Andriy Yarmolenko could move to Goodison for £14.25m

After their 3-0 win against Southampton on Saturday, Everton manager Roberto Martinez insists a settled squad is the key to his team’s performances.

Reports on Wednesday suggested that Everton had agreed a £17.5million fee with Kiev for the 25-year-old forward who is expected to sign a four-year deal.

Everton are willing to meet Andriy Yarmolenko’s 20m Euros release clause as they step up their pursuit of the Ukrainian star.

Yarmolenko is capable of playing in a playmaking number 10 position or as a striker that is capable of scoring some spectacular goals, something Everton were on the receiving end of in the Europa League match between them and Yarmolenko’s parent club Dynamo Kiev.

Yarmolenko is the current Ukrainian Footballer of the Year, having won the prestigious award previously won by such greats as Andriy Shevchenko and Anatoliy Tymoshchuk in each of the last two years. For their part, Dynamo will be looking to cash in on the player before he leaves on a free transfer next season, which is how Everton acquired Tom Cleverley earlier in the summer from Manchester United.

Talks with the Ukrainian side are at an advanced stage and the Toffees hope to complete a switch in the coming days.

The arrival of the Ukraine global would come as a welcome boost to Everton supporters who have been concerned about the lack of transfer activity at Goodison Park this summer and his signing would be a major sign of intent from Martinez’s side.