Joel Robles will not leave Everton in the winter window as Maarten Stekelenburg isn’t expected back until February, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The newspaper claim that Stekelenburg has been unavailable for selection since suffering a groin injury in October, but he is expected to be fully fit in two weeks.
The Liverpool Echo claim that with Stekelenburg not returning until next month, Everton are unlikely let Robles leave in January as he’s currently acting as Jordan Pickford’s understudy.
The same report reveals that Robles pushed for a Toffees exit in the summer, with Deportivo La Coruna interested in the 27-year-old.
However, the Blues were demanding a fee for his services, which was a stumbling block to the deal.
Robles’ contract only has six months left on his contract, after talks to extend his deal broke down mid-way through last season.
Good move for Everton?
It’s a mixed bag. Robles joined the Toffees in 2013 for an undisclosed fee, according to the Daily Mail, but even if he wasn’t expensive; it’s still a shame to see a player leave for free.
The 27-year-old has made 65 appearances for Everton during his time with the club, and has proven himself to be useful cover since Stekelenburg injury.
Sam Allardyce could risk selling Robles in January just to secure a fee, but Mateusz Hewelt would then be Pickford’s understudy, while the club wait on Stekelenburg.
Hewelt has potentially, but it’s too soon for him to feature in the Premier League; which could happen if Pickford got injured and Robles departed in January.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
Unless Stekelenburg’s recovery speeds up, then Allardyce isn’t going to risk letting Robles go.
The 27-year-old will no depart in the summer for free, and the Toffees will just have to accept that.
Robles will no doubt have a long-line of suitors, Deportivo may even return for goalkeeper given that he will be free.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10