The clubs have pledged to work closely with police investigating the incident.

With Naismith not having been involved in a Premier League game since mid-October, it appears a move in January could be on the cards.

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has proved over the last 12 months he is a “special footballer” according to manager Roberto Martinez.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is not content with receiving plaudits for the style of his football and will continue to strive for perfection ahead of Crystal Palace’s visit tonight (8pm, live on Sky Sports 1).

Everton eased their way into the last four with an accomplished display at the Riverside Stadium.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez is confident Bryan Oviedo’s latest injury will not keep the Costa Rican out for too long.

Martinez’s Toffees sealed their quarter-final spot with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out success over Norwich at Goodison Park.

"John has gone from strength to strength in a period of high pressure and has used it in the right way."

Chelsea have had three bids rejected for the 21-year-old, the latest reportedly worth in excess of £30m, and there are suggestions the centre-back is considering formally asking to leave.

Jose Mourinho shows no signs of giving up his pursuit of the player while Manchester United and Manchester City have also been linked with the 21-year-old.

Martinez was unhappy with John Terry’s comments in praise of Toffees defender Stones, whom the Premier League champions have pursued this summer and had offers rebuffed.

Fulham have signed Everton defender Luke Garbutt on a season-long loan deal.

“He gives you fantastic balance and in the last six or seven weeks we have allowed him to have a different role."

Everton 1 Southampton 0: Everton finally removed any lingering doubt that they will still be competing in the Premier League next season but the talk afterwards was as much about those not playing as the players who secured a third successive league win for the first time in a year.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez is adamant the time has now come for his side to find a way to carry their European form into their Barclays Premier League campaign.

In a week when the Premier League more or less disgraced itself on the fields of Europe, we saw further impressive efforts in the one area where its managers continue to set high standards: goal celebrations.

Roberto Martinez has allayed fears about James McCarthy’s fitness after the Irish international came off in the 70th minute of Everton’s 4-1 Europa League demolition of Young Boys Bern on Thursday night.