Transfer news: Roberto Martinez reveals other clubs are interested in Everton striker Samuel Eto'o
Wednesday 14 January 2015 12:03, UK
Everton boss Roberto Martinez has revealed he has been approached by two clubs about the potential sale of striker Samuel Eto'o.
Eto'o was not in the squad for Tuesday's penalty shootout defeat to West Ham in the FA Cup and has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park after failing to establish a regular first-team spot.
The 33-year-old has 18 months left on his contract at Everton after joining on a free transfer from Chelsea in August and has scored four goals in 20 total appearances for the club.
Speaking after the Upton Park defeat, Martinez said: "A couple of clubs have contacted us in last 12 hours about signing Eto'o.
"We have to sit down and discuss what to do. I decided it was best he wasn't involved tonight. He will continue to train with us. He hasn't asked to leave."
Meanwhile, Martinez bemoaned the fact his side were not awarded an extra-time penalty for a foul on Kevin Mirallas when the score was 2-1 to the visitors.
The Belgium international, who scored his side’s equaliser with just eight minutes of normal time to go, appeared to have been fouled just inside the penalty area but referee Neil Swarbrick gave a free kick outside the box to the dismay of the Everton boss.
“I thought the referee wasn’t consistent at all,” Martinez said. “I know that West Ham had a claim for a penalty. The referee saw that action.
“I have no justification how the referee didn’t see the Kevin Mirallas free-kick is not in the box. Especially in an area where the linesman is looking at the action and maybe the linesman is the one giving the free-kick.
“He should have seen he is in the box. I don’t understand that action.”
