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It has been reported by the Daily Mail today that Shaun Maloney is a January transfer target for Everton.
Roberto Martinez signed Maloney for Wigan Athletic from Celtic in August 2011 and he was a key figure in staying up in the 2011/12 season and then winning the FA Cup the following year.
Maloney’s contract runs out in the summer and although new boss Malky Mackay won’t want to lose him so early after his appointment, he will have to, otherwise the attacking midfielder will go for nothing.
The former Villa man will attract a lot of interest in Britain and perhaps overseas as Chicago Fire have already been linked with a move.
The Daily Mail suggests that Maloney’s relationship with Martinez may be the deciding factor and put Everton in pole position for his signature.
The Mail also reports that Martinez was at Celtic Park to watch Maloney for Scotland against Republic of Ireland last Friday, were the Malaysian-born Scot scored the winner.