Thursday, 28th November, 2013
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has made encouraging noises for striker Nikica Jelavic, explaining that players with such a golden touch in front of goal are rare in today's game.
Jelavic has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park in the forthcoming January transfer window, with West Ham mooted as keen on snapping up the Croatian.
But Martinez has not cut the figure of a man who wants to sell the former Rangers man.
"It [transfer speculation, ed.] doesn't surprise me because obviously Nikica Jelavic is a terrific player to have, he's a goalscorer and you don't get them easily in the game", the Spaniard told his club's official site.
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"From our point of view he is very important and he needs to be ready to help the team when the opportunity arises, which could be very soon."
Jelavic has failed to find the back of the net yet this season, but has only managed to complete 90 minutes in the Premier League once, being withdrawn early on five occasions.
The Croatia international's contract at Goodison Park runs until 2016.
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