Exclusive - Martinez can emulate Kendall at Everton, claims Southall

Club legend Neville Southall believes Roberto Martinez is destined for greatness at Everton – and claims the Spaniard is the Toffees’ best manager since Howard Kendall.

The former Wigan chief replaced David Moyes at Goodison Park, following the Scot's departure for Manchester United in 2013.

Martinez led the Merseysiders to fifth in the Premier League table last campaign, securing a Europa League spot for this season in the process.

And that performance has led former goalkeeper Southall to compare the 41-year-old to Kendall, who was successful both domestically and abroad.

“Roberto is definitely the man to lead Everton and he’s the best manager we’ve had since Howard Kendall,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. “He will win something for us.

“There are not many managers who can walk into a club and change the philosophy,” he added. “His problem this season is going to be the expectation.

“People are turning up to the ground and expecting Everton to win by lots of goals.

“The crowd noise level went down last year. I went to see the match against West Ham last season and it was really quiet. I was wondering why this was happening and then you realise the expectation he’s brought in, and the type of football he’s playing, people are sitting there saying, ‘entertain me’.”

Valencia keen to keep starlet wanted by Arsenal and Chelsea

Valencia are frantically working on a new contract for Spanish wonderkid Paco Alcacer with Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly stepping up their interest in the 21-year-old.

Alcacer has shot to fame this season, making his debut for Spain last week and then scoring his first goal in their 5-1 victory over Macedonia on Monday.

As a result, according to reports in Spain, Valencia are now putting together an improved contract offer for the striker in an attempt to ward off interest from several Premier League clubs.

Arsenal and Chelsea have been touted as possible destinations, while Barcelona also enquired after Alcacer back in 2011 - after he was top-scorer at the under-17 European Championships.

Valencia are said to be determined to hold onto Alcacer, who netted seven goals in 11 games during the La Liga side's run to the Europa League semi-final last season.

The Spaniard's new deal is expected to reward him with a pay-rise, while it is also thought to contain a buy-out clause of around £25m.

Transfer rumours and paper review - Wednesday, September 10

Here are the top transfer-related stories in Wednesday's newspapers...

Arsenal are looking to sign Barcelona's 19-year-old midfielder Sergi Samper - with manager Arsene Wenger ready to pay his £9.6m release clause in January. (Metro)

Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, 31, has emerged as a shock transfer target for Manchester United and Liverpool. (Daily Express)

France midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, 24, says he was desperate to leave Southampton this summer before club bosses "blocked" his move. (Mirror)

QPR's wage bill is bigger than Italian giants AC Milan. (The Daily Telegraph)

Midfielder Alex Pritchard, 21, is hoping to catch the eye of Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino during his loan spell at Championship new-boys Brentford. (Daily Mail)

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has told Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini, 26, that he plans to make him an important part of the team. (Daily Star)