Skip to content

Steven Naismith deal 'more or less agreed' by Everton

Steven Naismith, Everton
Image: Steven Naismith is set to decide on his future at Everton

Roberto Martinez has confirmed Everton are very close to agreeing a deal for Steven Naismith with a fellow Premier League club.

The Scotland international forward has been a long-term target for Norwich City and it appears a move to Carrow Road has now moved a step closer, although Toffees manager Martinez did not confirm the team involved.

Canaries boss Alex Neil has, however, said that his club "have done everything possible" to bring in the 29-year-old and now they must "wait and see" as the player decides on his future.

Swansea City had also been linked with Naismith, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, but Martinez revealed the Welsh club have not made an approach.

The Spaniard said: "There has been no approach [from Swansea]. There has been another Premier League club that has made a lot of progress in that respect.

Steven Naismith of Everton celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea
Image: Steven Naismith scored a hat-trick against Chelsea earlier this season

"Everything is more or less agreed in terms of a possible transfer. But the situation with Steven Naismith is that he has a knock on his ankle, and that's why he hasn't been involved.

"At the moment, the priority is to see Steven fully fit and available and then probably we will have a sit down and decide the next step.

Also See:

"We are open to the Steven Naismith situation because in the last days of the previous window it's an open secret Steven wanted to know about his future, and at that time we couldn't replace him and it wasn't right to be done.

Alex Neil looks on prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Watford and Norwich City
Image: Alex Neil says Norwich have done 'everything possible' to sign Naismith

"The promise was we would review it in the next window and see how he is. Steven is in a position where he hasn't played as much as he would have liked as a senior player.

"It's only fair and honest that we review the situation and then a decision is made.

"It's very much in the player's hands to be able to make the right call."