Everton FC closing in on Wigan duo Kone and Alcaraz – Liverpool Echo

2 Jul 2013 08:00

Arouna Kone

EVERTON are set to make Wigan duo Arouna Kone and Antolin Alcaraz the first signings of Roberto Martinez’s Goodison reign.

The Blues have agreed a fee in the region of £6.5m for 29-year-old Ivory Coast hit-man Kone, and are now in advanced talks with Latics chairman Dave Whelan.

Kone, who scored 13 goals under Martinez last term, is keen to be reunited with his former boss, and is likely to join this week, with free-agent Alcaraz also likely to be unveiled before the weekend.

Alvaro Alcaraz  

Martinez is keen to get his business done quickly now he has returned from commentating on the Confederations Cup for EPSN, so new arrivals can benefit from a full pre-season with Everton’s players due back at Finch Farm tomorrow.

The departures of coaches Steve Round, Chris Woods and Jimmy Lumsden mean it will be all change at the Halewood training complex, and reserves coach Andy Holden is also expected to leave the club as the Spaniard’s reshuffle begins to take shape.

Meanwhile, Martinez is bracing himself for the next stage in Manchester United’s pursuit of England defender Leighton Baines.

The new Toffees boss wants to sit down with Baines tomorrow and convince him that his future lies with Everton, but that is unlikely to deter David Moyes from returning with an improved offer on the £12m which was firmly rebuffed last week.

The Red Devils interest may be unwelcome at Goodison – but it is inevitable according to SKY pundit and former United defender Gary Neville.

Neville said he had admired Baines because of his consistence and high performance levels over recent seasons.

“I’ve seen a lot of the speculation over the last few days about Leighton,” he said. “He had a fantastic season last year and was brilliant for Everton.

“He’s been a great performer for the last few years and it’s inevitable that he will be linked with the top clubs in the Premier League.”