Everton boss Roberto Martinez to hold talks with Steven Naismith over future

Naismith has found himself increasingly sidelined, with Romelu Lukaku, Arouna Kone, Gerard Deulofeu and Ross Barkley monopolising the attacking positions.

Norwich, Everton's opponents on Saturday, made a deadline-day bid for Naismith in the summer but were rebuffed by Martinez.

However, with Naismith not having been involved in a Premier League game since mid-October, it appears a move in January could be on the cards.

Martinez said: "That's something we need to look into whenever that situation arises

It happened in August, it wasn't the right time

We're going to see how the next three or four weeks go

"It's so important to have a strong squad

We've got a period of a lot of games in a short amount of days and every single player will have a very important role in those weeks

"So I'm sure in four or five weeks we'll have a clear idea of where we are and it'll be the right time to make a decision

"Steven is a very intelligent man, intelligent footballer, and I think he's got an incredible degree of confidence

"It is true it's been very frustrating for certain players in those attacking positions due to the fact some of the players that are playing in those roles have reached an incredible level of form

I think as a player you understand that."

Meanwhile, captain Phil Jagielka is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee injury and could return before the end of the year.

The defender, who suffered medial ligament damage in the defeat to Arsenal at the end of October, is potentially in line for a comeback against Stoke on December 28.

Martinez said: "Phil had very good news from the specialist yesterday and we are well on track - probably ahead of what we expected

Now we're going into the final period of 15 working days for him before he can join the group

"Realistically we're talking about maybe that group of fixtures after Boxing Day - Stoke, Spurs at home - that seems very realistic for Phil to come back."

Source : PA

Source: PA