Martinez keen to bring back Traore

Posted Saturday, July 12, 2014 by Foxsports.com

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is keen to bring Monaco forward Lacina Traore back on loan after a fruitless initial spell

The Ivory Coast striker arrived in January carrying an injury and managed just one hour-long goalscoring appearance in the FA Cup against Swansea before a hamstring problem ruled him out until the final game of the season where he came on for the last minute against Hull.

But with Martinez's striking options for the new season not yet finalised as he awaits an update on the availability of Romelu Lukaku, who scored 16 times on loan from Chelsea, he is exploring the possibility of a return for Traore.

"At the moment we are still talking with Monaco," he told evertonfc.com.

"With Lacina, it is a three-way conversation and it will go a bit further down the line before we take a final decision."

"But we always wanted Lacina to be with us and to play his football with us, and that hasn't changed at all."

Martinez is even more keen to secure the services of Lukaku, who may be available on a permanent deal if Chelsea decide to cash in on the Belgium international.

"Romelu had an incredible season. He is a young man who matured immensely," added the Spaniard.

"We know the potential of Rom and Chelsea have been very good with the player and we have been really close with our relationship."

"We need to find out where we are and there is nothing more to comment."

"Every time we spoke about Rom's situation it was very clear that he wanted to go to the World Cup and then make a decision."

"Obviously it is not going to take too long from now on."