EvertonTo Sign Michy Batshuay?

Martinez to trigger Batshuayi's release clause.

Everton are "closing in" on Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi according to the notoriously unreliable Alan Nixon in The Mirror.

The 20 year-old has a 7m release clause at Standard Liege that, if triggered, could see him leave this month and speculation has it that Roberto Martinez is an admirer, along with Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.

Nixon claims that "if Martinez gets his man, it will clear the way for Hull target Nikica Jelavic's exit," but should the Croatian agree terms with Hull City, he will be leaving whether Batshuayi comes in or not.

Assuming Martinez's interest is genuine, Batshuayi's existing Everton connection could grease the wheels of any proposed transfer - the forward shares Christophe Henrotay as an agent with Kevin Mirallas - although Standard have lodged a complaint about Henrotay to FIFA for allegedly shopping Batshuayi around the Premier League in recent months.