Martinez tips Jagielka to become ‘phenomenal’ Everton captain

Martinez tips Jagielka to become ‘phenomenal’ Everton captain

New Everton manager Roberto Martinez has tipped defender Phil Jagielka to become a 'phenomenal' captain for the Toffees.

The England international wore the armband several times in place of Phil Neville last season, and the newly appointed boss has confirmed he will keep the role.

Jagielka recently revealed there was a certain amount of 'uncertainty' among the squad following David Moyes' departure after 11 years in charge, but Martinez was quick to praise the centre-half.

Martinez told the club's official website: 'I’ve been a big admirer of Phil Jagielka and I do feel that now he is probably at the peak of his career in terms of the leadership he has achieved when representing England and the roles that he has had for the national team and for a few seasons now at Everton. 

'It's the right moment for him to take that role and, for me, it is representative of the standards of the standards of our football club on a daily basis.'

The 30-year-old has been a consistent performer for Everton and England in recent years, and Martinez believes he is the perfect man to lead the side as they move on from Moyes' tenure.

'I know that he is going to embrace that role and be a perfect fit for a role that is traditionally a great honour at the football club,' he added

'Phil Jagielka is going to be a phenomenal captain.'

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SPAIN PRIMERA DIVISION

Spain trio insist I join Real Madrid, says Isco

Spain starlet Isco has revealed Real Madrid trio Alvaro Morata, Nacho and Daniel Carvajal are trying to tempt him to the Bernabeu this summer.

Speaking after his side's 3-0 demolition of Norway in the European Under-21 Championship semi-final on Saturday, the 21-year-old refused to rule out a future transfer to los Blancos, after impressing with Malaga last season.

The midfielder is also a target for Premier League runners-up Manchester City, and Goal understands that Manuel Pellegrini's appointment could persuade Isco to move to the Etihad Stadium to join up with his old manager.

City have been keeping tabs on the playmaker for some time, as revealed by Goal in December as they looked to trigger the Malaga star's release clause, but he admitted there has been some persuasion from certain members the Spain squad to move to the Bernabeu.

'Those [Morata, Nacho and Carvajal] indeed are the guys insisting [for the move to Real Madrid],' he told reporters after the match. 'We'll see what happens.

'I try to draw the line there. We have the U-21 final and need to focus all five senses on that now.'

The attacker inspired la Rojita to the tournament final in Israel thanks to his sublime goal, but was keen to share credit for the achievement with his team-mates.

'There were many defenders close and the only option was to try the spectacular, and I tried it out well. There was no other way to do it. I'm very happy,' he added.

'We have earned it all on the field. Now follows the most important and beautiful thing, the final. I will not talk about myself only, but also the group, which is what makes us great.

'We'll play the final as we always do, even if it will be very complicated.'

The defending champions will face either Italy or Netherlands in the final.

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ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE- Tottenham ‘really interested’ in Guarin, says Inter chief Moratti

Tottenham ‘really interested’ in Guarin, says Inter chief Moratti

Tottenham have shown strong interest in signing Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin, the club's president Massimo Moratti has confirmed.

Goal understands Spurs have had a £15.3 million bid for the Colombian rejected by the Serie A side, but are still holding talks regarding a possible transfer.

Moratti understands the interest in Guarin from clubs across Europe, but did not give any indication of whether or not he would be willing to sell the midfielder.

'Guarin? He is a really good player and for that reason he is liked by others,' he said.

'Tottenham are really interested.'

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and manager Andre Villas-Boas have outlined the club's summer transfer strategy with owner Joe Lewis in meetings in the Bahamas.

Meanwhile, former Roma general manager Franco Baldini is expected to be announced as Tottenham's technical director imminently.

Official: Lyon announce Gael Danic signing

Olympique Lyonnais have announced the signing of Gael Danic from Valenciennes for a fee of €0.8 million [£680,000].

The 31-year-old midfielder has provided 11 assists for his former team during the 2012-13 season, and OL are proud having secured the services of the experienced winger.

'Olympique Lyonnais announce the arrival of Valenciennes midfielder Gael Danic who will this week sign a contract for two years for a transfer fee of 800,000 euros, to which could be added a maximum of €200,000 in incentives [£170,000],' a statement on the club's official website read.

'He was an European champion in 2000 with the team of the France Under-18s.

'He has played 413 professional games, including 370 in Ligue 1 with Rennes, Guingamp, Grenoble, Troyes, Lorient and Valenciennes.'

Lyon finished the 2012-13 season third, 16 points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.

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