Everton hopeful over Lacina Traore deal, despite Radamel Falcao injury

Roberto Martinez is hopeful Everton will be able to conclude a deal for striker Lacina Traore, despite reports that Monaco could be forced to pull the plug.

The Ivory Coast international was granted a work permit on Tuesday, ahead of his proposed loan move for the rest of the season.
But a serious knee injury to team-mate Radamel Falcao on Wednesday raised fears that Traore could be required to stay put.
"I hope not," Martinez told the media on Thursday when asked if the development could scupper the deal.
"It was shocking news around European football when a player of the quality of Radamel Falcao gets a long-term injury.
"We hope that is not something that should affect the decision to allow Lacina to go out on loan.
"I think it would go down to what the player needs in his development and I hope that (Falcao's injury) would have no bearing on the decision.
"We are really far down the line and it would be a real disappointment not to compete it, so we will see what today brings.
"We have got the work permit and we feel quite excited about bringing Lacina to Everton."