The Toffees revive their interest in Leroy Fer.
Everton have renewed their interest in Dutch midfielder Leroy Fer as the ideal replacement for expected departure Marouane Fellaini to either Arsenal or Manchester United, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The Toffees have been interested in Fer for some time and a £8.6m move for the 23-year-old fell through back in January, with the club having concerns with the midfielder’s knee.
However, those issues with the Netherlands international seem to have been allayed and new manager Roberto Martinez is keeping his eye on Fer as the Fellaini saga continues to rumble on.
Despite the Spaniard unwilling to part company with his Belgian star, a reported £22m release clause in the 25-year-old’s contract would mean Martinez would be powerless were the Gunners or United prepared to activate the buy-out fee.
A deal for Fer would rest on Fellaini’s future at Goodison Park, although with the midfielder likely to leave FC Twente this season if Everton do not act quickly they could face missing out on the Dutchman.
After failing to complete a move to Merseyside earlier in 2013, Fer went on to feature prominently for his club in the Eredivisie, playing 34 times in all competitions as Twente finished sixth in the table and the midfielder scoring 11 goals and providing six assists.
The Dutchman is currently on international duty with the Netherlands at the European under-21 championships in Israel and netted the winning goal in the nation’s opening game win over fierce rivals Germany on Thursday.
Martinez has yet to make his mark at the Toffees with his first transfer deal and the acquisition of Fer could act as the perfect way for the 39-year-old to announce his arrival at the club.
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