Martinez looking for a wide player

, 3 August, 86comments  |  Jump to most recent
Roberto Martinez says that he hopes to sign one more player before the season kicks off in a fortnight's time.

Speaking after Leon Osman's testimonial match against FC Porto, the manager highlighted the need for a wide player to add to the recent acquisitions of Gareth Barry, Muhamed Besic and Romelu Lukaku.

“Hopefully we will have another new player coming in," he told evertontv. “We are looking for a wide player that is going to help us in a position that we need to strengthen going into the season.

"We are going to take as long as we need but hopefully it will be earlier rather than later.”

A move for Chelsea winger Christian Atsu was thought to be close coming into the weekend but the latest suggestions from a Sky Sports source are that negotiations over a season-long loan have stalled for the time being.

At the beginning of the summer, Martinez had targeted a squad of 27 to 28 players. The promotion of the likes of Luke Garbutt, Shane Duffy and Conor McAleny to the first-team would bring the Blues' squad to 25 with the closure of the transfer window less than a month away.

Martinez also addressed the status of David Henen's proposed move from Anderlecht which is still not complete. He explained that Negotiations are continuing with the Belgian side while the 18 year-old continues to train at Finch Farm.

The manager reiterated that Henen has been earmarked for the U21s side and is not intended as a first-team addition at this stage.

Quotes sourced from EvertonFC.com



Reader Comments (86)

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Danny Halsall
1 Posted 03/08/2014 at 20:00:35
We are only in for one more player?? I thought we were on for a couple?

If it is only the one wide player, we are in serious shit if Lukaku picks up an injury!

Steve Woods
2 Posted 03/08/2014 at 20:08:00
Danny,

Yes, IÂ’ve just seen that he expects just one more in. If that is the case, then I feel we are going to be left wanting. If itÂ’s Kenwright dictating that number, then I think it could well damage RMÂ’s long-term resolve here.

Kunal Desai
3 Posted 03/08/2014 at 20:10:19
Danny

Throughout the summer, Martinez has spoken of the number of players he needs to bring in and the number of players required has changed a couple of times. I still think we’ll probably get in two more – a striker and a winger.

Jeff Armstrong
4 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:13:41
Need another forward, Kone is over hill, the even if he can get fit, we have nothing beyond Lukaku, Remy or Hernandez should be targeted.
Aidy Dews
5 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:15:34
Gonna be Atsu isnÂ’t it. Then again when speaking to followtonians, Martinez said it could be a loan or permanent deal so if it isnÂ’t Atsu it could be that Bahoui on cheap?!?

Personally I think we need another striker aswell but Martinez says he wants atleast another 2 youngsters to fill out positions within the first team squad so may not bother with a striker and give McAleny his chances this season?!

Brian Waring
6 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:21:42
Think we deffo need a playmaker in the middle.
Brian Williams
7 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:22:23
Agree that we need another forward/striker. Lukaku would really flourish playing with a speedy mobile partner. What OssieÂ’s testimonial showed today is that we didnÂ’t have whatÂ’s required in that area on the pitch or the bench. If we rely only on Rom, weÂ’ll struggle if he gets injured or has a barren spell.
Mark Tanton
8 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:23:31
Perhaps Martinez believes young Conor McAleny can step up and be a first team striker this season? Also, Naismith has proved beyond doubt now that he can be relied up to chip in with ten goals. That said, the number of new faces keeps getting smaller every time Bobby is asked- perhaps we should be stop asking...
Derek Knox
9 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:10:17
I have every respect for RobertoÂ’s assessment, but I think we need at least three more players, possibly four!

For a start we need a goalkeeper, like I have said on previous posts Tim Howard canÂ’t play every game on four fronts, Robles is a liability, and does not inspire any confidence in the defenders in front of him. Add to this his inability to find a team-mate with distribution or very rarely a goal kick!

I am not totally convinced that our defence, should we get any injuries, has enough depth!

We need an attacking midfielder, Barkley is brilliant, but still improving, Pienaar and Ossie are not likely to play for 90 mins any more.

We most definitely need another striker, Lukaku canÂ’t be expected to produce everything on his own, Naismith will run all day but is not an out and out striker. Kone... will we ever see him play?

We have signed a few players, and I relish that, but a lot are for the future... ItÂ’s the immediate future, that I am worried about!

David Chait
10 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:23:58
The remark of wanting to fill two positions with youngsters is a bit cryptic for me... I assume he means in the greater squad. We have Pienaar, McGeady and Mirallas... Osman should be in the playmaker role and not stuck on the wing like he so often is. So yep we do need one more to shore it up.
Trevor Lynes
11 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:26:18
Looks like the Atsu deal is having more than just snags!

I agree with Brian... a playmaker is the main player we need.

Al Reddish
12 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:31:06
He is spot on here. We have one decent wide player....Mirallas, although Oviedo may be a decent shout. Osman and Pienaar are squad players and pretty much slow every attack down and spend most of the time on the floor.

As for McGeady, the less said the better if today is anything to go by. Judging by BobbyÂ’s comment itÂ’s likely the Atsu deal is virtually sealed.

Ian Burns
13 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:36:56
I have been reading TW for many years and contributed over the more recent years and never until today have I criticised EFC, any player or anybody to do with EFC. ItÂ’s not may way but as I said on another thread, I was alarmed today at the gulf in class between the two teams.

I realise of course not every PM side will play like Porto and today was a friendly – but we will meet teams like Porto in the EL and it has to be said that none of the usual top 4 or 5 teams in the PL would have been played off the park as we were in the first half of today’s game.

We need a wide player for sure; we need a playmaker further upfield; we definitely need a goalkeeper and if Kone is still on the sick list - we need a striker as Rom canÂ’t play every game.

That is my rant over but I will finish by saying Besic looks the part – he is going to be a huge GP favourite and today Stones showed what he is – a class act.

Mark Pierpoint
14 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:56:16
Jeff (#4). I wish people would stop going on about Hernandez or Remy. One, we don’t have the money for them. Both would cost in excess of £10million. Secondly, neither is going to sit on Everton’s bench. As to that, Remy may as well stay at QPR and play.

We may get Traore in I guess. This depends on what Monaco do though. With Kone in, and back-up of Henen and McAleny, we would do okay unless there is a major injury. Not ideal but not the end of the world.

Rob Weis
15 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:27:04
Kone hasnÂ’t even played. Give him a chance. Dare2Naisy can chip in 10 as well like Mark has said. Conor Mac will not be the guy that can do it for us. He has been decent at best. No better than Naisy though.

Need an experienced striker who wonÂ’t mind being on the bench except when Rom needs a rest. CanÂ’t rely on Naisy/Kone for Europa although I think they can do a job if need be.

Craig Fletcher
16 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:57:11
Depth-wise, I actually think weÂ’re looking pretty solid now; once we do add in another winger. A lot of it will depend on how the younger lads go, and if they manage the step up. If even only a couple of the likes of McAleny, Ledson, Duffy, Browning, Garbutt and Galloway (and I do think they will get the odd chance this season) manage to step up anywhere near as impressively as John Stones did last season, weÂ’re looking good. If the younger lads are found wanting, then come February we may have some tired legs amongst the first team.
Rob Weis
17 Posted 03/08/2014 at 21:35:57
Al, what did Bobby say about Atsu?
Paul Ferry
18 Posted 03/08/2014 at 22:07:43
Danny Halsall - 1 - and others: Â’We are only in for one more player?? I thought we were on for a couple?Â’

Can you please show me exactly where our Bobby said "We are only in for one more"? Have another closer look at what he says here.

Now, I did read this: "Hopefully we will have another new player coming in." I think that this is the cause of your misconstrued concern but you like others are putting words in BobbyÂ’s mouth. He did not say Â’only oneÂ’; he said "We will have another new player coming in".

How on earth does this limit him/us to ’only one’? Now if he had said something along the lines of "Hopefully we will get the one more player I need to wrap up the window," – then your misplaced comments could be well spot on.

Yep, a winger and we need back-up up-front and a midfielder with real creative flair.

Karl Masters
19 Posted 03/08/2014 at 22:19:50
Trust in Roberto.

Not let us down once yet, although I do have doubts about Robles. Kone and Alcaraz unfortunate with injuries so jury out and likewise with Traore and to a degree McGeady. Rest have all been big successes and Besic sounds like another.

Jim Bennings
20 Posted 03/08/2014 at 22:29:36
If we are targeting one more player we must assume thatÂ’s Atsu, provided the snags gets sorted.

IÂ’d be disappointed if that fell through because I like the look of him and frankly, as frustrating as Deulofeu was last season, we miss the razzle dazzle footwork that he brought; yes, he was too individual and flattered to deceive... but, apart from Mirallas, who else have we got?

Do we also assume that interest in re-signing Traoré on a year’s loan has now vanished? What a waste of time that was last January then.

James Morgan
21 Posted 03/08/2014 at 22:29:17
Playing in Europe with the extra games we could do with a winger and a striker, maybe even a right back as Hibbert is injury prone.

Up front, if we say brought in Traore, as well as having Lukaku and Kone would be enough in my eyes with having Naismith who likes to play there too. Atsu would add to Mirallas, Oviedo, McGeady and Pienaar for the flanks, again with Naismith also being able to fill in.

I hope we donÂ’t leave ourselves short and come to regret it at the end of the season. I would rather they come in now and have nobody in January rather trying to catch up in the New Year window.

Raymond Fox
23 Posted 03/08/2014 at 22:47:36
I agree with Mark 14, Hernandez and Remy are not going to come here and sit on the bench most of the time.

McAleny looks a decent lively player to me if he gets a chance + Kone if he can recapture his Wigan form will be a very useful player for us, as he can play off Lukaku or lead the line in the Europa games.

Trouble is though we canÂ’t be certain that Kone or Oviedo will recapture their best form after their serious injuries!

Colin Glassar
24 Posted 03/08/2014 at 23:18:08
I still think we will get in two players before the window closes. Looks like loans though.
Trevor Lynes
25 Posted 03/08/2014 at 23:36:16
I truly hope we get Atsu as he is a crowd pleaser and will get the fans roaring. He did well at Porto and Villas Boas brought him to Chelsea.

The lad is young and if he is looked after I can see him as a star. He is tricky, direct and really quick so I donÂ’t understand the so called snags, unless he is injured!

We still need a real playmaker to get the best out of Lukaku and Mirallas.

Lets just hope that Roberto has matters under control as this season could be a triumphant one.

Incidently are we still in for Henen ?

Jim Stephens
26 Posted 03/08/2014 at 23:43:27
CG (24) is the Paul the squid of TW so believe what you say. Slightly disappointed if its 2 loans and not a permanent signing and loan (especially the former up front) but depends on the loans. Atsu and Traore IÂ’m guessing?
Colin Glassar
27 Posted 03/08/2014 at 23:50:28
Jim, FYI Paul (RIP) was an octopus not a squid. Henen should sign shortly and, hopefully, Atsu and Traore (or another striker) will come on board as well.
Mark Pierpoint
28 Posted 03/08/2014 at 23:29:04
Sorry annoy the awful grammar. Typing on a phone with auto correct! Truth is the debate we are having here is similar to many teams. Everyone, with maybe the exception of city and Chelsea can talk about the one more player we need. A team like Everton are not going to be able to replace Lukaku with a Remy figure in case of injury or loss of form. That is the risk we have to take. Either that or buy two van wolfswinkelÂ’s etc. I know which I would prefer.

Kone and Naismith have the ability to contribute. Ideally I would really like us to get Traore. I think he would give us another option especially in Europe and when teams Â’park the busÂ’

On the goalkeepers Robles needs a year out on loan. I posted a few days ago about Thomas khuschak (sp) being available on a free. What about him to back up Howard? He has European experience with Man United after all.

On the defence I think we are fine. At RB we can play Hibbert who has hundreds of games under his belt, stones or Browing if SC is out. Duffy is our 4th choice CB and Garbutt our 3rd choice LB. I genuinely donÂ’t think any clubs can compete with that.

Overall all teams have to take risks. We can only name a team of 25 players (excludingU21) you canÂ’t cover every base in case of injury etc. no one can!

Jim Stephens
29 Posted 04/08/2014 at 00:20:23
Aye Colin, tÂ’was an octopus not a squid. Excuse the ignorance, IÂ’m a sucker for confusing sea living creatures. I once thought a smoked kipper was something else.

Big thanks for the general transfer updates my man.

Steven Telford
30 Posted 04/08/2014 at 00:19:59
There seem to be people on this forum, who, when Lukaku was unveiled must have respond by saying: Yay...... and, hey, Roberto can we have two Lukakus?

And we now have to sit those people down and explain, that adults have this thing called "money", and............

Darryl Ritchie
31 Posted 04/08/2014 at 00:29:39
What does everyone think of Scott Sinclair. IÂ’ve heard that heÂ’s been offered a contract extension, but wonÂ’t sign unless heÂ’s guaranteed more minutes. Could be available.
Christopher Wallace
32 Posted 04/08/2014 at 00:33:50
Jeff 4

Kone had a serious injury, from which he is yet to return. On what do you base your analysis that he is over the hill?

Of course we have seen players never quite get over these types of injuries. IÂ’m just curious what you know that the rest of us donÂ’t. How you seen his medical reports? Have you been present during his rehab?

Anyway, we certainly do need another striker. IÂ’m very confident weÂ’ll get a winger and a striker, especially considering that weÂ’ve yet to loan any players.

Everyone was getting extremely impatient last week, and look what happened. Loan deals tend to happen late in the window. LetÂ’s see where weÂ’re at in 7 days.

Christopher Wallace
33 Posted 04/08/2014 at 00:33:50
Jeff 4

Kone had a serious injury, from which he is yet to return. On what do you base your analysis that he is over the hill?

Of course we have seen players never quite get over these types of injuries. IÂ’m just curious what you know that the rest of us donÂ’t. How you seen his medical reports? Have you been present during his rehab?

Anyway, we certainly do need another striker. IÂ’m very confident weÂ’ll get a winger and a striker, especially considering that weÂ’ve yet to loan any players.

Everyone was getting extremely impatient last week, and look what happened. Loan deals tend to happen late in the window. LetÂ’s see where weÂ’re at in 7 days.

Karl Graham
34 Posted 04/08/2014 at 00:32:57
If we get said winger I will be happy with our squad. Another striker would not go amiss but the quality of player we would like would be expensive both in transfer fee and wages and they wouldnÂ’t start many games so would cause unrest in the squad. Kone as out and out back up Naismith and McAleny could both do a job. The only thing I would say is if Lukaku did pick up a long term injury we would have to bring someone in during the January window and this player would be even more over priced so lets hope the big man avoids anything serious.
Christopher Wallace
35 Posted 04/08/2014 at 00:43:54
Mark 14

I get the feeling that Remy would be happy to sit on our bench for the £80k a week it would cost to get him, never mind the fee.

We should be after a hungry, ambitious, striker who wants to fight tooth and nail to prove his ability and establish himself in the team... Remy ainÂ’t that guy.

Daniel Hutchinson
36 Posted 04/08/2014 at 00:51:50
As much as I completely agree that we need another striker to give Lukaku competition/back up, I struggle to believe that Remy or Hernandez would be interested. Both are looking to be first team options and given the amount we have paid for Lukaku, especially in HernandezÂ’s case, would you rather sit on the bench with us or Man Utd? (Money being the issue.)

Of course I think we should strengthen but we need to be realistic: we have just purchased a striker for a massive amount of money; as we play with one up front, it is unlikely a striker with immense quality is going to arrive and want to play second fiddle.

Jack Cross
37 Posted 04/08/2014 at 01:25:28
What about Dave Nugent? He knows were the net is, scores wherever he goes. We nearly bought him a few years ago but the asking price was to high £3mil. I can see you all pulling faces now. But I think he could do the business as a squad player. And he is an out-and-out Bluenose – what more do you want? Tell me what striker at Goodison (apart from Lukaku) we have that he would feel out of his depth with? And I bet you struggle.
Zahir Jaffer
38 Posted 04/08/2014 at 01:24:33
WeÂ’re definitely getting two more. They could be loans as Glasstradamus said or one of the signings could be Henen and the other one will be stalled till deadline day to avoid a month of wages.

Lads, please, weÂ’re Evertonians. We always snip up a few bobs here and there wherever we can and IÂ’ll be damned if we donÂ’t have a snipe at a few loan deals in the last jittery few hours before the window closes...

Alan Humphreys
39 Posted 04/08/2014 at 01:41:31
From what I read heÂ’s after another player by 16th August, in the article above it doesnÂ’t state how many heÂ’s after before the window shuts.
Harold Matthews
40 Posted 04/08/2014 at 01:25:44
Of course, Henen is the new player coming in. Forgot all about him.

"The wide player" is a separate issue. Atsu looked a mortal lock till this African Cup thing cropped up. How long would he be away? His left sided crosses would be ideal for Lukaku.

When people say we need this kind of player and that kind of player, they are forgetting that this Roberto's squad, playing to his football philosophy. He is forever talking about the ongoing process of weighing everything up and deciding on areas which need strengthening. Bringing in the exact right people to play specific roles. Van Gaal said the same thing only last week. "Normally you try to find a suitable player within the club, but if you can't the only answer is to buy one."

Our team does not play in a conventional manner. It plays in the Martinez manner. If he doesn't bring in a creative No10 it's probably because he doesn't want one. He doesn't tell Barkley to be creative. He tells him to try to beat defenders and open things up. He told Coleman to run at people and take them on ,one on one. If he loses the ball....so what. Try again. A crazy way to play football but it is his way and it brought us 72 points.

Christopher Kelly
41 Posted 04/08/2014 at 02:44:11
It’s time we maybe pushed Mirallas up and made him a 2nd striker... That way Barkley can beat his man and play them in...

The new winger can replace Mirallas and give us another option out wide.

Dennis Ng
42 Posted 04/08/2014 at 02:52:40
Henen (granted, for now a U-21), Atsu, Traore and whoever is still being targeted. That's not just one player we have a chance of signing or loaning. I thought we might need another playmaker but have to say, I concur with Harold.

And to be a bit more optimistic, given the sweet moves Besic started with, granted only 6 touches, maybe we already have most of what RM needs for the season. I do agree with fears that the "one more player" "restriction", if it is a restriction from BK, might be a downer, but surely RM knows this before dumping $28m into Chelsea's face.

Marvin Tiebout
43 Posted 04/08/2014 at 03:30:56
I'd take Darren Bent for the Europa he scores goals, wouldn't cost much. Yes, he's past his best but still scores goals when he plays. I think we still need two players in, a winger and a striker. I'll be happy if permanent or loans but they have to be able to offer something to the team....... It's still the best transfer window we've had in a long long time. COYB !!
Steven Telford
44 Posted 04/08/2014 at 05:32:36
You know, we are a club with a soul (unlike some of our richer adversaries) - yes it’s important to have a reasonably large squad, but there is also something to be said for not having a fucking bunch of mercenaries which don’t give a fuck if they play or not, we want a good bunch of hunger lads - this is a balance to maintain, not to simply throw numbers at.
Tony Farrell
45 Posted 04/08/2014 at 08:10:52
Why haven't or don't we give the Crystal Palace winger a closer look at? I can't remember his name but I am sure you all know who I am going on about He destroyed the Redshite in that 3-3 draw at Palace and he gave our defenders a tough time at Goodison.

From what I can make out, he's not happy at Palace and would jump at the chance of joining a club like us – and he wouldn't cost that much.

Mark Pierpoint
46 Posted 04/08/2014 at 08:56:45
Marvin #44 Darren Bent would cost a lot of money as he is probably on the same money as Lukaku. Premier League footballers don't do pay-cuts! Goal poachers who are worth having will not come to sit on a bench. Those who will are just after another payday.

A lot of people are unfair on Remy. Why do people think they are in a position to suggest he is this massive mercenary who is only bothered about his pay? Players like this don't make the top of the game. Yes, he turned down better offers to go to QPR, but he won't be the first player to turn down the North East for London. I think this is more down to lifestyle and familiarity than money.

Mark Taylor
47 Posted 04/08/2014 at 08:57:15
We could certainly use some pace on the flank. Other than Mirallas, our options there are limited.

However I don't think that's the only hole, especially given the extra EL committments.

Like others, I've reached the conclusion that Robles is not a satisfactory back up and sadly, nor is Hibbert in my view. The rest of the defence is probably OK, with Jags, Distin and Stones supported by Alcaraz (if he stays fit) and Duffy. Also Besic is actually a CB, not a midfielder, so he can slot in there and may actually be Distin's longer term replacement. Left back we are well covered, if Oviedo returns.

Striker would not be so much of an issue if it wasn't for the fact that Kone has been barely sighted and cannot therefore be counted on. Is he going to be fit just in time for the Africa Nations? I hope he has the decency to withdraw from that, given his injury record here, but somehow I doubt it.

So if Lukaku gets injured, we are left with Naismith or, at a push, Mirallas filling in. That is just not good enough. I also think Lukaku needs some proper competition to keep him focussed.

Being greedy, I'd also like a better attacking midfield back up to Barkley than Osman, because the latter can't last 90 minutes anymore.

Bill Griffiths
48 Posted 04/08/2014 at 09:14:38
According to The Liverpool Echo this morning, he intends bringing in a wide player and a striker. I haven't seen anything anywhere where he's supposed to have said he's only bringing in one more player.
Shane Corcoran
49 Posted 04/08/2014 at 09:38:52
Derek Knox, why could Howard not play every game?
James Marshall
50 Posted 04/08/2014 at 09:56:19
I haven't read all the posts on here, but to my mind, there is only one good reason why he wants a decent wide player and his name is Aiden McGeady.
James Marshall
51 Posted 04/08/2014 at 09:59:51
By the way, surely this is his back-handed way of talking about the Atsu deal anyway?
Barry Stevens
52 Posted 04/08/2014 at 10:00:59
I said it last season, and I will say it again. McGeady will be a good player for us. I don't see how any player can be judged on pre season games.
Christopher Wallace
53 Posted 04/08/2014 at 10:11:32
Jack Cross

Nugget is nowhere near good enough for this Everton team, and has never been good enough for any Everton team.

If we're going to purchase a 29-year-old striker, I would like him to have had at least 3 good seasons at the top level, England or abroad, and not just some above-average seasons in the championship.

Derek Knox
54 Posted 04/08/2014 at 10:10:24
Shane # 50

Quite simply, because of the amount of games ahead, we have Prem. home and away, Europa League, both Cups, and then the International breaks (which I am not sure of the dates) it is a lot to ask.

Besides all this, there is no alternative should Tim get injured (please no) but Robles; it is no use playing nice football and scoring at one end, when you have a dodgy keeper at the back, letting them in like holding water in a colander!

Colin Glassar
55 Posted 04/08/2014 at 10:20:25
I still think we will get Atsu. I believe the delay is his work permit (he needs a new one to play for us) so hopefully this will be sorted shortly.
Chris Williams
56 Posted 04/08/2014 at 10:36:50
If he brings in a wide player before the start of the season, he still has two weeks before the window closes.

That seems fair enough. He doesn't seem to count in Galloway and Henen in his calculations because these will not be in the first team squad at least to start with.

That also seems fair enough. This manager deserves the benefit of the doubt.

The Catalan Catterick!

Derek Knox
57 Posted 04/08/2014 at 10:59:03
Colin #56

Or should I say Glasstrodamus, I didn't know about the work permit bit, I thought the delay concerned the Africa Cup of Nations involvement and Everton were looking possibly, at a six-month loan, as opposed to a year, with that in mind !

Do you see another goalkeeper on the horizon, oh Mystic One?

Can't you use your 'powers' to allay the fears of us recently-starved-of -success fans, that we will have some more good news in the transfer market, and is it worth the club investing in any metal polish!

Colin Glassar
58 Posted 04/08/2014 at 11:19:03
Derek, I don't see a goalie in the near future as Roberto loves, and trusts, Robles. I'm pretty gutted to see Valbuena go to Dynamo Moscow for €3M. He'd have been great for us in the creative MF role, and he can play wide as well. Pity that.

After Henen, I still think we will get two more players in before the window closes.

Jim Bennings
59 Posted 04/08/2014 at 11:20:35
I'm afraid the "David Nugent to Everton" days have long since gone, that is a ship that sailed about 7 years ago at least.

We never knew if Moyes was mad on him, there was always strong rumours during the period if around 2005-2007 but it never materialized.

They were the day's when Everton really struggled to find strikers worth their salt though and the idea of Nugent, being a Blue coming in and being the saviour quite appealed.

I think he got his chance in the Premier League at Portsmouth on the 2007-08 season and in all brutal honesty he failed it miserably.

Not good enough for where this current Everton team wants to be and for the quality of player we now possess here at present.

Denis Richardson
60 Posted 04/08/2014 at 11:24:03
Think we'll have another couple of players before the end of the month. The Traore loan deal is still trundling on and hopefully Atsu will also come in. If we only get these two in then we're ok for now, assuming Oviedo and Kone will both be available in September.

Rather than a wide player, we don't have any real back up for Rom if he picks up an injury....

Re the EL, this only represents an extra 6 games to play until the end of Feb, so its not exactly a massive burden to take on....there are also no EL games during the busy xmas period or January (thankfully).

Keep the faith, a lot more has happened up till now on the transfer front than most of us were expecting....we got the all important permanent CM and Striker additions that we desperately needed. Now it's a just question of uping the quality and size of the overall squad, as opposed to the first 11. Mirallas and Barkley will presumably take two of the 3 AM places (subject to form and fitness) so that leaves Ossie, Pienaar and Naismith battling for the last starting position with Oviedo also an option later on.

Certainly looking a lot better than it was 12 months ago.....for the first time in god knows how many years, we look like we have a balanced squad with now big holes anyway.

Chris James
61 Posted 04/08/2014 at 11:41:38
My gut feeling is that Atsu will be in this week. Assuming that does go ahead we'd still have 1 domestic loanee option plus pretty much limitless European loanees.

Based on the astute moves at the back end of the window last year I'd be amazed if we didn't add another 2-3 before the transfer window closes, although loans more likely than purchases.

Mark Murphy
62 Posted 04/08/2014 at 11:56:35
What is the situation with Kone?
Is he anywhere near fit yet?
is he actually training yet?
Phil Walling
63 Posted 04/08/2014 at 12:06:38
I suspect he's far away 'working on his fitness'. His playing record is peppered with very lengthy absences.
James Richard
64 Posted 04/08/2014 at 12:19:31
We definatley need reinforcements in the wide areas. McGeady just isn't Premier League quality.
Zahir Jaffer
65 Posted 04/08/2014 at 11:55:54
We honestly shouldn’t think that a striker is not our main concern, and forget about all the – "If he gets injured..." or "But what happens when he gets suspended...?" There’s no way the striker we’re looking for is willing to sit out on the bench for most of the season, and with his arrogance level, he would only dampen the team’s morale. (Loanees not included.)

A winger is our main priority! Kone will take up the Europa League front, Lukaku will hold up through the Premier League, and with Naismith putting in his fair share in both. Arsenal only had Giroud as their pivotal striker and Chelski have Diego.

We need a winger more than anything else because Pienaar is ageing and McGeady still needs a good 6 months to adapt to the Premier League. Mirallas was a complete joke in his first season and we were bashing him out left right and center after every performance. Give McGeady another 6 months or what have you and he’ll come good.

Mike Keating
66 Posted 04/08/2014 at 12:36:52
If the Mail is correct the hold up is to do with Chelsea demanding guaranteed playing time which seems crazy to me. If he turned out to be a dud, why would RM pick him and how could Chelsea enforce it?
Tom Bowers
67 Posted 04/08/2014 at 12:41:27
It seems that a number of fringe players will make the breakthrough this year and here’s hoping it’s a real boost for the team.

After the big spending on Lukaku there probably isn’t anything left in the kitty and so loans may be all that’s left.

If Atsu doesn’t come then we had better hope that the current offensive guys stay healthy.

Somehow I just don’t see Kone being of much help but some of the youngsters could surprise us given the opportunity.
Besic looks a real catch and I hope Oviedo gets back soon.

Derek Knox
68 Posted 04/08/2014 at 12:39:03
According to the latest reports, the Atsu deal has stumbled because Chelsea want guarantees that he will play on a regular basis in the Prem. !

Now forgive me, if I am missing something here, but he has just played well on the biggest stage of all. Our pre-season performances thus far have been totally lacking in promising forward attacking (Nais being the exception) McGeady in fits and starts. Okay Lukaku hasn't featured yet, but where is he getting his service from ?

Barkley is a rising star, so we can't heap all the responsibility on him alone.

I would have no hesitationin signing Atsu, and assuring he would be gainfully employed in most fixtures !

Dan Brierley
69 Posted 04/08/2014 at 12:46:56
Nothing really crazy about it Mike, Chelsea want their players to develop. If he is just going to be sitting on the bench, then they would prefer he was sent elsewhere.

If I understand these types of contracts well, there is no line item stipulating guaranteed playing time. It is basically worded in such a way, that we would end up paying significantly more money if he does not play x% of games during season, with exception of course to injury.

Tony J Williams
70 Posted 04/08/2014 at 13:00:18
Didn't Del Boy have such a clause?
Matt Traynor
71 Posted 04/08/2014 at 13:10:10
Tony #71, I think such a clause is un-enforceable. The Del Boy loan was to do with the loan fee - basically the more he played, the less we paid.

I'm surprised Kenwright didn't have him playing every minute of the first team, U21, U19, U17 and U11 teams. And for the Ladies.

But as Mike says in #67, if he turns out to be gash, why would you play him?

Dick Brady
72 Posted 04/08/2014 at 13:47:59
Wilfried Zaha might be worth a look.
Ajay Gopal
73 Posted 04/08/2014 at 13:45:23
Mark (63), I distinctly heard the commentator mention yesterday that both Kone and Oviedo have started training. I take that as a positive statement and expect Roberto to come out with a statement pretty soon about these 2 boys.
Jim Knightley
74 Posted 04/08/2014 at 13:51:27
I'm not sure Atsu is what we need. I would like him in the squad, but a creative wide player (Kagawa?) seems far more essential to me. If we go into the season without the additional of a creative player, we will suffer against the likes of Palace, West Brom etc at home, when they sit back.

Pienaar and Osman are lesser players now, Barkley is not a creative player and Mirallas is inconsistent in terms of his final ball (Although likely to set up the most in our midfield). I think our starting 11 would be fantastic if we could get a creative player in to play on the left hand side of the midfield.

Mark Pierpoint
75 Posted 04/08/2014 at 15:05:55
Jim, Kagawa is not really a creative wide player you suggest we need. The reason he has struggled at Man Utd is that they have tried to fit him into a wide position.

I think Atsu is the answer. He played well in the World Cup after all. I don't personally think there is much in this delay lark, I bet it is just work permits. It is not as if RM didn't know about the Africa Cup of Nations!

Matt Traynor
76 Posted 04/08/2014 at 15:41:06
Mark #76, TFM (Their Former Manager) was not averse to playing people out of position?

Kagawa, like Park Ji Sung, was signed partially to exploit the markets of Japan and South Korea. Neither player ever nailed down a regular starting spot.

Denis Richardson
77 Posted 04/08/2014 at 15:54:37
Ajay / Mark - Kone and Oviedo are both scheduled to be available for the first team in September. (No idea if that's beginning or end of sept mind you...)

We only have 4 league games before the sept international break so should hopefully not be an issue. Surely we can survive 4 weeks without any injuries.....(touch wood, cross toes!)

Jon Ferguson
78 Posted 04/08/2014 at 17:26:45
I don't j derstand somd oc these posts. Barkley is a creative midfielder, that's what he's there for, he's not a winger or a Fellaini midfielder. Bringing someone else in would hamper his development. Osman is a decent second choice to come off the bench or play in the lesser games. We also have some good passers deeper in midfield.

Undoubtedly what we need is pace and players who can skin a man from out wide. putting good balls or crosses into the box. Particularly in the system Martinez wants to play.

Atsu and a striker on loan and I'll be happy for the season.

Wayne Smyth
79 Posted 04/08/2014 at 17:42:11
Tony(71) With Deulofeu, we paid more for the loan fee if he didn't get played, which is a slightly different situation.

Derek(69) Roberto needs to decide who plays and who doesn't and when. If Atsu gets into the team it should be based on his performances, and not because there is some clause saying that he must play.

Regardless, I'm sure Martinez and BK will sort something out either with Chelsea or for another target.

Harold Matthews
80 Posted 04/08/2014 at 20:41:26
Jon.#79. Love your intelligent post.
Mike Allison
82 Posted 04/08/2014 at 22:32:32
I agree with Jon, we need a back-up to Lukaku & a winger and that's it.

It seems Martinez agrees as he's been working on Traore & Atsu, so even if they don't come off, he'll have other options.

If you want/hope/think/believe we'll don anything else you'll be disappointed.

John Daley
83 Posted 05/08/2014 at 00:09:28
Surprised not to see Victor Moses being linked. Not saying I think he's the answer but Martinez obviously rates him and he's a much better player than his rotten loan spell at the RS made him seem.
John Pickles
84 Posted 05/08/2014 at 00:17:56
Hatem Ben Arfa is in dispute with Pardew at the Barcodes and in the last year of his contract. He is not in a happy place at the moment but with Roberto's arm around his shoulder I think he could be a great answer to our shortage of quality wide players. Don't know about wage demands but considering his contract situation I doubt it would require a massive transfer fee.
Mark Pierpoint
85 Posted 05/08/2014 at 00:35:51
Likewise John I think Moses will also be a good addition. This has been a great window so far for us. I don't mind admitting that I posted on here suggesting that Lukaku was well out of our grasp. Look at us now!

Our midfield is as strong as any. In the centre we have real options. We do need another wide player, especially with how high octane their performance is, but Roberto knows this and will sort it.

In Naismith and Kone we have options. A Traore would be great but of not, at least until January we will be ok.

Obviously this is injury permitting, but all teams must run this gauntlet we must just hope to invest wisely and then pray for the best of luck!

Harold Matthews
86 Posted 05/08/2014 at 05:02:42
Wiki says Moses to Southampton Aug 4th 2014, but I can't find it anywhere else.
Craig Fletcher
91 Posted 08/08/2014 at 01:17:41
John (85) good shout regarding Ben Arfa.

The lad blows hot and cold a bit and according to Pardew has "professionalism issues", but he is quality.

Could be a good loan signing; "try before you buy" and make a decision on him next summer.

Dave Lawley
92 Posted 08/08/2014 at 06:57:38
Ben Arfa is a great idea, he has real quality, as Craig says loan for the season, re-ignite the lads career to the benefit of EFC.

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