Martinez to discuss Naismith future in next two weeks

Last night we heard plenty of chatter that Steven Naismith was on his way out of Everton, with Norwich City rumored to be the destination for a princely sum of £8 million.

However, this morning in a press conference manager Roberto Martinez insisted that there was nothing to report on that front and that he would be discussing the striker's future in the next couple of weeks.

Steven Naismith has become a fan favorite among the Blues faithful, both for his never-say-die mentality on the field and his charity work in the community. The latter has won the player plaudits outside the Everton community as well, with CNN suggesting that he is "Britain's kindest footballer" in a recent article.

This is what Martinez had to say about the player dubbed as 'The Scottish Messi' -

"We all know that Norwich showed their interest in the previous window and it was something that I am sure was going to come out again in January.

"Steven has been working really hard and has been unfortunate to be out of the team because of the of form of other players in those forward positions.

"Clearly in January we will sit down and know exactly what the future holds for Steven and what is the best interests for both parties."

Norwich City are in 15th place in the Premier League, and have had a total of seven goals between the four strikers on their books, with current starters Dieumerci Mbokani and Cameron Jerome scoring three apiece. Should the Canaries sign Naismith, it is assumed he would go straight into the starting lineup.

With Scotland eliminated from Euro 2016 coming up next summer, the player will need to consider his long-term future as well. Signing for Norwich might work out in the short term but the team is as likely to get relegated as they are to stay up.

However this shakes out, fans of Everton will be proud of Steven Naismith wherever he goes.