Cuco Martina to depart Everton

Dutch defender Cuco Martina will leave Everton this summer, with a move to the Championship looking increasingly likely. The player, who has been transfer listed by the Toffees, has been linked with moves to Norwich City, Stoke City and Middlesbrough.

Newly appointed Everton coach Marco Silva has informed the player that he is free to leave Goodison Park and that a loan deal would suit the club. Martina has attracted plenty of interest from abroad but is believed to want to extend his stay in England for at least another season.

Everton have been very active in the transfer market this summer, with the arrival of Lucas Digne - a full-back himself - seemingly the final nail in the coffin for Martina.

The defender, who is comfortable playing either left or right back, had been brought to the club by former manager Ronald Koeman and had spent recent seasons as a utility player rather than a first-team regular. Martina has two years remaining on his Everton contract.