Rumour: Nikica Jelavic up for sale, two clubs said to be interested

Bye-Bye Goodison!

Everton boss Roberto Martinez is pondering whether to let Nikica Jelavic leave in January, after confirming that two clubs have enquired about him according to reports.

The Croatian moved to Goodison Park from Scottish side Rangers during the 2012 January transfer window and enjoyed a blistering start to his career scoring 9 goals in 13 appearances. He has since been in a slump of form, scoring just seven goals in 37 Premier League games last term and is yet to open his account from 8 outings this term.

Jelavic has not started a game since mid-September and has been forced to provide the back-up to summer loan signing Romelu Lukaku in recent months.

West Ham United have been linked with a loan approach for Jelavic in the New Year and Martinez acknowledged there has been interest in the 28-year-old. With Jelavic keen for playing time ahead of the World Cup finals, Martinez is now considering what would be best for both the player and Everton.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Southampton, he told evertontv: “We’ve had a couple of enquiries from two different clubs for one of our players.

“Nikica Jelavic is someone who we have made it very clear to – we’ve had a conversation and he has the World Cup around the corner.

“He needs to be playing minutes and we understand that. We’ll always try to give it a good assessment of the situation but that’s not affecting anyone at the club.

“All we are focusing on is being as good as we can on Sunday.

“Whatever happens in January will be for the good of the football club and that’s where the work is.”