Roberto Martinez has reiterated that Everton FC are willing to bide their time in the search for a new goalkeeper.
The Blues have until Monday’s transfer deadline to complete any business but Martinez insists he will not be forced into a panic buy.
Everton only have one fit senior goalkeeper at present with Joel Robles deputising for the injured Tim Howard, who has a calf problem.
Academy keeper Russell Griffiths has been providing back up for Robles and Martinez admits Howard’s injury – which is expected to keep him out until mid-February – has left the Blues thin on the ground in that position.
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But the Everton manager will not buy for the sake of it and insists that unless the “right personality” emerges then he is happy to wait until the summer.
Martinez is looking to make a signing for the long-term, not a quick-fix, and revealed recently he had “made enquiries” but says Everton are no closer to tying up a deal.
“The situation hasn’t changed,” Martinez said.
“Tim Howard will be out for the period I expected but I will always keep an eye open to see if we need to do anything.
“We only have two goalkeepers in the squad at the moment so I need to keep an eye on it.
“But we would not just bring anyone in. They need to be the right personality to fit into the squad.”
The form of No.2 Robles has softened the blow of losing Howard.
Martinez has been thrilled with the Spaniard’s performances ever since he replaced Howard for the second-half of Everton’s game with Stoke City on Boxing Day.
Robles has visibly grown in confidence during that run of games and produced a string of fine saves – including one in the penalty shoot-out – against West Ham in the FA Cup earlier this month.
“It has been good to see Joel so influential in the last two games,” added Martinez. “In goalkeeping terms he is still a young man and so he is only going to become a stronger goalkeeper.”
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