Sorry, you lost me at the second sentence.

I’m sure that nobody would turn down a decent striker, whether first or second choice but, with a fluid midfield-dominating 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 set-up becoming increasingly de rigueur, the concept of a right-sided midfielder is becoming increasingly redundant.

For me, the area in need of most attention would be the fullbacks. Baines is pretty much everything a modern fullback should be. Nobody on the right comes anywhere close. Baines needs back-up / competition. Hibbert, Neville and, in all likelihood, Coleman need upgrading.

I'm happy with what we have now. No-one to leave and we are in good shape.

Owen, Mackie and Hanley aren't good enough for us. If Everton sell Heitinga and buy hanley then it will be a massive step backwards. I think this season will see more of Fellaini in an atttacking midfield role (for his critics like myself at least this gets him out of the engine room). Moyes may then deploy Naismith on the right hand side of the three supporting Jelavic.

I fear that this will free up space for Rodwell alongside Gibson rather than Osman who should be in there. If Heitinga does want to go I'd move Rodwell back into defence to see if he belongs there (the lad can't play midfield).

Donovan would be the perfect acquisition for us but I can't see it happening. Other than that I'd love to see a player in the Arteta mould to go alongside Gibson in midfield, someone to get us off our feet again like the best little spaniard we know used to rather than another half season of crab football like the last one started out like.

Agree with James above Owen, Mackie no thanks! Dross.

We need to get the right side sorted out!

No one out, and Adam Johnson on a season long loan then we are cooking on gas!

Even with the signing of Pienaar, I'm still not convinced we can push beyond 6th at best. The right side of midfield certainly needs addressing as does further cover in both full back spots. If Jelavic sustains a lengthy injury, where is the adequate replacement for him? The strength in depth and quality just isn't there.

I added Naismith would be RM, with Coleman and Osman as backup and Gueye cover for Pienaar. Hopefully Fellaini won't be deployed in the Cahill role making way for Barkley but most likely Osman. An interchangeable there behind Jellavic would be good with Gibson & Fellaini mopping up and covered by Neville and Rodwell. God forbid Jelavic gets injured, but there's little point in having another striker if they're just going to get frustrated on the bench or get swapped for last 5-10. Can't see many loan players clambering to come to us given Moyes' refusal to play Stentor or Strach even when things were woeful.

Bloody predictive text! Drenthe not Stentor... And paragraphs too would have been nice!

Bloody predictive text! Drenthe not Stentor... And paragraphs too would have been nice!

I would take the young lad from Huddersfield (Rhodes - I think) for 3 million (if we have that). He can learn from Jel and come good. He could be next big thing.

If we could get a right back or right winger then we would be set for doing something this season. I really believe that!!!

I agree, I think Naismith might end up on the right flank.... but also watch out for big vic in that space.... Moyes if I remember liked to stick him there when fit.

Just a proper right sided player and I'd be happy. Scott Sinclair would be ideal but out of range I think. It'll probably be someone on loan now.

Based on Moyes' comments Naismith may play right and Fellaini could continue behind Jelavic. I'm fairly sure we won't buy anyone else but I think we've already got a promising squad before our usual two deadline day loan deals.

I cannot get on board with this theory that selling Jags would in any way be good for the club.

On the face of it we are pretty strong in that area with Jags, Heitinga, Distin and Duffy. However, Distin despite his impressive fitness levels is in his mid thirties so may not be able to compete at the top level for the next three years. Duffy is promising but unproven and Heitinga (Our best centre back IMHO) would likely jump at the chance of joining an established Champions League club from one of the major European leagues (Remember the Barca comment?). Jags on the other hand didn't make any kind of fuss when Arsenal made their interest pretty apparent last year unlike Arteta.

The Kaiser he isn't and his over exuberance may lead to the odd own goal but he's a cracking defender. I wouldn't sell him unless silly money was on the table.

I think it will be a case of one, maybe two loan signings and that's it.

That would be fine by me, I don't want us to sell anyone and if we did it would have to be for silly money.

I'd be amazed if we bought anyone, I was very surprised we paid £4.5M for Pienaar to be honest. I wonder if Davie will sign his new contract now that he's got his man..........

We can be all too predictable at times in our approach and tactics. When Plan A doesn't work we need some variation. Someone with pace on the right hand side would be a good investment.

I reckon the signings are done for if we don't sell. If we don't sell I think it will be Jelavic supported by a flexible midfield of any 3 from Pienaar/Naismith/Osman/Fellaini with 2 of Rodwell/Gibson/Fellaini behind. And we know it'll be a flat back 4.

I guess the issue is whether the back-up players of Barkley, Anichibe, Coleman, Junior, Velios etc will be good enough when they're inevitably called upon. I'm not hopeful.

Shane @38o, I agree that the signings are done unless someone else leaves. I would assume that the Yobo money, if the deal ever goes through, will go to Spurs.

I think that Barkley may get game time now that Cahill is gone so hopefully he'll get the chance to prove himself. Coleman, if fit, may get some time as a sub and if he doesn't improve this season, may go next summer. Anichibe is a strange one. I don't know if Moyes will will ever lose patience with him but I could see him agitating for a move if he didn't get regular games this season.

Duffy is the one I would most like to see get game time but that isn't going to happen. I think he is the one young player who has shown enough to be given a proper run of games. I think he may look for assurances or else look for a move. He's getting to an age where he should be getting regular games and I think he is talented enough to get games somewhere else if he doesn't get them with us.

I was speaking to a Rangers fan the other week, and from what I could understand (strong Glaswegian accent) Naismith is a right sided forward.

If we brought in a winger with real pace and a backup for Baines I'd be quite happy with the squad.

I'd love this year to be Barkley's big breakthrough and see him light up the Premier League but I fear Mr Moyes won't give him ample opportunity. I hope I'm wrong!

With Cahill gone I would not be surprised if we seen a change in formation,443.Pienaar and Naismith playing as inside forwards.

A 'right-sided' player is a must. Although what exactly a right-sided player is nowadays is open to debate as everyone seems to be doing multiple roles.

Adam Johnson would be a good loan signing but I can't see that one and I can somehow see him wearig red next season unfortunately.

I would be happy to see Donovan but only in a longer term loan (i read there is the possibilty he could sign this summer and play October to March). I'd accept that anyday over his usual 10 game stint. You know what you get with Donovan and he is reliable.

Let's face it, we can't go out and buy a quality renowned 'rightsider' or even an up-and-coming one such as Hoilett.

I don't think right back is as big an issue as most make out. We are solid there if not spectacular. Hibbert was at his most consistent last season and I thought he was going forward to decent effect in the last third of the season when we were on form.

A new back up goalkeeper is a must. I was at the morecambe match and like everyone in the away end said "Taudal?? Who??" Fair enough, he is just an academy player but he is now our 3rd choice?

From the very little Jan Mucha has played, he doesn't seem to command confidence. There are quite a few freebies I've noticed available: Gordon (ex-Scotland) from Sunderland; Lewis from Peterborough (ex-England squad player).

I can understand why they drafted in Hahnemann last year, as you need 3 experinced goalkeepers pushing each other on the training ground. If there is an injury or suspension then the 2nd or 3rd gets a chance to impress (think Jones/Reina etc).

With regards to cover at left-back, I would prefer to see Garbutt or Bidwell given chances in the Carling Cup... and players like Duffy, Barkley and Junior given chances also, especially against lower leauge teams.

And without a doubt we need another striker. I'm on the 'No to Owen' brigade also. I know this is a little ambitious but what about Berbatov? His price is £5m as said by SAF. The thought of Berbatov and Jelavic (on paper at least) is mouthwatering for fans that have become used to talking about which lone striker (Saha or 'Jo'-ke) to play ahead of Cahill/Osman.

If Berbatov stays in England, where else would he go? Liverpool? A straight No.... Man City? — straight No... Chelsea and Arsenal have more than enough already (providing RVP stays, which I think he will). Even Newcastle are about to add Carroll to Cisse and Ba. I think that would only leave us and Spurs in the current top 8.

Yes, he knows Spurs... and yes, they will pay a better wage... but I think if there is any way we can fund a deal, we should go for it. We need to at least act ambitious. When was the last time we got excited about buying a Man Utd cast-off?? Well Kanchelskis wasn't in the cast-off category but that was the last time we were excited about doing business with United.

So, to sum up, I think a goalkeeper, a 'right-sided' attacking player, and a centre-forward.

Get Johnson and Lukaku in on loans, top 6 easy.

Could have been worse, Chad. Could have been worse:

http://www.damnyouautocorrect.com/24252/the-15-best-autocorrects-of-june-2012/

I am not too unhappy with the current first team assuming all are fit to be honest. This is obviously under the assumption that Naismith takes to the Premier League quickly and can play well down the right.

I can live with Hibbo or Neville at RB for another year as long as the right midfielder is doing well (ie, no Osman on the wing etc).

My only big concern is that Anichebe has started pretty much all the games so far. Given his speech about it now being the right time to "establish myself in the first team", I hope Moyes isn't thinking the same thing. He's now 24 and has been in the first team squad for years, I am not holding my breath on him turning into a star striker anytime soon – or, god forbid, our new hope on the wing.

Go on Victor, prove us wrong!

I'd be happy if the transfer closed now. Perhaps Adam Johnson on loan, no-one out.

Right Full Back would be nice.

Hey Paul (#393),
4-4-3 - Now that is attacking. I'm presuming you are playing without a keeper otherwise we'd have 12 on the park!

We obviousliy need to strengthen the right-side of midfield and may need another back-up striker.
-------------------
No; We obviously need another striker, and maybe a right-sided midfielder. Can Junior play right?

A pacy wide goalscorer.

How about that fella Donovan.

I see this season as being big tests for Big Vic,Barley and Rodwell.

Would like to see Junior progress to the subs bench too.

Could Pienaar move to the right and Baines push forward to left midfield with Neville covering LB?

Perhaps not as a first choice but, if that's it for new players, then possibly an option.

I'm thinking that's that concerning players coming in permanently for cash deals (apart from maybe a dirt cheap youngster), but I wouldn't be surprised if 2-3 loan players arrive before Aug 31st. I think Moyes always gives its a few weeks to see what players aren't getting games at clubs around Europe and may have missed out on CL squads and offers them a lifeline at Everton. Players like Pienaar, Arteta, Jo, Fernandes and even Drenthe have all come in like this to varying success.

Ciaran 414

My bad, 433

Sell no-one and get a right-winger on loan.

Did anyone watch Barkley and Rodwell at Tranmere? They were woeful. If Rodwell does not improve he will be playing for tranmere full time

Kieran #390, None of the Yobo fee will go to Spurs for Pienaar!. We've payed £1.5m upfront and then we'll pay another £1.5m next summer and the same the summar after that to make up the £4.5m.

From what im hearing, Moyesy is definitely on the look out for a right winger/midfielder and striker before the window shuts but we probs wont do any deals till late on in the window now apparently?!.

Me personally i'd like to see Naismith play in behind Jelavic, I don't think he'd be as effective out on the right. For me i'd like to see Felli play box to box still alongside Gibbo and let Naismith play off the striker as he would bring movement to the attack. Cos he'd run the channels he'd allow Jelavic to play and make runs withing the perimeters of the 18 yard box which lone strikers should always do for me and with Naismith stretching teams by running in behind from deep he would create space for Jelavic who is very good at finding the space to score goals.

Some games we could use Fellaini up there for a different outlet but I think he plays better deeper. We do need a right midfielder/winger of the donovan type, pacey and direct with it, good delivery and it would give us a different dimension aswell as are team lack genuine pace!.

RB isn't a problem for me just yet, I think we can put up and get by with Hibbert, Neville and Coleman for another season before we need to start looking for a new, permenant RB.

John Crook#395, Berbatov is someway of the work ethic required by Moyes, so that's a no chance. I'd like to see Coleman at RB and Donovan wide, as Donovan who has got a great work ethic would be able to track back, and cover Coleman, who to my mind is an attacking FB as opposed to wide mid

Berbatov is fantasy really...we don't have 5million, we couldnt pay 5million for someone who is 32 in January, and we can't afford his wages. QPR will prob waste more of their money on their plus 30 forward line of Cisse, Zamora and Johnson.

I'd personally love to see Matt Phillips. Was great last season, and will not be as costly as some of the other young championship talent (Zaha/Rhodes).

I think we have to get another creative player in on loan as well...and preferably another striker. With respect to availability...well Chelski will have a fair few players rotting on the bench next season...Lakuku? Sturridge even if Chelsea get another striker (which they surely will) or Yossi on loan perhaps? If Arsenal bring in Sahin, I wonder if we might even try for Ramsey. It's all fantasy of course...we will prob get in a couple of loans from abroad, and have to play someone out of position on the right, or Coleman.

Might sound fantasy, Jim (#523) but I like your thinking. Matt Phillips would be a good signing for right wing/midfield IMO. He's pretty decent and still young and improving.

And I'd much rather take someone like Lukaku on loan for a season to be back up/competition to Jelavic than spend £4m (which we don't have!) on someone like Rhodes who won't be happy to be second fiddle and will struggle to make an impact and want out soon enough and then be worth about half the price it would cost to sign him!.

And maybe a player like Benayoun who can play a number of attacking roles and who's creative would be a good squad filler on loan for the season but that's all, not permanent!. Ramsey would be good, him and Gibbo would make a good midfield combo but it's highly unlikely we'd get him, even on loan!

Thanks Aiden #409... Just woke my wife up guffawing like a loon (and that almost came out as "lion" rather than loon)!

I think we have one, maybe two,late loans. They will be no one we have considered or maybe even heard of but they will probably be fine. I have criticised David Moyes for years for various reasons but not for his transfer record, Yes, he has made mistakes but, considering how little margin for error he has, it is excellent.

Apart, of course from King Kenny, he compares well to anyone. Andy Carroll £35 million.It is just so brilliant to type the words.

Bosingwa on a free for RB

Adam Johnson loan for RM

Berbatov if we can cobble together 5M. He is out of contract next summer so a loan to buy next summer is out of the question. Someone will have to stump up some money for this guy, but he could be the difference to having a crack at the top 4.

These 3 players would defo propel us to the next level.

There are only 2 or 3 players that other clubs would want, lets face it.

If someone came a long with £20 for Fellaini we'd sell him in a flash. However, because he's not worth half that / he's just not good enough, no one is interested.

If players want to leave, then I'd show them the door - fuck em.

We're skint so can't really buy anyone else, so lets just hope for UEFA qualification and another decent Cup run.

I'd try and get Berbatov in, but his £120k a week wage might put Blue Bill off...!!!!!!

How about Gazza - I've heard he's free at the moment.

Did I hear right ?

Just two out and two in ????
What about Yakubu, Beckford, Arteta, Vaughan, Bily, McFadden, Hahnemann etc etc etc????

Our actual proven squad is less than it was in numbers, it's just conjecture and hope that at least two of our youngsters blossom to make up for the exits.

Most other clubs have spent money to strengthen their squads but we continue to frequent 'charity shops' in the hope that we unearth another Cahill.

The only money we have spent has been on Jelavic and now Pienaar who we already had. We have received far more than this cost and now we are again depleted as far as squad numbers.

I just hope and pray that our youngsters start to prove their potential and take a bigger part in the games next season.

The problem with getting some of the players in on loan mentioned here, is huge wages.

We don't need a Right Winger. Coleman was injured a lot last season and didn't have too many games. He's pacy enough and will set up a fair few for Jelavic this season.