Martinez keeping his options open

, 25 August, 123comments  |  Jump to most recent
Decision over squad strengthening likely to go to the wire

Roberto Martinez admits that he is "looking at all options" when it comes to the strength of his squad as the summer transfer window enters its final week.

The sight of Romelu Lukaku hobbling out of the action against Arsenal threw into sharp relief Everton's lack of striking options on the substitute's bench and has led to increased speculation that Martinez is weighing up a move to bolster his forward line with European and League Cup campaigns looming.

Free agent Samuel Eto'o and Manchester United's Danny Welbeck are two players being strongly linked with a move to Goodison Park, and while he reiterated that the fitness of Arouna Kone and Bryan Oviedo will play a big part in any decision to make further signings, Martinez appeared to acknowledge an interest in both players with his latest comments.

"There's a lot of money involved in those two,” he said, suggesting that both Welbeck and Eto'o would be prohibitively expensive. “At the moment, if I'm honest with you, I'm looking at all the options.

“While the window is open, we are looking at anyone who can help us and also looking at our injured players and seeing how they react. Oviedo and Kone will have a big say on how we end the window.

"We are to going to make sure we make the right decisions.”

Oviedo is not expected to be ready for first-team action for at least another month but with Kone increasing his involvement in first-team training this month, the Ivorian may be able to prove that he can provide cover for Lukaku and mitigate the need for further investment in the team, either via the loan market or permanent signings.

The Spaniard dismissed suggestions that he would be dissuaded from trying for the 33 year-old Eto'o because of his age, though:

“No, because every player can contribute in a different way. It's about trying to see what we need in the squad and how we are going to repeat our first-half performance [against Arsenal] over 90 minutes.”

 

Reader Comments (123)

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Jack Cross
1 Posted 25/08/2014 at 06:33:26
Red shite have knocked Eto’o back because of £100k wage demand. So not sure were we would stand on that front. But I’d say give McAleny a shot up front. Let’s see what he can do? RM says he believes in young players... prove it. I would have tried to get Berbatov on loan. I’ve always liked him. Or Teemu Pukki, from Celtic, good player striker.
Jim Bennings
2 Posted 25/08/2014 at 07:25:08
We are too lightweight up front and trying McAleny alone wonÂ’t be enough to help us through on all fronts.

McAleny is unproven and should be blooded in gently during the Europa League and perhaps Capital Cup.

ItÂ’d quite clear Lukaku isnÂ’t fully right and I didnÂ’t like the way he trudged off like he was troubled by that injury against Arsenal, it tells me he may even be a possible doubt for Chelsea.

I would gladly take EtoÂ’o or Welbeck, you can never have too many proven striking options, especially given EvertonÂ’s quite horrendous injury record over the years.

I am not sure what Oviedo and Kone have to do with us improving the squad though.
Kone clearly is a long long way off being ready to participate in a football match, he hasnÂ’t played since last October, has had no pre-season and still isnÂ’t training.

Oviedo isnÂ’t a striker so I donÂ’t see how that has a bearing on bringing a forward in, and again, youÂ’re looking at least October before Oviedo gets even half fit.

I think Roberto is dropping the hint that business will need to be done.

What about another defender though?

Craig Fletcher
3 Posted 25/08/2014 at 07:40:19
IÂ’d prefer Welbeck myself. Not sure about EtoÂ’o; in any event heÂ’d need to take a helluva pay cut to join us.

Good shout re a defender Jim; I suspect though that Roberto may feel he has central defence covered with Jags, Distin, Stones, Alcaraz, possibly Besic; and then the younger lads (Duffy/Browning).

Worryingly though, I think that may be a case of quantity rather than quality in depth. Needs must elsewhere; and a back-up striker should be top priority.

Mark Tanton
4 Posted 25/08/2014 at 07:43:06
WeÂ’ve started the season with as strong a squad as I can remember. But we havenÂ’t used what depth we have properly when Osman is ahead of Besic. If we do strengthen further let the new players have an impact from the off. Still... It is miles better than Stoke away in 2008 after deadline day when we threw in Castillo and Fellaini straight into midfield!
Steve Jenkins
5 Posted 25/08/2014 at 07:41:36
The reality is thereÂ’s not enough cash left imo.

We just have to hope that, at minimum, a striker is brought in as we are v short there and a concurrent injury during the season to Rom & Kone would leave only wee Naismith to lead the line and leave us in big trouble, especially with EL to consider & potential cup runs.

We need another striker on loan - end of. Who we can afford is a completely different issue. Traore. Eto IÂ’m not sure who else decent will be available on loan, any shouts?

There are other areas that need addressing (CB, GB (back up) etc, wingers & no:10) for the team & squad depth, however, I think we all have to be realistic - theyÂ’ll have to wait.

The defence issues - for now IÂ’d go 3 at the back (bring in Stones on the right - his pace allows him to cover Coleman on his right and in behind Jags on his left).

IÂ’d drop one of the DM and bring in Besic as a main midfielder as heÂ’s dynamic box to box and will track back anyway when we do not have the ball.

At some point, lets have a look at Duffy and give him a shot to see if he can be the big, commanding CB - otherwise lets just move him on.

Plenty of training ground defence drills & get the whole team defending hard from the front and pressing high. IÂ’d argue a defence coach to concentrate purely on that side of things.

Steve Jenkins
6 Posted 25/08/2014 at 07:54:53
Jim@2

Kone is in training. I saw an interview where Roberto said heÂ’s had quite a few sessions now training with the boys, however, I agree with your point itÂ’s still going to take him to Christmas to get to 75%.

We may be able to expect 20 cameoÂ’s from late Sept. Therefore another is very much needed.

Mark Tanton
7 Posted 25/08/2014 at 08:01:23
Looking at the entourage of Balotelli IÂ’d be distinctly uncomfortable with that circus turning up at Finch Farm.
Chris Gould
9 Posted 25/08/2014 at 08:52:36
I think Jordan Rhodes is ready for the prem. HeÂ’s young and hungry and scored a bundle in the championship last season. If Hull get him I think they will have done some good business. Martinez watches our kids play all the time. They obviously arenÂ’t ready/good enough.

I like Welbeck. HeÂ’s a tireless runner who will perform any job he is given. He can provide cover on the flanks or play down the middle. Expensive but worth it.

Kunal Desai
10 Posted 25/08/2014 at 08:52:38
If there is no or very little cash available, surely that means the club are not paying Chelsea 5 million a year for Lukaku? I would still be inclined to go for someone like Darren Bent. Still 30. Would only cost a minimal amount and has plenty of PL experience. I can see EtoÂ’o being another Saha and will probably be on the sick bed in his time here.
Jim Bennings
11 Posted 25/08/2014 at 09:05:30

The problem with Jordan Rhodes wouldnÂ’t be his ability but the transfer fee that he would command, even clubs in the Championship nowadays know they can get top whack.

Kunal

IÂ’m not sure about Darren Bent anymore really.
Yes he knows where the net is but he has become something of a journeyman with regular injuries, I think Bent would actually be more sicknote than EtoÂ’o, thereÂ’s not much difference in age anyway.

I did like Bent during his Spurs and Sunderland days mind you, and I suppose if Lukaku does get injured or lose form weÂ’d be grateful for any centre forwards out there.

Jim Bennings
12 Posted 25/08/2014 at 09:12:33
Saha himself was injured an awful lot but hey, what a devastating striker he was when fit.

For me he was the one striker over the last 20 yearÂ’s we have had to rival Rooney in terms of natural World Class ability.

If we are to have a back up striker, I wouldnÂ’t mind if it was someone with SahaÂ’s talents.

Mark Tanton
13 Posted 25/08/2014 at 09:31:35
I agree Jim I always thought Saha was class. Apparently RhodesÂ’s wages are a stumbling block to any move anywhere - heÂ’s on silly money at Blackburn. By the Robertson looked very very good yesterday.
Tom Evans
14 Posted 25/08/2014 at 09:40:28
Slightly off topic but why no Besic?
Best player in pre season, is RM worrying about his aggressive nature in the tackle, and thinking he will be carded.
Jim Bennings
15 Posted 25/08/2014 at 09:43:33
Yes Mark, for me Saha could do a bit if everything.

He was predominantly left footed but I remember him being so powerful even with his right, actually scoring a beautiful right footed free kick against Fulham, how many players would even consider taking a free kick with their weaker foot??

He was quick and he scored plenty of headers.

I love Lukaku but I think heÂ’s still got some way to go before he reaches the levels Saha reached during his sadly injury hit career.

As I say weÂ’d do well to get striker who achieved what Saha did despite the injuries.

Ray Roche
16 Posted 25/08/2014 at 09:35:07
Oviedo was almost ready (apparently) for the World Cup, yet months later heÂ’s still not fit. Bit strange, donÂ’t you think?

Traore was kept on after he was injured. We kept paying his wages, Martinez intimating that heÂ’d eventually play for us. Waste of money?

I would not be surprised if Kone didnÂ’t come back, or if he does, itÂ’ll be for short periods between injuries. HeÂ’s not getting any younger and is, to my mind, a complete and utter waste of money. Money that would have been better spent on the likes of Shane Long or Rhodes. At least theyÂ’d be fit to play.

IÂ’m glad weÂ’ve finally got Lukaku but I canÂ’t help thinking weÂ’ve paid way over the odds for him. Time will tell, but it seems a bit like all the eggs have been in Roms basket.

Mark Tanton
17 Posted 25/08/2014 at 09:51:48
Besic would have surely swung momentum back to us when the Gooners pulled one back. It would have been a better shout than the usual case of sitting on hands watching Osman getting over run and bullied.
Terence Leong
18 Posted 25/08/2014 at 09:45:55
Saha was certainly class. Alex Ferguson would have kept him if not for his frequent injuries. Just look at his Everton goals (though you can also say the same for his goals for other teams).

SahaÂ’s got an ability to shoot from the distance, and he specializes in those low, swift balls into the corner. He makes them look so easy. But alas, he cannot stay fit enough.

I think in the absence of strikers, a 3-5-1-1 formation is worth considering:

Stones Jageika Distin
Coleman(wb) Besic McCarthy Barry Baines (wb)
Mirallas
Naismith

Brian Harrison
19 Posted 25/08/2014 at 09:53:31
After watching EtoÂ’o last season for Chelsea I would have to say no thanks, the main reason Chelsea didnÂ’t win the league was the lack of goals from EtoÂ’o and Torres. I think Welbeck would be a far better option.

Yes, he would command a decent fee but I am sure we could maybe do a loan deal that would include buying him for an agreed figure at the end of the season.

James Marshall
20 Posted 25/08/2014 at 10:04:35
Am I missing something here? People talking about Saha? He retired a year ago.
Barry Pearce
21 Posted 25/08/2014 at 10:16:50
Welbeck over EtoÂ’o all day long...
Mark Tanton
22 Posted 25/08/2014 at 10:17:37
Oh God the thread police are here. Relax James!
Tommy Campbell
23 Posted 25/08/2014 at 10:21:56
Somewhere out there is a James Rodriguez still playing for Banfield, a Suarez at a club like Groningen, or a Juan Mata playing for Real Madrids B team.

ItÂ’s up to our scouting network to identify these kind of players and convince Martinez to give them the green light.

Paul Smith
24 Posted 25/08/2014 at 10:18:55
I would definitely prefer Wellbeck to EtoÂ’o and hopefully we could do a loan with a fixed price for next summer. Then we can honestly say its probably been our best transfer window for donkeys years.

Then for next summer we need to address the center back issue as surely this will be DistinÂ’s last year, Alcaraz doesnÂ’t do it for me and he obviously doesnÂ’t think DuffyÂ’s good enough.

I would definitely start Besic on Saturday as a proper 3 in central midfield with Mirallas and Naismith just behind Lukaku in a 4-3-2-1 formation

Mike Keating
25 Posted 25/08/2014 at 10:52:55
I quizzed a friend who is a Blackburn season ticket holder about Rhodes and he says they would jump at a big money transfer because the guyÂ’s an overrated donkey.
Derek Knox
26 Posted 25/08/2014 at 11:16:21
Paul# 24

I think we have a diversity of opinion on here with regards to Welbeck, but I for one, am definitely in the same camp as yourself on that.

As for EtoÂ’o, well I sincerely hope this is just speculation, although it has been mentioned several times on SSN.

Getting back to Welbeck, heÂ’s the right age, does graft and not shy of teamwork, he is localÂ’ish too. He has also proved he can get goals at this level, it may be argued that he is not exactly prolific but there again in his defence, he hasnÂ’t been given long enough spells in the team to achieve that.

As for the Centre Back / Defender reinforcements, I donÂ’t think we can afford the luxury of time, to address this next summer, if we are to seriously challenge, and be successful, on four fronts we have to act now. Otherwise all the good work of last season, the transfers we have now got onboard, will be of little consequence if we continue to leak stupid goals, and leave gaping holes in defence.

I fail to see how we can be struggling for money either, as the Lukaku deal is allegedly over 5 years, and we havenÂ’t splashed too much elsewhere, apart from new cotracts to existing players.

Andrew Clare
27 Posted 25/08/2014 at 11:32:19
A big no to EtoÂ’o and a big no to Wellbeck. One is too old and the other is mediocre.

I just hope we donÂ’t sign any of the players linked with us as they all arenÂ’t much good. The shopping list has to be a striker, a creative midfielder and a central defender.

David Hallwood
28 Posted 25/08/2014 at 11:40:09
How about Nathan Redmond; looked good in a poor team last season and/or Lucas Podolski wages permitting of course
Jim Bennings
29 Posted 25/08/2014 at 11:30:48
I’m not too sure I’d have paid £12 million for Shane Long, I like him as a player but he’s the same as Naismith, infact I think given that Naismith had a chance to start every game, he would easily outscore Long.

I agree that £28 million was a lot of money for Lukaku, sadly it’s the going rate fir s okay who scores 15-18 league goals, the strikers who get 25-35 goals are the ones who cost £50 million upwards, and even they don’t guarantee you anything, just look at Torres.

I think Lukaku first of all needs to get himself 100% fit and then he needs to deliver the goods.

There is only one way he is going to be judged this season and thatÂ’s how many goals he scores, people will demand he gets at least 17 league goals IÂ’d imagine.

At the end of the day, it’s not Lukaku who put the transfer fee on his head but when you pay £28 million then you want some serious reward in goals, if your looking for a striker to just do donkey work then you sign a Shane Long type.

I still slightly regret the missed opportunity on Wilfred Bony. I will be interested to see how well he fares with this being his second season here in England.

Perhaps come the end of the season we will look back with even more regret... I certainly hope not.

Sean Kelly
30 Posted 25/08/2014 at 11:36:31
I will ask one question to all you TWers about Rhodes. What team in the top eight of last year are going for Rhodes? Exactly none... so why should we? HeÂ’s a donkey thatÂ’s overpriced and wouldnÂ’t be our of place on Blackpool beach. Give Long a chance and save the money for a centre half that can jump and has pace.
David Ellis
31 Posted 25/08/2014 at 11:39:20
IÂ’d take Welbeck for a reasonable fee, but I donÂ’t think that is on the table. A short term deal for Eto likewise would make sense, but only if the salary is sensible, and it appears it is not. A loan of someone from somewhere to tide us over until we know what Kone can offer please.
Stuart Mitchell
33 Posted 25/08/2014 at 11:42:08
Stick Mirallas up front or in number 10 role. Nais not the most gifted player but can tuck them away when given the chance.

Atsu will come into the team more now also and can take over that wide role.

I think a bigger worry is our aging cb partnership. Distin still has pace but his thought process seems to have slowed, not on the ball at all. Jags looks a shadow of the player he was 2 seasons ago.

I think Stones needs to be as 1st choice cb, was great towards end of last season and needs game time to keep it going. We need a big power cb next to Stones as we are getting killed at set pieces. Maybe Shawcross?

If we are going for a striker, would prefer Welbeck over EtoÂ’o. Always looks like he has the talent but not the confidence to use it. Martinez might bring that out of him.

Kevin Tully
34 Posted 25/08/2014 at 11:49:20
Regarding the funds that may, or may not be available, we havenÂ’t spent as much as some may think.

With £31m extra TV money, and around £18-20m profit from transfers last season, we should have some cash, even after the signings we have made.

Lukaku was £24m (£4m in add-on’s if we reach CL) I believe it was a £6m down payment? Besic £4m, and Barry £2m. New contracts have cost us, probably in the region of £3-5m?

Also bear in mind, that the massive hike in TV monies are on the table for the next three years – netting all PL clubs around £100m!

Hull & Newcastle will have spent more than us by the time window closes, so letÂ’s not get carried away with the Lukaku deal.

We don’t know at this point whether a new ground announcement is in the pipeline, but if not – there should be more cash available for squad strengthening.

Linda Morrison
35 Posted 25/08/2014 at 12:07:04
Kevin has hit the nail on the head. We as fans donÂ’t know.

We donÂ’t know if there will be a new ground, just tit bits of information every now and again.

We donÂ’t know what is happening with Barkley or the other 2 long term injuries.

We donÂ’t know why we bought Besic as he canÂ’t get a game.

Will we ever know I ask myself?

James Stewart
36 Posted 25/08/2014 at 12:21:09
None of the players mentioned would improve us. Strikers are not the main concern anyway! Kone will be back soon and Naismith has proved to be an option there as a false 9.

Biggest problem area is centre back. Distin, Jags, Alcaraz all on the wrong side of 30 and none of them strike me as a great option to partner Stones.

Aidy Dews
37 Posted 25/08/2014 at 12:11:35
Kevin #34, we may of got £30M+ extra TV money but before we did, all our income and revenue went on running costs at the club, wages, new facilities/equipment, repairs and upgrades on Goodison etc. Pretty much 80/90% of our turn over/income went on all that, that’s why we had to sell to buy to improve the squad!

Even last season we had to do it. We had around £27M left over from sales which we’ve used this summer to sign players, as well as a bit from the extra TV money but also we’ve given new terms to a number of players and the manager which will all add up!

Rom is apparently our highest earner on £70-75k a week, we weren’t paying him that last year as part of the loan deal! Barry as signed on for around £60k a week apparently, Barkley is meant to be on similar wages, Martinez will be up there as well, Stones will be on a fair crack now, even Coleman will be on a good crack now, so a lot of the new TV money will of gone on financing all that.

People seem to forget that no-one on our board finances anything at the club: revenue and future income does, so whilst people think what extra money comes in from the new TV deal should go into the kitty, it actually all won’t – it goes on running costs, wages and facility improvements etc, like it always has.

Back to the original story though, unless Eto’o drops his wage demands to a reasonable £50-60k a week then we won’t be in for him. And IF Man Utd are willing to loan Welbeck, then I think we’ll be definitely interested but I read they don’t want to loan their players out to a top 7 club. So if we had to buy him, then I don’t believe we could afford him!

I think we could revisit the loan deal for Traore before the window closes. Martinez does like him and I think Traore would jump at the chance to come back and I think that one could possibly happen.

I think weÂ’ll see Henen sign and Traore on loan and thatÂ’ll be us for this window. IÂ’d be pleasantly surprised if there was more!

Raymond Fox
38 Posted 25/08/2014 at 11:46:30
Eto wont be coming here, no way Martinez or the club will pay his wage demands.
IÂ’d take Welbeck all day long, but have we the money?

Criticising Martinez about not bringing Besic on as a sub, Traore not coming etc is without knowing what these players are like off screen in a team environment and is to simplify situations too much.

Besic apparently has been trouble of one sort of another in teams he has played in the past, maybe Roberto is now regretting buying the guy.
Maybe Traore decided he didnÂ’t fancy playing for us, we donÂ’t know!

I think we have all seen good, even top class players moved on because they were trouble off the pitch, thereÂ’s lots of stuff goes on at clubs that we donÂ’t get to know about at the time or ever after!

We definitely need a couple or three experienced players in, that will be ready to challenge for a 1st team place from the off, thatÂ’s easier said than done though, but IÂ’ll be very surprised if we donÂ’t add to the squad at all.

Tony Twist
39 Posted 25/08/2014 at 12:30:45
I canÂ’t believe people thinking that EtoÂ’o would be a good thing. He is not worth the money and not the type of player we need. We need a hungry, mid-twenties striker, dare I say it, an Ian Rush of years ago style of player and not African, we need a full-time employee!

We need a playmaker midfielder also but maybe Besic can do that for us. LetÂ’s hope the scouts have done their job and found a new Everton hero.

Amit Vithlani
40 Posted 25/08/2014 at 12:32:41
I too think we have some spare cash. DonÂ’t know how much, but I donÂ’t think we will finish the season with the same numbers. Martinez has spent some wonga to fill the big gaping holes in the squad following the end of last season and was probably intending to hold some back for January if the injury situation in the squad was not critical.

I would like to think if Gibson, Oviedo and Kone are deemed capable of playing in atleast a dozen games before December then we would have needed no new additions.

BarkleyÂ’s injury has changed things. On another thread the manager speaks of him being out for 8 weeks. A striker to rotate with Lukaku is therefore a must, as Nais will now find himself playing behind the main target man for much of those games. I also think we donÂ’t do that well when Nais is playing as the front man - teams tend to push up knowing he canÂ’t win balls aerially / does not have the pace to run in behind them. Can Atsu play centrally? He looks much stronger than I thought.

Sean Kelly
41 Posted 25/08/2014 at 12:43:08
Gutted after Saturday. Roberto is the man for us but he had his faults. He needs a proper defensive coach and needs to know how to close out games especially at two-nil up.

He also needs players for now not next year and to get them he needs Billy and the board to give him the money. A decent centre half that can jump, a striker to give Lukaku competition and a proper back up keeper. I think the current position we are in in the league table is where we will finish up this year if we keep leaking goals.

We have too many players that are past it or just not good enough for a proper top four challenge. Distin, Jagielka, McGeady, Pienaar. Robles, Alcaraz, Hibbert and Osman just arenÂ’t good enough for that level. I fear for us on Europe and think it will be a short experience if we donÂ’t properly invest in decent players.

Yes we did play well in parts in both our opening games but we let teams come back at us too easily. We have a softness about us and this encourages teams to run at us. Who we will bring in I donÂ’t know but Roberto keeps talking about the right personality and character. Well maybe we need to redefine that and bring in a couple of nasty sods that will drive us on for 90 minutes and at the same time put the fear into the opposition.

Bob Parrington
42 Posted 25/08/2014 at 13:43:52
Centre back please. Big commanding fast mover who can head the ball without closing his eyes, please. 4 goals scored so the attack is doing its job. 4 goals conceded so the defence isnÂ’t doing its job.
Ray Roche
43 Posted 25/08/2014 at 13:50:47
Amit, Naismith is probably the best header of the ball weÂ’ve got, I donÂ’t know why you say " he canÂ’t win balls aerially ".HeÂ’s better than Lukaku. He reminds me of Cahill in some respects.
Ray Roche
44 Posted 25/08/2014 at 13:50:47
Amit, Naismith is probably the best header of the ball weÂ’ve got, I donÂ’t know why you say " he canÂ’t win balls aerially ".HeÂ’s better than Lukaku. He reminds me of Cahill in some respects.
James McPherson
45 Posted 25/08/2014 at 13:55:06
UtdÂ’s Hernandez for me. High impact goal poacher with a point to prove.
Tom Bowers
46 Posted 25/08/2014 at 13:56:38
Naismith has been working hard and itÂ’s paying off. He lacks a turn of speed but has a great brain around the six yard box. That goal yesterday despite being hairline offside was tremendous work by both he and Lukaku. Just a great pity they couldnÂ’t hold on but surely RM has a plan to fix that.

Another speedy striker would always be welcome at the right price because of the injury problems that can arise especially Mirallas who is EvertonÂ’s speed merchant if you donÂ’t count Seamus. If and when Kone is fully fit I think he is just going to be a bit player given his age.

Some really tough games coming up but Everton have usually risen to the occasion for these so the next few weeks are crucial for picking up points hopefully winning ones.

Robert Pierpoint
47 Posted 25/08/2014 at 13:58:18
Welbeck would be a wonderful signing, for me. The guy is the right age, and has excellent experience. His signing wouldnÂ’t be simply as a Lukaku back up, which Henandez or EtoÂ’o would be. He could play centrally as a number 9 if Martinez wanted to play Lukaku from the right or he could play as a left sided attacker in a 3. There would also be the possibility of going two up front with Lukaku or Kone. What Welbeck would bring is pace, which is something that we lacked clearly against Leicester.

I believe (money permitting) that we should be looking at making a signing that can offer much variation rather than simply a back up striker.

John Daley
48 Posted 25/08/2014 at 14:45:21
"Rhodes..... the guyÂ’s an overrated donkey"

I personally feel heÂ’s underrated due to both his nationality and the stigma of starting off in the lower leagues. HeÂ’s deserved and been ready for a move to a real Premier League team for a while now. He might not have lightening pace or the physical strength to play as an out and out target man but, if youÂ’re looking for someone to finish off all that fancy approach play that often goes to waste, then heÂ’s a good fit. HeÂ’s about one thing only... goals. That chance Mirallas fluffed to make it 2-0 on Saturday would have been nestling in the back of the net if it fell to him.

At £12m, you’re paying over the odds for someone unproven at the top level, but compared to the rumoured £15m-£20m for Wellbeck? Suddenly doesn’t look such a bad deal.

Wellbeck is a runner, lacking any cleverness or killer instinct. HeÂ’s an Andy Cole who doesnÂ’t score goals. For sure, heÂ’ll run around a lot, work until his tongueÂ’s hanging out and come back to help when someoneÂ’s in trouble but so will fucking Lassie when let off her lead. DoesnÂ’t make him a top class footballer equipped to lead the line for club and country though does it?

Gareth Fieldstead
49 Posted 25/08/2014 at 14:39:13
Anybody read the rumour on nsno? Hernandez and Wellbeck? I would gladly accept that! I do think there is more money there available. EtoÂ’o no thanks. What about Micah Richards on a loan, injuries permitting?
John Daley
50 Posted 25/08/2014 at 14:48:36
That should of course have been Â’herÂ’ lead.
Matt Muzi
51 Posted 25/08/2014 at 14:45:27
IÂ’d take Wellbeck every day of the week over EtoÂ’o, pace he can play in a number of different positions, age and heÂ’s a full international. However getting him is another issue entirely, I think a number of clubs will want him.

I think the club had banked on bringing Traore back on loan, but that wouldnÂ’t appear to be on the horizon, with the amount of strikers Monaco have let go this summer.

The other striker IÂ’d take a punt on is Connor Wickham. I hope RM has a few strikers in mind maybe someone from Europe. As for the defender issue, IÂ’d go for Micah Richards can play centre half & RB, so good cover for Coleman.

George Pearson
52 Posted 25/08/2014 at 14:53:58
IÂ’d take Dawson from Spurs. He knows how to defend high balls and is decent on the deck. Hernandez, Richards & Dawson and IÂ’d be happy. Welbeck is a good shout though.
Eddie Dunn
53 Posted 25/08/2014 at 14:49:37
Welbeck would be a good signing. he has plenty of pace, a good first touch and a high work rate. We canÂ’t hand around waiting on the likes of Kone, who I thought was pedestrian for Wigan.

I see Dawson is possibly joining Hull. We surely could have snapped him up to bolster the defence. he is tall, good in the air and a vocal leader.

Kevin Rowlands
54 Posted 25/08/2014 at 14:58:14
The thought of a 33-year-old, way past it EtoÂ’o doesnÂ’t fill me with much confidence, IÂ’m pretty sure Colin G has stated in a previous post that EtoÂ’o was a no goer, I hope so.

Welbeck IÂ’m not sure about, whenever IÂ’ve seen him he looks a world beater one minute and utter gash the next, very inconsistent. IÂ’m not sure why but it all seems to have gone quiet on the Traore front as well. After keeping him after he was injured last season, I thought for sure heÂ’d be back with us, strange one that.

John Daley
55 Posted 25/08/2014 at 15:09:59
According to one of the red top rags today (can’t remember which one....the Mirror maybe?) Monaco were prepared to let Traore leave on a permenant deal, rather than a loan, but were looking for £25m.
Robert Pierpoint
56 Posted 25/08/2014 at 15:12:29
Welbeck would flourish at Everton. He has the raw ingredients, but he needs to be a team where he can mature and where he can have a run of games. There is a lot of pressure to be an immediate world beater as a local lad at United, a fate that is suffered by Cleverley too, it would seem. Personally, I think that he has a lot more to his game than an Hernandez, who according to many people is some type of world beater!

I think that he would be an excellent long term signing, if this is possible. With Pienaar, Osman, Barry, Jagielka, Distin, Hibbert Howard and even Baines all around the 30+ mark, to bring in an experienced 23 year old would be excellent business.

Kenny Jones
58 Posted 25/08/2014 at 15:29:49
Jagielka, Distin, Stones, Alcaraz, as good as they are, thereÂ’s not a dominant ball winner amongst them. You could rotate them all season long and still be left with a glaring problem. WeÂ’ve been missing an imposing snide from the back four for a long time and itÂ’s proving to be a soft underbelly hindering our progress - the midfield had been missing one such type until Barry came along and see what a difference heÂ’s made. A defender who makes the likes of Giroud think twice about throwing his weight about against our defence should be top of the list for any side and IÂ’m surprised Vlaar from Aston Villa has not been championed. HeÂ’s at his peak right now and (I think) is entering the last year of his contract with Villa, he wouldnÂ’t cost buttons but wonÂ’t break the bank either. IÂ’d like to think that Martinez, after all this time needing a back up to Lukaku, has a couple of options abroad rather than overpriced English strikers or aged journeymen on ridiculous wages.
John Daley
59 Posted 25/08/2014 at 15:52:24
"IÂ’m surprised Vlaar from Aston Villa has not been championed"

Seeing as how they knocked Man United back and swore to keep hold of him, what makes you think Everton would succeed where they seemingly failed?

Kenny Jones
60 Posted 25/08/2014 at 16:04:07
You donÂ’t ask, you donÂ’t get John. Out of all the decent players of his type, I think he would be the most attainable for Everton.
I can understand Villa not wanting to sell, whether to Man Utd or anyone else for that matter.
Graham Mockford
61 Posted 25/08/2014 at 16:09:41
I would be amazed if Roberto is even considering a defender. Surely our priority is another centre forward.
Colin Metcalfe
62 Posted 25/08/2014 at 16:10:41
Sorry but I do not rate Welbeck or Cleverley they are championship players at best !
Not good enough for Everton FC .
Dean Adams
63 Posted 25/08/2014 at 16:09:25
I just find it difficult to understand why RM has not got a list of Spanish players that he likes who are available at sensible prices. I was always under the impression that his ties to his homeland were made up of an extensive network which would offer some great deals for us. Alas, I suppose having seen that not too many were bought by Wigan is a sign that his influence has waned since he was at Swansea bringing in players (albeit at a lower level). Still think we will have a great season though.
Linda Morrison
64 Posted 25/08/2014 at 16:13:41
I agree with Kenny we need to address the defence issue. as I have mentioned in other posts I think that Jags is no longer able to keep up with the pace of the game.

We have Lukaku, Naismith as strikers currently with, hopefully the option of Kone , to come back. We also have other outfield players to score goals.

I think if we could get the defence sorted we would have a better chance of being in the top 4.

Mike Childs
65 Posted 25/08/2014 at 15:58:28
If we can't get Wellbeck on loan then I'd rather go for one year of Eto. £15 million for a very inconsistent Wellbeck is money waste. He's been given enough chances to come good at United and for England as well and hasn't.
Ian Bennett
66 Posted 25/08/2014 at 16:08:07
Dawson, god no, he's a poor man's Jags.

I'd be looking at Nastasic or Richards on loan, or a very cheap offer for Scott Dann. Dier looks the defence signing of the summer at a reported £4m.

Shawcross is an interesting one, but beyond our budget. He needs to move on, as I have no doubt he could be top class with the right manager.

Jim Knightley
67 Posted 25/08/2014 at 16:16:28
The over-exaggeration of some football fans is inane at times. Players are either brilliant, or rubbish: there is no inbetween. Rhodes, who managed 29 championship goals 2 seasons ago, and 25 last, is a donkey. Welbeck, is a 'Championship' player at best. So perhaps not even a Championship player then? The same Danny Welbeck who managed 9 league goals for United last season from 15 starts, and 10 subs, and who was often played out of position on the left hand side. Do you watch much football Colin? 9 goals, was by the way, more than any other Everton player managed apart from Lukaku. He is clearly good enough for us.

I'd love either Hernandez and Welbeck on loan, but how much truth is there in this? Our formation utilises one striker generally, and we have Lukaku. Will either want to swap the United bench, for our bench in a good proportion of league games? If we managed either, we would have something different and could play with 2 strikers on occasions. Hernandez is pacey and great in the air, and Welbeck is better technically than generally represented. A loan with an option to buy would be perfect.

I've been harping on for Kagawa for an age, but I doubt it will happen because I it would already have happened and Martinez's comments do not suggest that he wants a playmaker. He is a better playmaker than any of our players, but Martinez likes Naismith (and rightly so) and seems to think he can play in the hole in Barkley's absence.

Si Cooper
68 Posted 25/08/2014 at 16:28:23
What game were people watching on Saturday?

Our defence didn't crumble or suddenly become utterly incompetent; the problem was getting and retaining possession further forward. Not saying the defending was perfect but the only significant flaws were a failure to stop two crosses coming in and a possible lapse in concentration (which all defenders do at times) with an attacker running beyond the covering midfielder. You have to give Giroud some credit for getting his header in.

None of Vlaar, Shawcross or Dawson (ye gods!) could be guaranteed to have prevented either goal.

Tom Bowers
69 Posted 25/08/2014 at 16:48:27
I agree that Welbeck would be a good option at a decent price and is available. He has the experience, is still young, has some zip and not bad in the air.

Could really become better under RM.

Phill Thompson
70 Posted 25/08/2014 at 16:38:21
Wellbeck for me , and while I'm well aware of the money issues would love us to buy someone. Loans have their place but we either send them back or pay over the odds as they've then proved themselves so price is hiked up.
As an aside as I'm not sure where it should go, Matt Kennedy was apparently man of match for Hibs on Saturday, presumably someone is keeping an eye on him . ( yeah I know, Scott's Championship hardly best standard )
Jim Knightley
71 Posted 25/08/2014 at 16:52:16
Also - Dawson is a worse player than both Distin (Even at his age) and Jags. It's incredible that we've had such a good defensive record with two apparently below-average CBs...

Also, have any reputable sources claimed that Villa knocked United back? I highly doubt the validity of that claim.

Tony Abrahams
72 Posted 25/08/2014 at 16:31:36
Graham Mockford, am not so sure mate, because the only thing worse than our inability to defend high balls at the minute, is this awful Bank Holiday weather!
Brian Hill
73 Posted 25/08/2014 at 16:59:45
Si @68, Shawcross would be guaranteed to stop the goal as Giroud would have been lying on the floor having been thrown there by the elegant Mr Shawcross.
Si Cooper
74 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:21:15
Too true, Brian. :)

Not saying I was exactly thrilled with the defending for the goals (both were essentially preventable) but people are calling for some strange replacements for our latest scapegoats.

Peter Bell
75 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:13:58
I have four work colleagues, with Man U season tickets who refer to him as "Wellshit"
That says it all for me, they ALL cannot be wronh
Eddie Dunn
76 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:13:13
Jags is low on confidence, and has relied on Distin far too much to win aerial duels. It isn't his lack of height (Ratcliffe was only 5ft 10-11), it is a combination of confidence and judgement.

I am shocked at how often I see Jags on the deck, trying to get in a last ditch block, which means that he is beaten if it fails. Against Arsenal, when Ramsay waltzed through to score, Osman and Jags threw themselves to the ground, as Ramsay popped one in.
Pienaar like to fall over anywhere on the park, and if he doesn't win the free kick, then the opposition are on the counter.
You should stay on your feet as long as possible.

I did notice that Barry took a heavy blow on the shin, and soon after McCarthy took a hit on the thigh(dead-leg) and from then on we were less tenacious, and gave them more room.

It seemed to me that Arsenal decided to target our two most important players, and it worked.
There is nothing like a nasty nuisance in the middle of the park, who can just stay out of the book, and on the right side of the ref. Peter Read springs to mind, as does Dennis Wise and Lee Catamole, to name a current player.

Perhaps Besic could be that man?

Ray Roche
77 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:28:20

Jim Knightley,
Kagawa is a decent shout, excellent player with Borussia Dortmund before he went to Old Trafford and had a respectable goal return, however, I like Ki Sung Yeung who Swansea loaned out last season. Did very well against us, not a prolific goalscorer though but a terrific engine and eye for a killer pass.

John Daley @48
Sorry, John, you're talking bollocks. Lassie's crap at tracking back. Can't pass a corner flag, either.

Tony Marsh
78 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:28:03
Before Martinez arrived we would of all been worrying about how many goals Arsenal would beat us by and how best to avoid a drubbing. A 2-2 would of been greeted like a victory., convinced David Moyes and scrapping the odd win was all we could hope for. How things have changed.

Now we demand to beat the Big Guns. Roberto Martinez has raised the bar and with it fan expectations which is a great thing .Also the football we play is light years ahead of what it was under the last manager.

Get a grip. Two tricky games played and still unbeaten. Try to remember how far we have come in such a short period of time.

Patrick Murphy
79 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:38:23
Eddie that's a fair point about Arsenal's tactics when they put in a few heavy challenges - imagine the media reaction and wailing of Wenger if the game had have been played at the Emirates and we had employed the same tactics to get a draw there?
Steve Jenkins
81 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:37:41
@Eddie 53

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed3_SbXIqqk

I can't agree Kone is pedestrian at all. Look at his goals for Wigan the season before last.

He scored 12 Prem goals in a side that went down and as you can see from this, he has pace in abundance. I can't understand the negativity around him, anybody can get injured its just bad luck.

He can play off the shoulder and gets in behind which is something we currently lack, we miss killer pace upfront. Lukaku can but doesn't much and he doesn't have the pace Kone has. Kone also scores plenty of poacher goals in the box and gets on the end of crosses.

I'd go as far as to say had he have been fit last year we'd have def made CL. He's a big loss for me and if he can get back to where he was - granted it'll take a good 4/5 months we could have a good 2/3 seasons return from him imho.

Kevin Rowlands
82 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:34:46
SSN are now reporting that were in negotiations with Utd over a loan deal, probably would make sense as I can't see us being able to splash much more cash this window.

Peter#75, doesn't surprise me at all about them Utd fans and their opinions, the likes of Welbeck and Cleverley are targets for the boo boys there and no matter how they play they will always be 'shit' because they've already made their minds up, both of them would be better getting out of there and I wouldn't be surprised to see both thrive at a new club.

On another note even though we have had a dodgy start we have at times played some lovely stuff, so I'm in the glass half full column, it could be worse after all, look at spongebob square heads start at Utd, or melty faced start back in the PL with QPR!

Dean Adams
83 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:29:07
Si 68
Indeed, we lost possession in the middle, both Osman and McGeady were guilty of giving away the ball too easily, (as was Atsu when he came on) and this lead to Arsenal getting a stronger grip. Although I would like to see Besic play, it may be that RM is giving him time to acclimatise.( Although if that is the case I would be dissapointed with him taking up a place on the bench).
If RM made a mistake in the game, I believe it was keeping Osman on, or even putting him on in the first place. If I was Besic I would have been giving RM a pleasant reminder of my abilities. Alas, it may just be another lesson in the steep learning curve of Bobbys' terrific start to his Everon career.
Mark Frere
84 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:51:56
Si (74) - Why not give Duffy a chance at centre back? He performed very well 3 seasons ago when he played a couple of games in the first team, only to be dropped and never got look in again. He was a fans favourite playing in the Championship for Yeovil Town... I know, its a much lower standard than the PL but if the lad is never given an opportunity then we will never know if he can make the grade. Duffy is not the typical Martinez type player i.e he's not comfortable with the ball at his feet, but this is a preference of Martinez not a necessity. Hopefully Duffy will get his chance to impress in Europa League and Capital Cup but I fear it will be Alcaraz and Stones taking up both CB spots for those competitions.
Eddie Dunn
86 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:51:59
Steve81.
I watched the clip on youtube, but I remain unconvinced about his pace, although he seems to have a nose for goal. Also, I noticed that he wasn't scoring against the highest quality teams.

You are right that anyone can get an unlucky injury, and the last time he played for us he looked certain to score when he hit the woodwork.

However he is nowhere near as pacy as Lukaku.

Chris Gould
87 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:03:46
There are a few media outlets suggesting that we have agreed a 2 year deal with Eto.
Rob Esteva
88 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:07:46
If it's true that we have 50% sell-on for Forshaw, with numbers of approx £4m being mentioned, that should free up some cash for a loan
David Greenwood
89 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:03:34
Phill @70, I was at the Hibs Falkirk game on Saturday and Kennedy was indeed Hibs best player. However Hibs were utter gash. He reminded me (up to a point) of Mirallas the way he played, lots of stepovers, very quick, and this is where he differed from Mirallas, he had an end product that the other Hibs players just were not good enough to put away. And before anyone else says it, I know what he was up against.
The best player on the park was Conor McGrandles for Falkirk. Has been in the 1st team for two seasons now, is an all round midfielder and is a certainty to move onto bigger and better things, hopefully with us!

Sean Kelly
90 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:52:37
Dean, you say Roberto may be letting Besic acclimatise. Jesus is it too hot for him? What’s he waiting for fucking hell to freeze over? The guy was arguably one of our better players in preseason. Get him on I say get him on. Ossie should never have come on Besic should have got the shout. There’s more to this guy than just a defensive midfielder.

Sorry for the tone I’m still annoyed at the substitutions.

Brian Hennessy
91 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:03:36
Have to agree with Si Coopers comments above, our defence hasnt become a bad one overnight.

Jagielka had a good game overall, yes he miss timed his jump for their second goal and Distin proably thought jags was going to clear it and didnt do enough to stop Giroud who took his chance extreemly well.

Yes Cazorla could have been clozed down a bit better but it was a quality ball by him and I cant fault our central defenders for that

For me any money we may or may not have needs to go on a back up striker

Sean Kelly
92 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:16:16
John Daley #46, I think Lassie would have been pissing on the legs of our static defence and goalkeeper, as well as the corner flag.
Steavey Buckley
93 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:16:18
Kone still remains an unknown quantity until he starts scoring and playing again; and your guess is as good as mine when that's going to happen next. At present, Lukaku is the only striker at present who is fit and playing, yet, he is still waiting for his first premier league goal this season.
Ajay Gopal
94 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:57:01
Good to see 3 (ex-Evertonians) on the score sheet for the 3 games yesterday - Jelavic, Dier and Rodwell. Moyes was generally very good in unearthing gems, but he also let some gems get away - I am thinking Dier and Mustafi and Ruddy. Imagine our back 5 consisting of:

Ruddy
Coleman Dier Mustafi Baines

Not very shabby, eh?

Colin Glassar
95 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:02:18
Its eto'o lads. Apparently he's accepted our offer. I'd have preferred Welbeck but we don't decide do we?
Raymond Fox
96 Posted 25/08/2014 at 17:32:42
I think there's certain to be another loan or two at some stage in this window.
Remains to be seen if will have what it takes to help us much.

What about some of our young players, McAleny-Duffy-Browning-Long-Garbutt-Lundstam-Kennedy (on loan I know), will they feature in any prem. games, are any of them good enough?
Garbutt is vying with both Baines and Oviedo for a place which must be disheartening for the lad, he is talented but it looks like he'll have to leave.

My pick of the others is McAleny, Browning, Long, Lundstam in that order.
The trouble is at a club like ours it never seems to be the right time to take a chance and stick 1 or 2 of them in important matches!

Colin Glassar
97 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:29:15
Medical tomorrow. Welbeck could still come in on loan though.
David Greenwood
98 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:30:10
Both would be excellent news Colin. Fingers crossed
Patrick Murphy
99 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:28:45
Colin - that's a big gamble to bring in another player with injury issues and who isn't going to be available for every game - I can see the sense of him being used in Europe but depending on how much he has cost in wages I can't say he lights my candle but I hope I'm proved wrong.
Raymond Fox
100 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:29:41
If that's correct Colin, I'm surprised, but maybe he can make a difference, he has been a class player maybe Roberto can spark him into life!
Colin Glassar
101 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:32:30
I'm not thrilled to see eto'o at our club as he has an attitude problem and is a bit of a shit stirrer IMO. Patrick, he will have his medical tomorrow so he could fail that I suppose. The Welbeck loan, with option to buy, makes more sense to me. If both do come that might mean the end of Kone.
Colin Glassar
102 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:37:31
Two year deal, 60k p/w.
Steve Jenkins
103 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:33:27
Fair enough Eddie, we'll agree to disagree regarding his pace, for me he was faster than Rom. Now he's had is injury have to wait & see.

His injury's a bad one, so just hope he can come back.

I'm personally happy with Eto - didn't he get 12 or more mainly coming off the bench last year.Granted he won't can't do many 90 mins and will be used sparingly, but he's a world class finisher and back up option, if we have any injuries.

Mark Tanton
104 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:42:38
We might have our doubts about one, the other, or both but it would be a very impressive piece of business really if we bring them both in join Lukaku.
Colin Glassar
105 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:44:50
If eto'o comes in with a good attitude then, welcome aboard. If not then, god help us.
Harold Matthews
106 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:32:06
If Lukaku is out for a while we might need two.

Any tall tough hairy centre backs?

Dean Adams
107 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:45:14
Sean Kelly 90

When players arrive in a new country it often takes time to get used to many aspects of life, such as the climate, the culture and the language. Not everyone settles down in a few weeks. Just look at any number of Spurs players last season. I hope that Besic settles quickly, but maybe RM sees him being in need of a little nurturing, so he avoids unnecessary pitfalls. I don't mind your tone, you are only saying what you think, which is fine by me.

Dean Adams
108 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:50:24
Colin 105
Was'nt it Eto'o who instigated the trouble for his country at the world cup? Threatening to strike over pay? Makes you wonder if he is "of the right attitude" for our club. Not as volatile as Mario, but still!!!
Colin Glassar
109 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:58:21
Dean, he caused trouble at Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea and playing for Cameroon. I don't have high hopes for him this time around either.
Mark Tanton
110 Posted 25/08/2014 at 19:04:05
Moyes would never have taken him in... Not sure what adds to discussion, like.
Brian Hill
111 Posted 25/08/2014 at 18:49:57
Colin, is this 100%?

Eto'o, can even Mr Phenomenal make something of him?

Colin Glassar
112 Posted 25/08/2014 at 19:18:01
Looks like it Brian. Terms have been agreed and the medical is tomorrow.
Kieran Riding
113 Posted 25/08/2014 at 19:20:04
I've told you we've met with his people last week. We will go up to £80k.
He will have medical tomorrow I believe.
Chris Gould
114 Posted 25/08/2014 at 19:16:06
For Roberto to sign him this week means Lukaku may be out for the Chelsea match. I hope we haven't signed him up hoping that he might have a point to prove against Mourinho. A 2 year deal for a player who is clearly past his best reeks of desperation.
Anthony Flack
115 Posted 25/08/2014 at 19:25:49
Just on the BBC site

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28930641

Not one I would have hoped for, but maybe Roberto knows he can get what is required out of him.

He is certainly dangerous and must have quality or else he would never have played where he has....

Jim Knightley
116 Posted 25/08/2014 at 19:23:41
60k a week..6 million over two weeks. A signing on fee on top? For one of the worl'd best strikers 4 years. But he is 33 now, and he will only get worse. I don't see the sense in this at all, especially with the apparent availability of Welbeck. There is also no chance of us getting both, unless Martinez decides to change our entire system to accommodate 2 strikers.

Kieran Riding
117 Posted 25/08/2014 at 19:29:26
Still 7/4 on betfair lads..

Although Milan are favourites.

Si Cooper
118 Posted 25/08/2014 at 19:04:55
Mark (84) - I don't see Duffy as being better than either Distin or Jagielka as he has always seemed to lack mobility (imo) and that seems to be essential in the Premier League. Even Alcaraz shades him due to a compensatory positional awareness and composure on the ball. All that said, I haven't seen him play recently so maybe he has improved aspects of his game, though it seems reasonable to expect that if he had he would be getting more game time.

I'm at the stage were anybody seems better than nobody. I don't rate Welbeck as highly as some do but I think he is good enough to boost our squad; it seems an even bet that Eto'o could either be brilliant for us or a complete waste of space. Smacks of a desperation signing to me which really disappoints me although it has to be recognized that our probable lack of money makes it a tough market to operate in. Had hoped for something more in the way of a gamble on a little known prospect. Not sure the Recruitment Department is firing on all cylinders.

Harold Matthews
119 Posted 25/08/2014 at 19:25:28
Will he pass the Martinez "Good Character" test? For 60k p/w will he bother getting out of bed?
Steve Jenkins
120 Posted 25/08/2014 at 19:30:43
Plus points - great experience and can come off the bench with only 20/30 mins left and get you that goal needed to win or draw.

He won't play 90 mins but with 3 other strikers here he doesn't need to.

World Class finishers are short in abundance and regardless of age, he is that, just can't do regular 90 minute games now.

Use him wisely and he could turn out to be a top signing.

Points about his attitude are a concern - just have to hope for the best with that.

Tony Marsh
121 Posted 25/08/2014 at 19:39:52
No, please not Eto, FFS. This guy is the biggest money-grabbing mercanary on the planet. We donÂ’t need a big time Charlie taking the piss and big wages at Everton.

RobertoÂ’s first big cock up if itÂ’s true. Watched him for Chelsea a few times last season he is finished... Please fail medical.

Bill Griffiths
122 Posted 25/08/2014 at 20:19:25
Tony(78) glad to someone with a bit of sense and a grip on reality posting on here. We'vce only played 2 games and according to most on here the seasons over already.
Also I can't understand the fixation a lot of Toffee Webbers have regarding Danny Wellbeck. Personally I wouldn't have him or Eto near our club but if I did have to choose I'd go with Eto who is a proven goal scorer which Wellbeck certainly isn't.
Eddie Dunn
123 Posted 26/08/2014 at 00:08:31
Steve103, I at least agree on Eto, I think he looked a class act for Cheski last season. Rom will know him a little, and could learn from him. The fact that he is on a free will compensate for his wages, I'm looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the table.
Now let's hope that Roberto can do one or two more moves before the week is out.
Harold Matthews
124 Posted 26/08/2014 at 00:45:08
Goodness me. Mr Marsh is back.
Chris Leyland
125 Posted 26/08/2014 at 01:00:53
Tony Marsh, you would have been apoplectic with those 2 games under the last manager and you should be under Martinez too. Whoever the manager is does not excuse dropping points so easily two games running and nor does it excuse a shabby pre-season which seems to have left the players short of fitness after 70 minutes and meant we are sitting with 2 points not 6.

As for Et'o being Roberto's 'first big cock up', I assume we are ignoring Alcaraz, Kone and even Robles to an extent?

Si Cooper
126 Posted 26/08/2014 at 01:26:37
Chris (125) - I think you will find most people are at least waiting to judge Arouna Kone on what he does if (when) he regains his fitness. There are also some (me included) who don't think that Antolin Alcaraz deserves all the criticism that he gets. Robles is young enough that he could still come good.

So I would say that maybe Tony, like me doesn't see those three as 'big' cock-ups. He obviously feels that, relatively speaking, the signing of Eto'o will be in a class of it's own. I didn't watch Eto'o much last season so can't really comment on his form, but I don't think that it is necessarily directly transferable to this season as we may need to use him as more of a work-horse than he has latterly been used to.

Jack Cross
127 Posted 26/08/2014 at 01:37:29
Jim Bennings. What about Kevin Cambell he was a good striker.
Liu Weixian
128 Posted 26/08/2014 at 13:43:51
We need a couple of centrebacks more than we need a striker. Scoring goals is not so much of a problem as keeping them out is. I recommend Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross. They are true and proper centrebacks. Not of that modern pussyfooting nonsense.

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