Everton: 5 Players Who Could Help Roberto Martinez Reach the Champions League

Fresh from his role as ESPN's most insightful pundit during the 2013 Confederations Cup, Roberto Martinez will start work at Everton's Finch Farm training ground this week.

When the former Wigan man took the Toffees job, his first words to chairman Bill Kenwright were "I'll get you in the Champions League." (via The BBC)

Of course, David Moyes was never able to bring Champions League football to Goodison Park, but the ambitious Spaniard is focusing his energies on delivering a top-four finish. Here are five players who might help Everton reach the European promised land...

Luke Shaw

It seems more than likely that Everton will lose their star left-back Leighton Baines to Manchester Utd, with the champions apparently willing to increase their £12 million bid for a long-term successor to Patrice Evra (via The Guardian).

Precocious England U-20 left-back Luke Garbutt may be waiting in the wings for his call up, but it is another young Luke who could fill Baines' boots.

Luke Shaw has risen through the same Southampton youth system that gave us Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and is destined to shine on the highest level.

According to the Daily Star, David Moyes will try to tempt Shaw to Old Trafford if he is unable to bring in Baines. If Moyes does get his man, Shaw will be an ideal replacement at Everton.  

Both clubs, however, will need to act fast: Reports suggest the 17-year-old defender has agreed to extend his Saints contract on his 18th birthday next week.

Keisuke Honda

Another player Martinez will struggle to keep before the transfer window ends is Marouane Fellaini, whose £24 million release clause might soon be activated by Arsenal (via The Express).

The attacking midfield void may be filled by Keisuke Honda, who undoubtedly piqued Martinez's curiosity during the Confederations Cup. The CSKA Moskva man also stole the spotlight in the 2010 World Cup with this superb goal.

The Mirror have started the inevitable slew of automotive puns, claiming Everton will drive to the front of the queue for Honda with a £5 million bid. The 27-year-old has stalled on a new contract with his Russian Premier League side, with Milan also reportedly showing interest in his services.

Aurona Kone

Last summer, Roberto Martinez fended off the advances of a number of English clubs to bring Ivorian striker Arouna Kone to Wigan Athletic.

This summer, Martinez looks set to sign the powerful forward once again, with Owen Coyle telling The BBC that the player wishes to be reunited with his old manager.

The only sticking point is the £5 million fee, which relegated Wigan insist must be paid up front and in full, according to a report in The Mirror.

With Nikica Jelavic and Victor Anichebe already on the roster, Martinez will have plenty of options at the top of the pitch.

Meanwhile, The BBC believe centre-back Antolin Alcaraz is also on his way from Wigan, providing more depth and experience at the back along with Sylvain Distin, John Heitinga and Phil Jagielka.

Hugo Almeida

Everton were first linked with Portuguese striker Hugo Almeida in 2009, when David Moyes reportedly wanted to bring him on a season-long loan from Werder Bremen.

Currently with Besiktas, the Portuguese Primeira Liga winner was recently transfer listed, with the Liverpool Echo among the outlets claiming the Toffees were keeping tabs on him.

Transfermarkt.co.uk rate the 29-year-old's value at €7 million, which should sit comfortably within Everton's budget.

With 31 goals in the Turkish Super Lig in the past three seasons, and 63 goals in five Bundesliga seasons prior to that. Almeida may prove a useful option in either a Moyes-style lone striker formation, or paired up with Jelavic.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

If Everton's transfer kitty is boosted by the sale of Baines, a higher-profile striker option than Almeida would be Saint-Étienne's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 24-year-old Gabon international was voted the best African player in Ligue 1 last season, having found the net 21 times.

According to The Mirror, Aubameyang will command a transfer fee of around £15 million, and the Toffees will need to fend off Anhzi Makhachkala and Newcastle for his signature.

Between Anhzi's millions and Newcastle's French-speaking legion, Everton might have a tough time persuading Aubameyang to come to Goodison Park, but he will certainly improve their chances of earning a top four spot if they succeed.