Everton star Kevin Mirallas ready for 'new challenge' next season

Everton forward Kevin Mirallas feels he is "ready for a new challenge" after admitting he had offers during the January transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur were heavily linked with a move for the player in the final days of the January transfer window, with reports suggesting the club were attempting to use Aaron Lennon as part of the deal to bring the Belgium international to White Hart Lane.

Lennon did seal a deadline day move to Goodison Park but Mirallas remained. Howeve, the 27-year-old, brought to the club in 2012 by David Moyes, has hinted he will consider leaving the club in the summer, with Champions League football at the top of his agenda.

"There have been offers and enquiries, but no real negotiations. January isn't the ideal month for a transfer," Mirallas told Belgian newspaper La Capitale, the Guardian report.

"I have never said I absolutely want to leave Everton. I like it over here but I feel ready for a new challenge.

"I dream of playing in the Champions League next season. With Everton or with another club. I just have to see after the season.

"Don't forget, the 2015 Europa League winners will qualify for the following season's Champions League. I'll make a decision after the season. I like the Premier League, but Spain also tempts me. Atletico Madrid have enquired, but there was no offer."

While Borussia Dortmund were also credited with interest in Mirallas, Everton manager Roberto Martinez insists there was never any possibility of the winger leaving Merseyside in January.

"No, that was never even a consideration," Martinez told a press conference ahead of the Merseyside derby on Saturday 7 February. "We worked really hard to try and get Aaron Lennon to Everton and that was the only deal we focused on.

"I feel he is the type of player that can really fit into the way we want to play. We now have really good competition and when Christian Atsu comes back from the Africa Cup of Nations I do feel we will be strong in wide areas."