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Everton have a few players involved in international action early this week, but all the talk has been about this season's first Merseyside Derby at Goodison on Saturday.
Martinez 'extremely proud' to be managing Everton
Having spurned Liverpool in 2012, manager Roberto Martinez said he had no regrets opting to remain with Wigan in the wake of Kenny Dalglish's firing. He went on to say that the Anfield job did not feel 'right' to him, unlike his current position where he is 'honoured' to be with Everton.
Barkley good enough for Brazil. To play for Brazil that is
Martinez has pumped up Ross Barkley's tyres some more, saying that the starlet is good enough to not only make the England squad to Brazil, but that he could actually play for Brazil or Netherlands as well.
Dowd to officiate Saturday's Merseyside Derby
Phil Dowd will be the man in charge for the latest edition of what could be a tempestuous affair. Dowd has been in charge for eleven games this season, handing out forty-one yellows and one red card. The derby has seen more than its fair share of shocking refereeing, with the Blues often on the receiving end of some hotly-contested decisions.
Merseyside Derby Legends - Alan Ball
Merseyside Derby Legends - Duncan Ferguson
The Echo is carrying a neat feature looking at some great players of yesteryear who made a name for themselves in derbies past, with stories on Alan Ball and Duncan Ferguson.
Legend Tim Cahill has hinted that he would be open to returning to Goodison on loan during the January transfer window. Take this with a grain of salt if you will.
Rumour has it that David Moyes is up to no good again, this time planning a shock move for Phil Jagielka to bring in some experience to his backline with Rio Ferdinand close to retirement and Nemanja Vidic plagued by injuries.
Everton and Fiorentina in for midfielder Onazi?
Nigerian midfielder Eddy Onazi currently starring for Lazio could be a target for Fiorentina and Everton. The 20-yr old was targeted by VfL Wolfsburg, Hertha Berlin and the Toffees during the summer transfer window.