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Everton boss Roberto Martinez wants Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi – the ‘new Romelu Lukaku’, writes Alan Nixon in the Sunday People.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez wants Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi – the ‘new Romelu Lukaku’.

Martinez sent his top spy to watch the giant 20-year-old score his 13th goal of the season for Standard Liege at the weekend.

And the Goodison club have told the Belgian side that they are keen on Batshuayi who is a star of his country’s Under-21 side.

Standard will be looking for around £8million for Batshuayi but Everton want to pay less as they look for a player to cover and compete with on-loan Lukaku.

Martinez admits he knows the striker he wants to fill a gap coming up with the potential sale of Nikica Jelavic.

Batshuayi has now emerged as the leading candidate – ahead of Heerenveen’s Icelandic star Alfred Finnbogason.

The Belgian is a perfect fit because of his age and long-term prospects, but at £8m could prove too expensive.

It could also be cost that blocks a move out of Goodison for Jelavic. Everton supremo Bill Kenwright wants a stunning £4m which may put off potential buyers.

The Croatian striker is keen to play first-team football in the run-up to the World Cup finals next summer. He fears missing out on the prospect of playing against Brazil in the first match of the tournament if he is not playing regularly in the Premier League.

But the valuation by chairman Kenwright is scaring off potential bidders including West Ham and Crystal Palace who are desperate for goal­scorers but want bargains.

Now Jelavic, 28, will have to wait for the Toffees’ price to drop – while Martinez tries to land a striker to replace him at the same time.