Martinez looking to finish with a flourish

LONDON, Mar 20 (AFP): Everton manager Roberto Martinez said the team's results in the final 10 matches of this season will have more of an impact upon recruitment than a renewal of a sponsorship deal with a Thai beer company.

The Merseyside club announced Thursday they had extended their shirt agreement with Chang beer, which is now worth more than £16 million ($26 million) over the next three years.

However, the deal is dwarfed by agreements secured by the likes of neighbours Liverpool and Premier League rivals Arsenal worth £20 million and £30 million respectively.

But Martinez said where Everton, currently sixth in the Premier League, finish and whether they qualify for European football would be the key influence on how attractive a move to Goodison Park would be for potential new players.

"Obviously the sponsorship deal with Chang is a relationship which has been over 10 years and you don't get these relationships in Premier League clubs and we value that," Martinez said.