Everton Transfers: 9 Players Martinez Must Sign In January

By Mark Langshaw /

8. George Thorne (Derby County)

Derby County midfielder George Thorne has the hallmarks of a future Evertonian - a bright Championship starlet who would no doubt excel at Goodison and one day break into the England setup, before joining Manchester City or Chelsea for silly money a couple of seasons later. The 22-year-old has been instrumental during Derby€™s promising Championship campaign, featuring in more than 20 matches for the high-flying Rams. But Everton aren€™t the only club sniffing around the ex-England youth international, as Norwich, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle United have also been linked with a January swoop. Although the battle for Thorne€™s services could be a prickly one, Martinez should make the Rams star one of his top targets. The Toffee€™s boss will soon be on the lookout for a viable replacement for veteran Gareth Barry in the middle of the park, and Thorne fits the bill.