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Five players Everton should sign

Sports Mole identifies five players who could be of interest to new Everton manager Roberto Martinez.

This summer is arguably one of the biggest in the recent history of Everton. With David Moyes, fans knew that while there wasn't a lot of money to spend, the Scot could more often than not be relied upon to recruit a gem or two.

While he is now left to deal with dizzying names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Thiago Alcantara, his replacement Roberto Martinez is the man who has been charged with the task of continuing his positive work at Goodison Park.

So, with Europe thought to be the aim for the Toffees next season, it's going to be an important transfer window for the Spaniard. Here, Sports Mole has selected five players who we believe will help ensure that it is a smooth transition between the two gaffers.

Joleon Lescott, Manchester City

There is a saying in football that urges you never to return to your old stomping ground. But, if it is good enough for Jose Mourinho, then why not! Everton and Lescott may not have parted under the best of terms back in 2009 when the England international forced through a £22m transfer to Manchester City by handing in a written transfer request, but a lot of water has run under the bridge since then and the 30-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium.

Sylvain Distin was signed to replace Lescott and while the job that he has done is more than admirable, the Frenchman is now 35.

While neither is overly gifted on the ball, Martinez may well be tempted to reunite Jagielka and Lescott, who formed a solid partnership at the Goodison the first time around.

What's more, it is unlikely that he will dent the transfer kitty too much, what with him being out of favour at City. A move would also suit Lescott, who no doubt harbours ambitions of being part of the England squad at next year's World Cup in Brazil, providing that they make it.

Wayne Rooney and Joleon Lescott© PA Photos

Aleksandar Kolarov, Manchester City

Surely Everton don't need a left-back because they have Leighton Baines? He's arguably the best in the Premier League. True, but as we've explained here, he could well be a target for Moyes at Old Trafford.

Should the England full-back move on, he would leave a massive void to fill. Not only is he an able defender, but he is a danger to the opposition and every season is worth a few goals - be it by scoring himself or setting up his teammates.

Perhaps there is a ready-made replacement at the Etihad? Serbian international Kolarov is useful defensively and has shown that he can be clinical from free kicks.

His wages could prove to be a stumbling block, but having only featured in 18 Premier League matches last term, the promise of regular football should Baines depart may prove appealing.

James McCarthy, Wigan Athletic

Down the years, Phil Neville slotted into the Everton midfield when the ugly side of the game needing doing. He was always someone who worked hard, broke up attacks and kept possession for his team.

The veteran has now retired, leaving a huge gap in the Everton engine room. While both Darron Gibson and Jonny Heitinga can carry out such a role, it is not natural to either, unlike McCarthy.

Martinez will know all about the Republic of Ireland international, having nurtured him at Wigan since his 2009 arrival from Hamilton Academical.

The 22-year-old started to show last season, particularly during Wigan's run to the FA Cup final, that he has the capabilities to be a fine Premier League midfielder for years to come. The way that he plays would allow the likes of Kevin Mirallas and Leon Osman to go about their business further up the pitch.

Carlos Tevez and James McCarthy battle for the ball on April 17, 2013© AP Photos

Victor Moses, Chelsea

Like McCarthy, Moses blossomed under Martinez's tutelage. During the 2011-12 campaign, the Nigerian international was arguably Wigan's most consistent player, despite his tender age.

The 22-year-old is now at Chelsea, but is by no means a regular starter. And, with the likes of Eden Hazard and Oscar only likely to improve, his chances could be even more limited over the coming months.

What he would bring to Everton are two main qualities - pace and trickery. Looking at the current squad at Goodison Park, that is not something that they are jam-packed with. Too much of the burden right now is placed on Mirallas and Steven Pienaar to be the creative forces from midfield.

Martinez knows how to get the best of Moses and if he is promised more football than he is getting at Stamford Bridge, a switch could well happen. As is the case with so many footballers this summer, they all have the World Cup in mind.

Victor Moses celebrates scoring for Chelsea© PA Photos

Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea

When he arrived in January 2011 from Rangers, there were few strikers in the Premier League who were more deadly in front of goal than Nikica Jelavic. Everything he struck seemed to find the net.

Last season, though, he appeared to have caught the bug that has been bogging down Fernando Torres for the last two campaigns. He scored just eight goals in all competitions from 43 outings. His replacement, Victor Anichebe, is always willing and puts in a good shift, but you wouldn't put your house on him converting a chance.

Goalscorers are the hardest thing to come by, but one could be available, although it may only be on a loan basis. With virtually every striker you can think of being linked with Chelsea, Lukaku's chances at the Bridge appear to be limited.

He may only be 20, but his 17 goals while on loan with West Bromwich Albion last year show that he can cope with the demands of the English game. Having had a taste of senior action, it is unlikely that he would be content with being third or even fourth choice at Chelsea.

It's been said for some time now that a lack of goals has often hurt Everton, something that Lukaku would be able to mend.

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Everton manager David Moyes waves to fans during his last home match in charge of the club on May 12, 2013
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