EVERTON RIDE HIGH

Everton have done exceedingly well this season. Even though they bid to finish in the top four has been faltering in recent weeks after successive defeats against top teams like Chelsea, they still remain in contention for at least a Europa league spot.

This good run of form has been primarily due to the performance of on loan players like Gareth Barry and Romelu Lukaku. The Chelsea striker has scored 10 league goals since coming from West London in the summer. He is widely tipped to return to Chelsea at the end of the season, although he himself has expressed his delight at the way of Everton has panned out.

Lukaku has stated in the past that he would be open to the possibility of staying at Everton if they qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season. It is looking unlikely now, but manager Roberto Martinez has also expressed his desire to keep the loan stars permanently.

Everton made a bid to sign Barry on a permanent basis, but Manchester City refused to allow him to leave on a permanent basis. It is understood that Everton made an offer of around £ 1 million for the 31-year-old during January.

Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu has been another player who has caught the eye in recent weeks.

"All I want for the boys that we have on loan is that they have an incredible experience as players. Some of the young ones just to develop, Gareth just to have a real enjoyment and create memories for the future. The loan market is very important for us. If we can keep those players great, if not then we will have to use the loan market again,” said Martinez, whose team managed a 1-0 win over West Ham during the weekend.