Cuco Martina is nearing a return to fitness ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

However the defender will not rush to make a decision about his long-term future January, and could let his contract run out in the summer before leaving.

The 30-year old was labelled surplus to requirements in the summer by Marco Silva, and many expected the former Southampton man to leave Goodison Park.

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However, injury issues prevented the right-back from finding a new club, and as he nears full fitness, Everton will hope interest comes in for the defender.

The Liverpool Echo report though that with Martina entering the final six months of his contract, he may decide to wait until he becomes a free agent before making a decision about his next career move.

Until then, Martina will likely join the Under-23s in a bid to build match sharpness.

Read Everton Verdict

Considering Martina’s impact for Everton, or lack thereof, the club were unlikely to make much money from selling the defender anyway, so letting him run his contract down isn’t the worst piece of news in the world.

Martina was clearly not up to the task at Everton, and despite being a favourite of Ronald Koeman, the 30-year was always seen as a strange signing.

I certainly don’t have any problem with the player though, he always gave his all even when used out of position to help the team, however he just wasn’t of the required standard. Best of luck to him in his next step.