David Moyes during an Everton training session
David Moyes during an Everton training session
A centre-back is not necessarily high on the list of must-need players at Everton right now, but the Merseyside outfit continue to be linked with them.
That is perhaps with the uncertain Everton future of Jarrad Branthwaite in mind, as the England international is regularly touted with an exit.
Martins is the latest player to be linked with a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium in the near future.
The 24-year-old has spent his whole senior career at Brazilian side Gremio, bar a very brief loan stint with Caxias five years ago.
He is said to be a massive hit at Gremio, but a move away seems inevitable. And it may well be that Everton are ready to pounce.
What's been reported on Everton and Nottingham Forest interest in Gustavo Martins?
According to Fussball Europa, Martins is on the radar of Premier League pair Everton and Forest.
Gremio are aware of the interest and are said to value the centre-back at around £10-£12.5million, which is relatively cheap in today's market.
While not a lot is known about Martins on these shores, the report point out that he is a "fan favourite" due to abilities not usually associated with a tall defender.
Martins has "tremendous speed", "possesses a remarkable goalscoring instinct" and "has already provided unforgettable moments" in his career.
Seeing the homegrown player depart would therefore hurt Gremio, but it is all part of the footballing food chain.
Why are Everton being linked with so many centre-backs?
Martins is not the first centre-back to be linked ahead of the January window; nor will he be the last.
As outlined above, Everton are blessed with centre-backs at the moment, but that could soon all change.
Losing Branthwaite in the next few windows, which has to be considered a realistic possibility, would all of a sudden leave a big void.
Branthwaite would need to be replaced by a more established name, but bringing in a younger player like Martins with the long-term in mind makes sense.
For now this is merely one to watch, but it does certainly seem as though a centre-back is wanted on Merseyside.