Martinez open to possible January deal for striker

Roberto Martinez has confirmed he is planning to speak to Steven Naismith next month with his future at Goodison Park now in doubt.

Scotland international Naismith has expressed his frustration at his lack of game-time with the Toffees in recent weeks - the forward hasn't featured in the Premier League since mid-October.

Naismith scored a famous hat-trick against champions Chelsea in September (ironically, he came off the substitutes bench following an injury to Muhamed Besic) but has struggled to dislodge Romelu Lukaku, Arouna Kone, Ross Barkley and Gerard Deulofeu from the starting line-up.

Norwich were keen to sign the former Rangers striker for around £8million last August but Everton were reluctant to do a deal at the time.

When asked whether a Naismith could be leaving Everton when the transfer window opens next month, Martinez said:

"That's something we need to look into whenever that situation arises. It happened in August, it wasn't the right time. We're going to see how the next three or four weeks go.

"It's so important to have a strong squad. We've got a period of a lot of games in a short amount of days and every single player will have a very important role in those weeks.

"So I'm sure in four or five weeks we'll have a clear idea of where we are and it'll be the right time to make a decision.

"Steven is a very intelligent man, intelligent footballer, and I think he's got an incredible degree of confidence.

"It is true it's been very frustrating for certain players in those attacking positions due to the fact some of the players that are playing in those roles have reached an incredible level of form. I think as a player you understand that."