp, rather than January sales

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says he is unlikely to do business this January window, preferring to make longer-term changes in the summer.

Martinez brought in seven players in the close season and doesn't believe the squad requires further strengthening as Everton look to challenge for the European places.

The form of this weekend's opponents West Ham, along with Leicester and Southampton, has made the race for Europe even more competitive, but Martinez will resist the temptation to fine-tune his group in the January transfer window.

"We've got such a strong squad - the focus for us is to see how good we can be with the squad we have now," Martinez said. "We have enough time in the summer to see if we can bring players into the football club.

"All we want is to be as good as we can with the players we have, that I'm delighted with. I wouldn't look at the winter as a moment to make significant changes."

It appears there will be little in the way of departures also this coming window, with Martinez insisting Kevin Mirallas was integral to his plans this season. 

The Blues boss also stressed the importance of giving his younger players an opportunity to progress at the club.

With Brendan Galloway an increasing influence at left-back, winning the club's player of the month for September, fellow defenders Tyias Browning and Mason Holgate are also highly regarded.

"It will be very important for us to make sure the window that is going to open in the winter is to just give a bit more normality.

"To make sure the squad gets reaffirmed, looking at the younger groups more than the first-team level to make sure that we get a clear 10-month competition out of this squad."

Elsewhere, Martinez confirmed Bryan Oviedo's hamstring injury will keep him out for up to three weeks, but Leighton Baines will play a friendly behind closed doors during the international break.

The England defender is back in full training following his ankle injury but this weekend's game at West Ham has come too soon for a return.