Everton Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of August 26

After a summer of speculative links, persistent rumours and one or two extravagant predictions, the end of the transfer window is finally near; something sure to come as a relief to most clubs.

Now in the home straight, the last few days tend to prove the most chaotic of all, as clubs scour the market for that last-minute coup while desperately clutching on to their own prized possessions.

At Everton, the focus remains on fending off interest in Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini. Each player's future has been a recurrent theme in gossip columns all summer, and if either—or in the worst case scenario, both—are to leave the Toffees, replacements will be needed in a hurry. 

Elsewhere, though funds are limited, Roberto Martinez could do with more firepower in attack, while his options in midfield look a little sparse, regardless of Fellaini's future.

For the final time, 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 30—

More Bids Rejected

Friday, August 30

Manchester United's persuit of Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini continues to heat up.

Everton have supposedly turned down another joint offer for both players, which differs in estimation, depending on where you read it.

The Telegraph go with a £36 million deal, while The Express are among those claiming it's nearer £38 million.

Either way, this is a significant improvement on the previous offer and seems precariously close to the kind of numbers Everton would consider accepting.

Fellaini Wants to Go

Friday, August 30

Following on from reports claiming Leighton Baines was keen on leaving Everton, the Daily Mail claim Marouane Fellaini now feels the same.

Ian Ladyman describes how the Belgium midfielder has told his manager of his desire to leave; something that would come as a considerable blow to Roberto Martinez.

The article also reveals Everton are still looking to bring in Gareth Barry on loan, while Martinez has held informal talks with James McCarthy about a possible transfer.

Baines Wants out

Wednesday, August 28

The Independent's Sam Wallace has brought the colossal news that Leighton Baines is supposedly keen on joining Manchester United.

Wallace is normally one of the more accurate journalists when it comes to transfer scoops, and he claims that Baines wants to leave in order to play Champions League football.

United have bid for the left-back three times so far this summer, and Wallace anticipates a fourth bid coming in before the window closes on Monday.

Baines has apparently met with Roberto Martinez and Bill Kenwright throughout the summer and reiterated his desire to leave.

Monday night can't come soon enough for Evertonians.

No Bid for Prized Pair

Wednesday, August 28

Despite rumours to the contrary, it seems Everton are still yet to receive any more contact from Manchester United over Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini.

The Daily Post quote Roberto Martinez as saying "no, no other news," when asked if there had been any further bids for the pair.

After a particularly rumour-heavy Tuesday night on Twitter, the Liverpool Echo's Greg O'Keeffe also confirmed that, as yet, nothing has been accepted.

"

Everton haven't accepted a bid from United for Fellaini. Rumour mill in usual last week of window overdrive. Only going to get worse! #EFC

— Greg O'Keeffe (@GregOK) August 27, 2013"

Anichebe an Target for Hull

Wednesday, August 28

Victor Anichebe has been linked with a move to Hull in the Daily Mail.

The powerful forward has found himself behind Nikica Jelavic and Arouna Kone thus far this season, and Steve Bruce is trying to raise the necessary funds to sign him.

Everton's scant attacking resources make his sale seem unlikely, especially with Anichebe producing his best year for the Toffees last season.

Jelavic hasn't fired during the opening two games and, if he's patient, the Nigerian should get his chance over the next few weeks.

Fellaini Fee Agreed

Tuesday, August 27

The Metro report a fee has been agreed for Maroune Fellaini, believed to be around £20 million, rising to £24 million.

However, the article states this is "according to reports," which suggests this may still be a little way from the truth.

The dynamics of this deal seem perfectly plausible, given United's previous offers, but—for the moment—this remains unconfirmed by either club.

Sissoko Back on Merseyside?

Monday, August 26

Simon Jones of the Daily Mail provides a detailed look into some potential transfer scenarios involving Everton. 

He believes Manchester United will come in with an improved bid for both Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines. If that's successful, Martinez would then move for James McCarthy and Aiden McGeady, with Victor Moses more likely to join Liverpool.

Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre could also be an option, should Baines be sold.

However, regardless of the Toffees' star duo, Momo Sissoko is a player Martinez is considering adding to his squad, with Gareth Barry not overly keen on a move to Goodison Park.

The former Liverpool man would arrive on a free transfer, although his apparent £70,000 per-week wage demands seem a little high for Everton to accommodate.

Marrone Still Not Arriving

Monday, August 26

Once again, talkSPORT run a story on Everton's fading hopes of landing Luca Marrone, as Alex Shaw reports. 

In recent weeks, Inter Milan, Fiorentina  and Monaco have been among those vying for his signature with the Toffees, but it now seems that Cagliari are in the box seat.

Unless Fellaini is sold, it's highly unlikely that Everton could spend on the likes of Marrone. Even if Fellaini leaves, a few other midfielders, such as James McCarthy, seem more likely replacements.

United to Focus on Fellaini

Monday, August 26

Manchester United will tempt Everton with a £35 million bid for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines, according to Alan Nixon of the Daily Mirror.

If that's rejected, Nixon claims United will then prioritise a deal for the Belgian, as they feel he's the more attainable of the pair.

The fact Everton have been in the market for midfielders has supposedly encouraged David Moyes, and Martinez would look to replace Fellaini with Wigan's James McCarthy.

Siqueira Still on the Radar

Monday, August 26

Guilherme Siqueira is still being monitored by Everton, according to Zarif Rasul of talkSPORT.

The left-back could be a potential replacement for Leighton Baines and would be available at around £13 million.

However, several clubs—including Real Madrid—are interested in his services, and Granada would prefer selling to the Spanish giants.