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Everton Agree to Transfer Fee for Nikica Jelavic

Clive Brunskill

Nikica Jelavic looks set to leave Goodison after the Toffees announced they had reached an agreement with Hull City for the out of favor striker. Though personal terms have not been settled, this development means it is likely the Croatian's time at Everton is at an end. No transfer fee has been released, but rumors over the past several days indicate a £3.5 million quid bid had been rejected from Crystal Palace, and Everton's asking price was believed to be £4.5 million.

Jelavic joined Everton 2 years ago in the January transfer window and made an immediate impression, scoring 11 goals in 16 matches across all competitions. He became known around the EPL for his one-touch finishing, in fact most of his goals came with one or two touches at most.

The 2012-2013 season was a struggle for Jelavic. Everton's style of play changed, and his shortcomings with the ball at his feet became obvious. He ended the campaign with 8 goals across 43 matches, and the general sense on Merseyside was one of disappointment.

The arrival of Lukaku on loan this season saw Jelavic sent to the bench, and the Croatian international did not do much in his limited appearances until 2014 arrived. He scored 2 goals in last weekend's FA Cup victory over QPR, but failed to score in 9 EPL appearances this season.

Assuming this is indeed the end for Jelavic at Everton, it is fair to say Everton got a decent deal out of it. Some sorely needed goals arrived for a 6 month stretch, and it looks like the club will be able to sell the striker for little to no loss, always a good thing. Now Roberto Martinez must turn his eyes towards a replacement. This move would leave Everton with 2 strikers, one of whom is on loan and the other is an unproven youngster in Martinez's doghouse.