Martinez: Traore deal agreed

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed a deal has been agreed to sign Monaco striker Lacina Traore on loan subject to a work permit.

The Ivory Coast international joined the French league side earlier this month but they are willing to allow him to gain experience somewhere else for the next few months.

West Ham were in the running for the 6ft 8in forward but Everton have stepped in, and after a medical allayed any concerns over a hamstring injury the Toffees boss said they now just had to secure the necessary paperwork to allow him to sign.

"Lacina is a player who I really like and is someone who would fit in in really well in the role we want the player to come in," said Martinez.

"There are a couple of hurdles that we need to get over; the work permit is something we need to look into.

"If we can get through that he will be a player we will be very keen to add to the squad.

"He had a recent soft tissue problem but it is not too bad. He is a few days away from being fully fit and we were quite happy with the medical.

"Every work permit is difficult. We have a very strong case of showing why we need Lacina with us.

"He is a very talented footballer. He is only 23 and has already had a couple of moves (totalling) nearly £30million but every work permit is a difficult one and we will try our best."