Report: Everton closing on Norway goalkeeper

ESPN FC are reporting that Everton are close to signing Molde goalkeeper Orjan Nyland before the January transfer deadline.

Roberto Martinez has made it clear he is on the look out for a long-term replacement for Tim Howard, who is currently sidelined with a calf injury, and Nyland could be one of the options available.

The report claims Nyland is valued in the region of £3million but is tied down to a five-year contract he only signed last September.

The 24-year-old is highly rated in his homeland after winning goalkeeper of the tournament at the 2013 Under-21 European Championships and is now a full international.

He also reportedly had a trial at Goodison while still a teenager under previous Everton manager David Moyes in 2008.

He has also apparently attracted the interest of Man Utd and Arsenal in the recent past, though there is little evidence to back those claims up.

He certainly seems to have all the attributes required to be a top 'keeper, but the improved recent displays of Joel Robles suggests Martinez should not panic if the move isn't completed before the transfer deadline next Monday.