Season 2011-12 Fan Articles

Some Fresh Blood

So I thought I would get ahead of the rush and single out 3 players that I think we should pursue over the summer. I am choosing to be positive and assume that miraculously we may have around £8M to spend from the sale of fringe players or what have you (don't think I realise the crazy optimism of this but hey, it's called silly season for a reason!).

1. Steven Pienaar

No surprises here. He has been instrumental in the second half of the season turnaround and seems to have returned from Tottenham even better than before having added some end product to his fabulous build-up play. The bad news is that his superb form will not have gone unnoticed by Harry and we can only hope that Stevie P fights to come back to us or else he may still be at Spurs. If he does come, I imagine the fee to be around £3-4M.

Alternatives:

Matt Jarvis ? Younger and a clever player who brings goals and assists

Lee Chung-Yong ? Spent the year injured but Bolton's Player of the Season in 2010 and only 23.

Adam Johnson ? Surely must leave Man City, if available on loan, would be a great signing; otherwise, out of our price range.

2. Junior Hoilett

There will be no shortage of competition for this talented youngster but perhaps the promise of guaranteed starting and not having to move from the North West may appeal. He has pace and skill to burn and would be capable of playing with, behind or on the flanks next to Jelavic. He would surely increase in value over next 5 years. Out of contract but sign-on fee and compensation would probably amount to at least £4-5M. Worth every penny.

Alternatives:

Matt Phillips ? A similar player with pace and trickery and thunder in his right boot. If Blackpool don't win the playoffs, he could be available for £3M.

Rodallega ? Another on a free, he can be great on his day.

Steven Fletcher ? Will surely leave Wolves and could form a great partnership with Jelavic.

3. Danijel Pranjic

Bit of a wildcard but a Moyes-esque player capable of playing at left back, right back or left wing. He is available on a free and was on record saying he wanted to come to Everton in January. He is experienced at highest level and will be in the Croatia squad with Jelly this summer (so may be good to bring one of Jelly's mates)

Alternatives:

Nathaniel Clyne ? A specialist right back in the Kyle Walker mold, out of contract at Crystal Palace this summer, I believe.

Martin Olsson ? A pacy fullback at Blackburn who will move on this summer, probably for more than we can afford.

Other targets:

Victor Moses ? Likely to stay at Wigan or be too expensive for us.

Clint Dempsey ? Would be great but likely to cost upwards of £5M, perhaps an alternative to Pienaar.

Mark Davies ? Quietly effective Bolton man is out of contract and would be a good squad player.

Jean Beausejour ? Tasty winger who Wigan will want to keep hold of but would be useful.

Eden Hazard ? If only.....

So let's say we get my three, then I reckon we line up next season as:

Howard
Pranjic Heitinga Distin Baines
Hoilett Gibson Rodwell Pienaar
Fellaini
Jelavic

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