Everton Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of August 19

The Premier League's return coincides with the final two—and most pivotal—weeks of the transfer window.

With fixtures now in full flow, clubs cannot afford the disruption of losing a key player so late, and being forced to hunt for replacements instead of preparing for matches.

In Everton's case, that's the situation surrounding both Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines. The prospect of losing either player now would seriously derail Roberto Martinez's inaugural season and would hugely unsettle his dressing room.

Keeping hold of both players will be the priority, while there's still a chance the Toffees could bring in a loan addition or possibly look to move a few fringe players on.

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: Friday, August 23—

Fellaini Wants Out?

Friday, August 23

The Daily Mail's Dominic King has cranked up the pressure on Everton by claiming Marounae Fellaini wants to leave the club and join David Moyes at Manchester United.

King reports that the Belgian wants to depart before his value increases further, but adds that he's unlikely to demand a transfer request.

The article also includes a few quotes from Roberto Martinez, who is clearly disgruntled at Manchester United's open transfer policy this summer:

"

I have never seen Manchester United working in this manner before. When you want a player you just do the business quietly.

I don’t know if this is a new way of working. I don’t expect a new bid. We’re not in that position. There isn’t an offer on the table where anyone would consider anything.

"

Marrone Now an Option for Monaco

Friday, August 23

Having reported on apparent interest from Fiorentina and Inter Milan earlier in the week, talkSPORT add further insight into Luca Marrone's future.

It's now reported that Monaco have "entered negotiations" with the Italian midfielder, further reducing Everton's hopes of bringing him to England.

Shaw over Baines

Wednesday, August 21

While not directly concerning the Toffees, a report by the Daily Express' Paul Joyce will be well received by Evertonians.

Joyce believes Manchester United will turn their attentions towards Southampton's Luke Shaw, as they appear priced out of a move for Leighton Baines.

The article prices Southampton's promising young left-back at around £10 million.

Fellaini and Baines Need to Ask to Leave

Wednesday, August 21

The Guardian believe Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini will need to ask for a move if they want to join Manchester United.

Fellaini is believed to be the more realistic target of the pair and David Moyes will supposedly wait to see if the Belgian will force the issue himself, before returning with another bid.

Barry Talks Stalling

Wednesday, August 21

This Transfer Tracker covered news of Everton's interest in Gareth Barry on Monday, but talks have now stalled, according to The Independent's Jack de Menezes.

It's claimed Barry's £100,000 per week wages are the main stumbling block, with the Toffees needing a compromise from Manchester City to complete the transfer.

Roberto Martinez is still hopeful of concluding a deal, but Arsenal have began showing an interest in the player, too.

The article also mentions Scott Sinclair's likely departure from Eastlands, with Everton a potential destination for the winger.

Another Bid from Old Trafford

Monday, August 19

Big news to start the week, as Manchester United have returned with a joint £28 million bid for Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini.

The exclusive comes from the Liverpool Echo's Greg O'Keeffe, who reports on a "farcical" £16 million offer for Fellaini tied in with another £12 million package for Baines.

O'Keeffe describes how this has been "angrily rejected" by Goodison chiefs and that the bid was made 48 hours before the start of the Premier League season. 

Such an offer could only be designed to unsettle the prized duo, and it has left a bad feeling between two clubs who have negotiated well together in the past.

Credit to Everton for sticking to their principles on this matter. It still appears a fee of around £24 million will be required for Fellaini and something in the region of £18 million for Baines, meaning United need to drastically up their offer past £40 million to snare both players.

Everton Club Statement

Monday, August 19

Everton responded to reports of this joint bid from Manchester United, releasing an official statement on the club's website.

The statement read as follows:

"

Everton can confirm that it has received bids from Manchester United for two players. Those bids were immediately rejected out of hand as derisory and insulting.        

The Club did not make public these details as it was vital Roberto Martinez’s preparations for the opening game of the Premier League season were not disrupted in anyway.

"

While fans may have preferred to see the phrase "not for sale" in the statement, it at least shows a solid stance from the club and suggests United will have to pay a lot more to acquire both players.

United Expected to Offer More for Baines and Fellaini

Monday, August 19

The Telegraph anticipate Manchester United making an immediate, improved offer for both Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, saying "it would be a major surprise if Moyes backed away so quickly."

The article queries the need to buy Baines, given Patrice Evra's return to form, but cites Fellaini as a solution to the Red Devils' issues in midfield.

The Telegraph also expects both players to be keen on joining the reigning Premier League champions.

Marrone Attracting Suitors

Monday, August 19

Away from the subject of Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines, Luca Marrone is supposedly attracting attention from both Fiorentina and Inter Milan, according to talkSPORT's Ian Cruise.

The midfielder, who may be an option to bring in should Fellaini depart, has been linked with the Toffees throughout the summer.

Cruise expects a bidding war to start at around £10 million, which—in Everton's case—would depend entirely on Fellaini's future.

Gareth Barry Coming In?

Monday, August 19

The Express report Gareth Barry is close to joining Everton, but only if Manchester City can help subsidise the England international's wages.

Although the article describes Barry as a potential replacement for Marouane Fellaini, the Toffees are short of depth in the middle regardless of the Belgian's future.

No replacements have yet been made to cover the departures of Phil Neville and Thomas Hitzlsperger from last season, and there is no first team experience behind Fellaini, Leon Osman and Darron Gibson.

While younger options are the ideal solution, Barry could serve as an effective short-term answer.