Everton have rejected an £8 Million bid for forward Steven Naismith from Norwich City during the final few hours of transfer deadline day.
The Scottish international, 28, signed a new three year contract with the Toffees last December but he did say earlier this summer that he needed to be playing football, for the benefit of his international career.
Naismith will be looking to secure his place in the Scotland squad for the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign as they look to qualify for the summer tournament.
Martinez likes Naismith’s versatility
Roberto Martinez likes to utilise Naismith in a number of different positions. Naismith can be used on either wing, in the hole behind the striker and if he needs to, he can play as the main striker.
During the start of this Premier League season, Naismith has found himself on the bench and only used sparingly in cameo roles as a substitute.
Naismith has played a total of 65 minutes and has only found the net once this season, in the Capital One Cup win against Barnsley.
Last season, Naismith was used as a ‘super-sub’ seemingly popping off the bench to score when Everton needed him too. The forward scored six Premier League goals and two in the Europa League. He also chipped in with an assist in European football.
Norwich City bid a surprise
The move for Naismith is a surprise because he has not been mentioned in any outgoing rumours this summer.
The forward is seemingly settled at Goodison Park and has become a help to the community. He has been helping out with homeless charities in offering meals last Christmas and launched his initiative to buy tickets for the unemployed.