Everton Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of August 12

Finally those bleak, tiresome summer months without regular competitive football are over. The Premier League is back.

Of course, that doesn't coincide with the end of the transfer window, as perhaps it should. Instead, clubs still have until the end of the month to thrash out deals to fill their squad, and—as a result—these Transfer Trackers will continue.

Everton face a trip to Norwich at the end of the week and will be hoping no transfer-related distractions accompany them on their journey.

For the Toffees, it still seems a case of keeping hold of what they have, with Roberto Martinez lining up targets in the event of a player's valuation being met.

Once again, here is your weekly dose of transfer rumours and stories surrounding Everton. Be sure to check back later in the week for any further developments.

For those keeping track of all Toffees-related links over the summer, last week's transfer gossip can be found here.

—LAST UPDATE: Thursday, August 15—

Baines Needs to Request a Move

Thursday, August 15

Following on form yesterday, it appears Manchester United are hoping to persuade Leighton Baines to initiate a move away from Everton, by requesting a transfer.

This story is taken from the Daily Mail's Chris Wheeler, and has filtered through to in most media outlets today.

Supposedly United want the England international to show his intentions before they come back with an improved offer.

No Interest in Baines?

Wednesday, August 14

The Liverpool Echo's Greg O’Keeffe writes how Roberto Martinez is 'convinced' Manchester United's interest in Leighton Baines has come to an end.

The Spaniard provides insight into the matter, revealing how a bid was indeed made earlier this summer.

"

Before we went to Austria one club officially contacted ourselves with an offer and it was a final offer.

They put something over and the valuation wasn’t anywhere near the quality of Leighton Baines. That was the end of it but since then there’s been all the speculation, which has been part of what the transfer window is.

There’s never been another club or anyone else putting in an offer for Leighton. Since then we’ve moved on and we’re continuing to focus on the start of the season.

"

These are exactly the kind of headlines Evertonians will hope to see for the final two weeks of the transfer window. Baines remains the Toffees' most important asset to keep hold of.

Interest in Scott Dann

Tuesday, August 13

The Daily Mail's Simon Jones reveals Everton are interested in acquiring the services of Blackburn's Scott Dann.

The Championship club are keen to get Dann's Premier League wages off their books and would even consider a loan move to save some money.

Fulham are also believed to be keen, and Jones cites Antolin Alcaraz's injury and interest in John Heitinga from Turkley as reasons for Everton wanting to strengthen at the back.

Toffees Tracking Brillante

Tuesday, August 13

The Express' Ben Jefferson thinks Everton will battle it out with Lazio and Schalke for young Aussie star, Josh Brillante.

Just 20, Brillante has already earned a place in the Australian national side and looks poised to head for European shores soon.

Alderweireld off to Russia?

Monday, August 12

Everton have accumulated a considerable amount of rumours in connection with Ajax's Toby Alderweireld this summer.

It always seemed he was more of a realistic option if John Heitinga was sold, and that still seems more likely as other clubs prepare to make a move.

The Metro claim Spartak Moscow have lodged a £6 million bid and use quotes taken from De Telegraaf, where the Belgian international confirms their interest.

"

I now understand that they have made Ajax an offer for me. Only when the clubs are granted permission (to talk to me) will I think.

I want to focus first on Belgium-France on Wednesday. I've always said that I will seriously look at each option. Those who know me, know that I will never choose just for the money but for the image and history of the team.

"

It appears Martinez has lined up Alderweireld in the event of Heitinga moving on. If nobody comes in for the Dutchman, it doesn't look as though Everton have the means to sign him.

Cresswell Looking at the Premier League

Monday, August 12

Promising young Ipswich defender, Aaron Cresswell, has admitted he harbours ambition to play in the Premier League.

Sky Sports claim Everton are one of a number of clubs currently keeping tabs on him.

Brought up a Liverpool fan, Cresswell was asked about moving to the blue half of Merseyside, to which he replied:

"

I don't know about that. I'm a Liverpool fan. I would have to cross that bridge if it comes.

"

Siqueira on His Way to Liverpool

Monday, August 12

The Daily Star announce that Liverpool will beat Everton to the signature of Guilherme Siqueira.

In truth, the Toffees would only be concerned by this if Leighton Baines were taken off their hands in the coming weeks. If he stays, then there's no need for Roberto Martinez to bolster his left-back core.

Even if Baines goes, considering the preseason form of Bryan Oviedo, and that Everton's third choice left-back, Luke Garbutt, has just been called up into the England Under-21 squad, Martinez has considerable depth already.

McCarthy Lined Up as Fellaini's Replacement

Monday, August 12

Once again, Wigan's James McCarthy has been linked with Everton as a potential replacement for Marouane Fellaini, should the Belgian leave Goodison Park this summer.

The Mirror published this story at the weekend, but it's been regurgitated over most of the summer and remains in a lot of current articles.

Given how often McCarthy's found himself linked with the Toffees it wouldn't be surprising if this was the club's genuine strategy.