Deulofeu flies in to tie up Everton move

, 22 June, 131comments  |  Jump to most recent
Gerard Deulofeu is back on Merseyside today having flown in at the end of his holiday to finalise a permanent move from Barcelona.

The 21 year-old winger is believed to have undergone a medical and could be unveiled as the Blues' second signing of the summer later this week.

The fee for Deulofeu's return to Goodison park on a full-time basis following his season-long loan with Everton in 2013-14 has variously been reported to be between €3m and €9m but is expected to be somewhere in between, with the Catalonia giants retaining a buy-back clause.

That clause was reported the be the only hold-up in a final agreement between the two clubs but it remains to be seen whether Barca will retain a two-year or three-year option on a player who came through their youth academy.  



Reader Comments (131)

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Jack Plant
1 Posted 22/06/2015 at 15:52:47
Brilliant news, the sooner we can get this tied up the better. There’s a small part of me hoping we still try and get Januzaj on loan, giving us the most flair and inconsistent front 4 in Europe, it might not be effective but at least it would be interesting.
Mike Gaynes
2 Posted 22/06/2015 at 15:59:02
Damn, this is gonna be fun!
Tom Evans
3 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:06:29
Looking good at present.

However, this is Everton... so "many a slip twixt cup and lip" springs to mind.

Steve King
4 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:07:02
I won’t believe it until he’s pictured holding the shirt.....and even then I wouldn’t put it past us to screw it up or find a mystery knee injury (Leroy Fer has looked fit the past two seasons don’t you think?!).

Brilliant news though. Barça are being quite savvy with the buy-back but when the initial transfer price is so low it’s a no-lose for us really.

He’s very inconsistent and one of the most frustrating players since Peter Beagrie or Robert Warzychka (?). But when he’s in the mood he’s fantastic!

Get it over the line, Everton!!

Brian Harrison
5 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:13:16
I understand from a very good source that he was having his medical today and no problems envisaged. The kid is both exciting and inconsistent but he certainly got the heart racing on his last visit.
Andrew Ellams
6 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:16:51
The key question is, does signing a player of this type signal a change in style and attitiude for the up coming season. He’s certainly not an east to west, slowly slowly type of guy.
Jamie Tulacz
7 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:21:46
Whoopee!!

Much needed injection of pace for next season!

Sean Wafer
8 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:23:27
Would love to know why everyone is fawning over this transfer. He was decidedly ordinary first time round.

Absolutely laughable that he is coming as some kind of Catalan Saviour. I think the Barca connection blinds all reason.

Steve King
9 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:25:37
Cheer up, Sean; the next one will be another Cleverley and we can all comment on how sensible it is.
Paul Smith
10 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:24:26
Totally agree with Sean, he has talent but he is so inconsistent and greedy. We already have two of them KM & McGeady. So easily pleased us Evertonians.

On the other hand, it’s a credit to EFC that he wants to come back. Maybe him & his bird like Church St or is it L1 these days?

Lee Courtliff
11 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:25:41
Bloody hell, Sean.

I’m very excited about this transfer. Admittedly, the lad is young and inconsistent but there is definite potential in him. And he’s fast and direct, something we were badly missing last season.

Even if this does turn out to be a glorified loan deal where Barça buy him back in two or three seasons time, I’m still happy with it. Even if we only make a couple of million after his fee and wages.

Because if a club like Barça want him back it means we’ve had some fantastic performances from him. And nobody gets you out of your seat like a fast, skilful winger.

Thomas Surgenor
12 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:30:42
Very unfair on the kid comparing him to McGeady. He has twice the pace, can hammer a ball and is a lot more direct.

While he may be inconsistent, this signing does get me excited! If Lukaku can learn to get on to one of his drilled cut backs it could be a good source of goals.

Also, if we are playing slow and sideways – Del could use his trickery to unlock a packed defence (or loose the ball) – but at least it’s better than always using the safe option.

Joe O'Brien
13 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:19:30
Exciting times. Can’t wait to hear it confirmed. I would love a No 10 on board too plus a striker and new keeper, then we’d be sorted.
Brian Hill
14 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:41:03
Those who doubt the worth of this player, compare him to Mr Sterling who is evidently worth £50 million, or a wafer close to it.
James Hughes
15 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:40:06
I am with Sean on this and have posted similar thoughts. Really not sure why people are raving about him and the buy-back clause is utter bollocks.

That said he is here and I want to wish him good luck and to be on here raving about his displays. Come on in, son, the future is Royal Blue.

John Graham
16 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:43:48
Good that he’s coming back. Will liven the place up. Can be a bit of a headless chicken but will hopefully have improved. Let’s hope we see one or two of our own youngsters step up too. Fingers crossed.
James Marshall
17 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:46:47
Brian#14 nail on head. Sterling is shite and the shite want crackers money for him. Good luck to them if they can get in though.

Paul Ellam
18 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:53:05
I too was in the category of "underwhelmed" when he was with us last time. No doubt that he has something, just hope he makes more of an impact this time round and his decision making has improved. I am happy we have got him though, and so cheap. Seems well worth the risk.

I admit to being a little worried that he might be the "foreign number 10" that Martinez spoke of though. Would rather Deulofeu played right wing with Mirallas left wing and this "number 10" behind Lukaku.

Unless Mirallas is going, in which case I would like to see somebody like Perisic, Bolasie or Gradel on the left. My choice for number 10 would be Hakim Ziyech from FC Twente with Barkley to support/challenge the position.

Jamie Crowley
19 Posted 22/06/2015 at 17:02:12
Thrilled! Excellent news! Welcome back Gerry!

Great signing and hope to see him just scaring the bejeezuz out of defenders next season.

Drew Shortis
20 Posted 22/06/2015 at 16:53:30
I agree that he was not the model of consistency during his first stint, but when he was playing at full throttle he was so exciting to watch and he will give us something unpredictable and deadly when we are struggling to unlock obstinate defences. If Lukaku can learn to get into the six yard box in anticipation and Gerard can learn to cross instead of shoot at every opportunity then we could have an extremely potent attack on our hands. Deulofeu can go past fullbacks with ease and leave them choking on his dust. He also forces the opposition wingbacks to hold back as they can’t risk playing too high up with his blistering pace to contend with. I really don’t see any other potentially world class players clamouring to sign for us right now. Exciting times ahead IMHO!
Nicky Styles
21 Posted 22/06/2015 at 17:07:08
Delighted. Get him signed so I can get his name on my shirt - which I will only buy AFTER this buy has gone through.
Mike Gaynes
23 Posted 22/06/2015 at 17:17:30
He’ll be a great fitness program for the fans.

Half the time we’ll be up out of our chairs screaming FOR him.

The other half we’ll be up out of our chairs screaming AT him.

Personally, having been bored spitless for most of last season, I’m just looking forward to having my adrenal gland return to life.

Jackie Barry
25 Posted 22/06/2015 at 17:43:24
He may be inconsistent but, if I had to make a choice between him and Mirallas, I would take Deulofeu any day of the week. Of course, I would rather have both. I watched a few repeats of his games for us the other day, far from ordinary.
Ajay Gopal
26 Posted 22/06/2015 at 17:38:38
Great! Now just get the Garbutt, Lennon, Dann & Kagawa signings done (and maybe Podolski if I am being greedy) without selling anyone and I will be a happy Blue!
Paul Hewitt
27 Posted 22/06/2015 at 18:01:57
Being very greedy there, Ajay, but some good players there you’ve mentioned.
Eugene Ruane
28 Posted 22/06/2015 at 17:23:22
Mike (23) - That’s more or less how I see it.

I realise (re Deulofeu) some of those TWers who only see the world in black or white, will take any favourable comments on him as "almost personal provocation".

"WHAT!? He’s a fuckin headless chicken he’s been fucked off by Barca and Seville how much fucking proof do you fuckin..." etc

I don’t see the lad as a world-beater, but for the reasons you state, watching the occasional pro play like a greedy kid in the playground is something I get a kick out of.

When it doesn’t work, it is as you suggest, infuriating.

But when it does come off, there are few things more exhilarating.

It’s funny (to me) how some see Everton – when we had a chance of Europa, some (like me) are all for it, others see it as something that will ’get in the way,’

That ’it’ll get in the way’ thing really makes me smile under the present set-up.

All good sense says we’re not got going to win a carrot or get near top 4, so we should take our thrills as an when we can, yet many seem to think this + this + that - the other = something.

Well not with this Everton it doesn’t.

For me under BK (realistically) those possible thrills offer a few nice away trips in Europe once in a while, a derby win maybe a couple of Utd-at-home-last-year-style wins AND having a winger who, on his day can lace all hands and bury the odd screamer.

Terry Davies
29 Posted 22/06/2015 at 18:10:11
Brilliant signing. Those doubters need to remember he’s 2 years older than when he first came to us so, hopefully, there’ll be more consistency coming with the extra experience. Bring it on!!!
Terry Davies
30 Posted 22/06/2015 at 18:13:41
Ajay (26)

Oh yes, couldn’t agree more

Tommy Webber
31 Posted 22/06/2015 at 18:08:38
We get Delboy back in the team, we get another player back too who was every bit as exciting and that’s The Real Ross Barkley!!!

He had more conviction in his game when Geri was on the scene so this move can only improve his game, unless of course the Great Gonzo doesn’t mess up whatever good he did in his first season as manager. Lennon would also be a massive boost to the team... here’s hoping!

David Booth
32 Posted 22/06/2015 at 18:15:33
Absolutely fantastic news.

Keep Mirallas now and we have a genuinely dynamic, direct, threatening front four with Lukaku and Barkley – all of whom can finish.

Width, pace and no problems with Roberto’s insistence on playing two ’defensive’ midfielders then too.

Getting the balance right at last?

Here’s looking excitedly to 2015-16.

COYB!

Peter Mills
33 Posted 22/06/2015 at 18:50:38
I’m with Eugene (#28) and Mike (#23) – we have a glimmer of hope of seeing something entertaining.
Jim Bennings
34 Posted 22/06/2015 at 18:58:21
Finally a player that’s going to get my arse off my seat and wake me out of my sleep-induced state that I spent many afternoon’s in at Goodison.

I never forget ruling the fact Gerry got injured just before Christmas 2013 , at the very moment he was beginning to frighten the Premier League, he scored a stunner at Arsenal and had the Redshite defence shitting themselves in that second had of the 3-3 draw at Goodison Park.

I’d be quite happy now with Scott Dann, a creative number 10 and I do like the look of Nolito for this; also we must certainly sign a striker.

Colin Glassar
35 Posted 22/06/2015 at 19:10:39
Bienvenido Gerry. Make Sean happy.
Andy Crooks
36 Posted 22/06/2015 at 19:16:21
I agree, Eugene. I also take the view that there is an outside chance that he might become a world beater. In our apparent financial situation this is as good as it is likely to get and it just might be very good indeed. Now, Roberto, just give him a run in the side, let him be greedy and frustrating and lets see what happens.
Craig Mills
37 Posted 22/06/2015 at 19:27:05
Well said Brian @14, £50M for Sterling vs approx €3M-€9M for Deulofeu.

It really sounds like a good deal for the Blues and I guess for the RS too if City are stupid enough to pay that!!

Mark Tanton
38 Posted 22/06/2015 at 19:42:29
Hear ye, hear ye — I declare myself pickled tink at this signing!
Tom Cuffe
39 Posted 22/06/2015 at 19:59:13
Good to see the business being done this early on, a few more signings and hopefully come back rejuvenated for next season, best of luck Del Boy.
Peter Fearon
40 Posted 22/06/2015 at 20:50:22
Sean, the reason why everyone is so happy about signing Deulofeu is that he a very talented and exciting player. He has blistering pace, great ball control, tremendous self-confidence and when he is on the ball he can make things happen. This sets him apart from most of the squad who are ponderous, hesitant and uncreative for a lot of the time.

He may be able to forge a creative partnership with Lukaku who needs good service or at least draw some attention away from him. He may be able to prod Barkley back to life. He is the kind of player who is focused on moving the ball goalward and defenders are unused to his pace and footwork. He had an electrifying effect on the whole team when he played. That’s why.

Chris Funk
41 Posted 22/06/2015 at 21:04:57
The lad’s not the finished article, but here’s the reality: We can’t afford the finished article, and it’s a good risk.

Until someone brings in bags of money, we simply have no choice in the transfer market but to look for three kinds of players: 1) very good, but not top, players in the prime of their careers; 2) once top players in the twilight of their careers; and, 3) possibly top younger players, who have some concerns causing the top sides to shy away (for now).

Gerry fits into #3, as does Lukaku.

Neither one is a good risk for Barcelona or Chelsea, respectively, because both those sides can simply buy them back (no matter how much they cost) if they make good. If they can’t buy those particular players back, they can always buy someone just as good.

Until we’re in that position, we will have to take risks on players, and, at the fees that have been mentioned, gerry is a good risk.

Of course he’s not a world-beater just yet, but he has bags of pace and runs at defenders. If he can slowly learn to play real football, we’ll have a gem as long as we can hold him. If he can’t learn, he can still scare the hell out of fullbacks for 20-30 minutes when we need it most.

Nicholas Ryan
42 Posted 22/06/2015 at 20:34:12
One positive aspect of Gerry’s presence, is the effect it is likely to have on others. Because of his speed, trickery, and very direct running; defenders won’t be able to take their eyes off him for a split-second.

This should generate opportunities for those around him. Lukaku, Mirallas and Barkley, may be different players, given time and space.

Danny Cleary
43 Posted 22/06/2015 at 21:25:14
This will be a really positive step in the right direction if it happens. The kid can go past one, two... sometimes three defenders. Granted sometimes he wasted good openings by picking the wrong pass or not passing at all when he was here last, but he WILL create things for us.

I also really like the idea of trying to sign Kagawa – he was class under Ferguson at United , he only stared to dip when Moyes came in and started telling him to chase full backs down in the channels , I think he could do really well for us .

Jack Plant
44 Posted 22/06/2015 at 22:27:36
David 32, I’m just worried we’ll play either Del Boy or Mirallas, like we did with Mirallas and Lennon, and be left lopsided with Barkley or Lukaku out on the other wing.
Denis Richardson
46 Posted 22/06/2015 at 22:28:51
Great news so far and I’d take him over work horse Lennon any day.

The kid’s frustrating and unpredictable but if we haven’t got a clue what he’s going to do then neither to the opposition defenders!

At least he’ll bring some much needed excitement to our play as he’s certainly not going to pass it sideways and take the easy option whenever he gets the ball.

If he could just learn to release it at the right time and improve his crossing, we’ll have one hell of an assist machine for Lukaku. Still only 20 so will only get better.

Will give Martinez the credit so far – assuming he plays him regularly.

Jim Bennings
48 Posted 22/06/2015 at 23:56:31
Garbutt joined Bournemouth on season long loan??? What the fuck??

Why would you do this now loaning him to a Premier League club??

He’s going to leave Everton next season and basically Bournemouth, the club he will join will need to pay a fee, that’s why he’s been in agreement to sign a five-year deal.

Dave Abrahams
49 Posted 23/06/2015 at 00:06:43
Dennis (46) be happy we’ve got the Spanish kid, why have a go at Lennon, don’t understand that.
Colin Glassar
50 Posted 23/06/2015 at 00:29:30
Jim, what are you on about?
Andy Crooks
51 Posted 23/06/2015 at 00:34:52
Jim, this is great for us. Garbutt gets experience in, though I hope not, a relegation battle and comes back ready to challenge Baines. What’s wrong with that?

Colin Glassar, congratulations on some really good stuff lately. Your defence of Roberto over the last while has been open minded and reasonable and your lack of gloating admirable. Come on, tell us how you do it.

Mark Andersson
52 Posted 23/06/2015 at 01:35:06
Never thought he would be back. Let’s just hope he has a point to prove and our manager has a footballing philosophy that will entertain and win matches.

Bob Parrington
53 Posted 23/06/2015 at 02:14:16
IMO what some on this thread appear to be missing in their negativity (which is their right, of course) is that even when Del boy’s not playing so well, he will still be seen as a danger to the opposition on the that wing.

As long as we also are attacking down the other flank, opposition defences will be spread more than when we concentrate our attacking efforts down the one side, and this should also open opportunities through the middle.

Craig Harrison
54 Posted 23/06/2015 at 02:50:02
Don’t know if it s been asked but will he count as ,"homegrown," If he stays for a couple of years?
Victor Yu
55 Posted 23/06/2015 at 02:50:25
He is capable of drawing two defenders to him and force fullbacks to think twice before bombing forward.

Having Mirallas and Del Boy together would stretch defense and open up lots of space for Lukaku (no excuse for not scoring more).

Hugh Jenkins
57 Posted 23/06/2015 at 04:30:24
I am delighted at this signing for more reasons than the obvious.

Young, impressionable, uncommitted kids, just taking an interest in football for the first time, love flair players and try to emulate them in the playground. They tend to follow the player first and then the team the player plays for.

It can therefore only be a good thing for Everton and future support to have players like Ged grace the pitch in the "Royal Blue Jersey", attracting new support to the club, for the right reasons.

Brian Porter
58 Posted 23/06/2015 at 06:21:26
A positive signing for sure, but let’s not weigh the lad down under a welter of expectation. Don’t expect him to fulfil the role of saviour of the team, which is kind of how things went at Sevilla, where, after a few good performances, it was expected he could perform like it, week-in & week-out.

When he suffered a dip in firm, as all young players do, he was discarded and instead of being encouraged and brought back gradually, he was simply dumped and relegated to the bench if he was lucky. I think RM, for all his failings, genuinely likes Del Boy and the lad knows it, and maybe this is a major factor in him wanting to return to us.

I’d still like to see us sign Aaron Lennon, who will provide much needed consistency, with Del Boy coming in as the flair player, ready to rip defences to bits, but only when he is fully fit and mentally ready to prove he is over the bad times he suffered at Sevilla.

Rejection hurts and can take time to recover from. If his head’s right he’s going to be a great asset but only time will tell. Welcome back, Del Boy. We all want you to succeed.

Brian Hill
59 Posted 23/06/2015 at 06:35:14
When Deolofeu first played for us, I had never heard of him, but was pleasantly surprised at his obvious ability.

This time around, we know what he can do, although he doesn’t always do it, but, I strongly feel that when he is re-introduced at Goodison, the reception he will receive will amaze him and give him the confidence to produce the type of performances that will, as indicated above, terrify the opposition.

Christopher Timmins
60 Posted 23/06/2015 at 07:04:40
Lyndon, if the news is correct it represents a great bit of business for the club. He is simply better than any of the wide men currently at the club.

Now lets get the centre back positions sorted, one goalkeeper in and one out, one number 10 in and one out.

A lot done but more to do!

Ian Jones
61 Posted 23/06/2015 at 07:54:15
I remember being one of a few who was critical of Deulofeu first time round. I also remember him running past players and fizzing a few balls across the six-yard box where no forwards made a move for the ball which frustrated him and supporters.

I also recall him running past defenders and deciding against crossing the ball and either cutting inside or taking an extra man on just as attackers made their move into the six-yard box awaiting a ball that never came, which frustrated attackers and supporters.

Just imagine if Deulofeu and the forwards could get on the same wavelength a few times a match... that I want to see

Joe Foster
62 Posted 23/06/2015 at 08:18:40
Pleased with this signing and looking forward to more coming in. People are forgetting though we had a pretty good team last season but RM had them playing terrible.
Danny Broderick
63 Posted 23/06/2015 at 08:41:48
Much needed pace.
Denis Richardson
64 Posted 23/06/2015 at 09:12:36
Dave 49, my comment was merely to say I’d rather have Delboy over Lennon as there was talk that we were after both. I don’t think we can or should have both as they both mainly play on the right and if we sign Delboy then I don’t think we’ll shell out £7M+ on Lennon. Sorry but I’ve never really fancied Lennon – although Martinez may still sign him.

Craig 54, I donÂ’t think Delboy would qualify as home grown. Rules say the player has to have played in England for at least 3 years up to the age of 21. This coming season would be his second season and IÂ’m not even sure if a loan move from abroad would count towards the three years...

John Pickles
65 Posted 23/06/2015 at 09:22:08
This isnÂ’t the 80s. Being an Evertonian nowadays is all about a glimmer of hope, a chance of some excitement. This lad brings it.

The last few seasons, heÂ’s been farmed out to anyone who will have him, get behind him, show him he belongs somewhere and then who knows what may happen!

Rick Tarleton
66 Posted 23/06/2015 at 09:51:35
ItÂ’s interesting that Barcelona are willing to let him go and quite cheaply. Possibly he hasnÂ’t progressed as they expected, the reasons for that may be complex. Suggestions in one report were that he suffers from "Mirallas syndrome", in that he has talent, but thinks heÂ’s better than he is. IÂ’m not criticising the player or the signing, but you have to wonder why Barcelona let him go.
Eivind Nyhus
67 Posted 23/06/2015 at 09:55:55
WeÂ’re supposed to get confirmation on this deal today, right? All my limbs are crossed, I think bringing Gerard back will give our squad a lot of the positive qualities we lacked the previous season.
Chris Gould
68 Posted 23/06/2015 at 10:03:42
Barcelona are letting him go because heÂ’s good, potentially great, but not world class. If he ever does become world class they will trigger the buy back clause. With Messi, Suarez and Neymar as their attacking 3, anything other than superstar status has no chance at Barce.

From the Premier League, probably only Hazard and Aguero could push for a place in their team (as far as attacking players are concerned).

Steven Jones
69 Posted 23/06/2015 at 10:07:48
Eugene 28 ..

Brilliant post mate!

It is the stretching of defences and that mazing trickery in tight spaces in the box, then there is arrogance that even if we go 1-0 down in the last 10mins we know we have someone who has the imagination, class and arrogance to respond as he did away to Arsenal ..

getting us all dreaming ... and hey ho ... you only get frustrated when you expect something else ... let him screw up on occasion ..

I am a Duncan McKenzie fan not a Gordon Lee fan ...

As a fellow winger - I knew when my midfield was on top getting me the ball and I could constantly go at a left back - the more you go at them with tricks and pace the more they give you space and then you can run them into the ground ...

Del gives us that ability ... bring on the new season!! Looking forward to the pre-season games as well now ... Lets all go to Leeds!!!

Steven Jones
70 Posted 23/06/2015 at 10:13:00
Or Rick 68 why Bolton let Peter Reid go ...
Steve King
71 Posted 23/06/2015 at 10:04:55
Rick, he definitely hasn’t progressed as they expected. However their insistence on a buy back clause (whether its two or three years) at a measly €12M is the reason for the low price we’ve been given. Basically they are hedging their bets because they’re still not sure.

The player says he doesnÂ’t want to go on loan again so any move must be permanent. Barca therefore are giving him (and us) the next best thing to a loan move. Very clever business on their part.

But it is also no lose for us, we get him cheap and if heÂ’s brilliant we get the benefit of that brilliance for the next two years and a small profit on his return to Barca. If heÂ’s not so good we didnÂ’t outlay too much on him anyway.

Phil Walling
72 Posted 23/06/2015 at 10:39:35
So good, in fact, that Roberto is trying to sign Lennon for the same position?
James Marshall
73 Posted 23/06/2015 at 10:45:33
I just had a look at his Twitter page to see if there was anything worth reading (there isnÂ’t) and then stumbled into the people heÂ’s following......among lots of Spanish and Portugese footballers I noticed, Tim Howard, James McCarthy, Ross Barkley, Ty Browning and.......Phillipe Countinho.

Someone needs to have a word with him about that.

Andrew Ellams
74 Posted 23/06/2015 at 10:46:50
LetÂ’s face it, if this lad had lived up to his early hype and promise he wouldnÂ’t be coming to Everton.
Conn Prosser
76 Posted 23/06/2015 at 11:41:21
Message to Roberto: Read ToffeeWeb.

Look how happy we are at setting up two important deals for promising young players.

Now please, please donÂ’t release a statement about how Deulefeu could be the best winger the Premier League has ever seen, or somesuch hyperbole. It messes things up!

I will be happy though, when this chicken hatches.

Eugene Ruane
77 Posted 23/06/2015 at 11:21:22
Andrew (74) - Â’Let’s face it, if this lad had lived up to his early hype and promise he wouldn’t be coming to EvertonÂ’.

Thank you for that illuminating insight.

(in other news - Bear seen defecating in densely wooded area. Pope revealed to favour catholicism. Rose Kennedy thought to have owned a black dress. Dolly Parton believed to favour sleeping on her back...)

ThereÂ’s no guarantees with any player ffs - Steven Jones (70) mentions Peter Reid and itÂ’s a great example.

"A fucking oulÂ’ cripple!Â’ is (definitely!) how he would have been described by many on here, had internet/TW been around (same applies to Andy Gray).

John Graham
78 Posted 23/06/2015 at 12:22:05
Looks like weÂ’re going to have a team full of wingers if the signings are true. LetÂ’s hope we will get the ball forward early enough to make good use of them.
Andrew Ellams
79 Posted 23/06/2015 at 12:32:25
It seems blatantly obvious Eugene, but there are people on here bemoaning the potential signing because he hasnÂ’t reached those heights.
Sean Kelly
80 Posted 23/06/2015 at 15:27:05
Seems to me, Eugene that some on TWeb are only satisfied when seeing decent players slipping away from us and playing for someone else. Just gives them something else to moan about. Welcome aboard Del Boy.
Brin Williams
81 Posted 23/06/2015 at 15:35:05
JG 78 Â’Looks like we’re going to have a team full of wingersÂ’

Typical! they’ll all be on a wing and a prayer – nothing changes!!

Steven Twine
82 Posted 23/06/2015 at 15:28:40
Welcome back Gerry, now the hard work starts. Go and get us some silverware and raise everyoneÂ’s hopes after that disaster last season. Get everyone out of their seats with your skills and please have a chat to Barkley and find the player that was there when you was last here.

Get yourself into the Spanish national squad for the euros and please please help us do the double over the redshite! This signing is going to capture the young kids’ imagination, bet his name will be the most popular name printed on backs of jerseys... Might cost a bit mind.

Franny Porter
83 Posted 23/06/2015 at 15:49:56
A lot of "welcome backs" on here.

Until I see him sat with a scarf, I’m not counting my pollos.

Paul Thompson
84 Posted 23/06/2015 at 16:13:11
Debate the following:

Â’A team full of wingers is better than a site full of whingersÂ’.

Colin Glassar
85 Posted 23/06/2015 at 16:31:14
Not to worry, Franny, BKÂ’s searching for the same pen he used to sign Manny Fernandes with.
Tony J Williams
86 Posted 23/06/2015 at 16:48:59
Personally, having been bored spitless for most of last season, IÂ’m just looking forward to having my adrenal gland return to life.

Yep, this is what it means to me.

Keith Glazzard
87 Posted 23/06/2015 at 17:09:51
So far, so good.
Mark Tanton
88 Posted 23/06/2015 at 17:23:40
So how long before we get twitchy and impatient, then hysterical? My own threshold is Friday. Then IÂ’m wailing and throwing stuff and threatening to shoot Bill.
Kevin Jones
89 Posted 23/06/2015 at 17:22:24
Billy Kenwright Went to Barça
Riding on a Pony
Give their boss £2 Million quid
And brought us back a Phoney

Hope IÂ’m wrong of course but flattered to deceive for me. Only time will tell.

Sam Hoare
90 Posted 23/06/2015 at 17:39:35
Not really sure where the negativity comes from. So little downside in this deal.

I think he will be decent this season and then great next season and bugger off to some CL team probably via Barcelona making a profit. Fine by me as it means we will have had essentially a two year loan with a little profit at the end.

Maybe the dream is that heÂ’s a late developer and only hits his straps in 3 years time after Barcas option has run out!

Colin Glassar
91 Posted 23/06/2015 at 17:58:43
Sam, weÂ’re Evertonians, we moan, itÂ’s what we do. Every silver lining has the apocalypse hiding just behind it. Remember?
Paul Smith
92 Posted 23/06/2015 at 18:11:32
Colin - it stems from our lived experience.
Kev Thomas
93 Posted 23/06/2015 at 18:38:46
Paul, the "wingers" statement was used once and then quoted by 2 people including yourself.

Why would anyone debate that?

WhatÂ’s your point? If you have a problem with the opinions on the site then say so, donÂ’t devolve into phoney stats about usage of the term wingers/whingers.

Oh, hereÂ’s one for you: whatÂ’s the difference between someone whoÂ’s beautiful and someone whoÂ’s a beaut?

Oh wait, you did something clever with mixing up winners and whingers... have a day of oral and think of a comment thatÂ’s at least relevant.

Kev Thomas
94 Posted 23/06/2015 at 18:53:12
Good god this predictive text really makes me look stupid, itÂ’s like losing your serve in tennis!
Phil Walling
96 Posted 23/06/2015 at 18:59:48
Eugene has an excellent point at 77 but has to go back 30 years to stand it up. Since the Reid/Gray years, plenty of our managers have signed Â’dead beatsÂ’ who turned out to be just that; dead beat.

Think Smithy with Gazza and Ginola and Howard had one or two in his time. But Delboy is somewhat different. He may well prove a Â’never-wasser Â’ !

Andy Crooks
97 Posted 23/06/2015 at 19:25:21
Phil, Ginola and Gaza were deadbeats when Walter signed them. Deulofeu, in my view, is absolutely the small risk we can afford to take. In fact this is the only possible dream we have of ever returning to greatness. Hitting it lucky with potential.

We now have Barkley, Stones, Lukaku, Garbutt and Coleman. I see that, at the very worst, as something to get happy about.

Keith Glazzard
98 Posted 23/06/2015 at 19:50:48
Nobody doubts his potential, and weÂ’ve seen that for ourselves. So, can he develop? Of course he can. Lennon (who I also hope we sign) made an instant impact because he knows the PL so well, and knew that using his speed and skills in defence as well as attack has to be part of the game. Deulofeu will pick this up week by week at Finch Farm, and hopefully in matches.
The main thing in my book, is that it seems that he wants to come here. That is a very good start for a talented lad, and if the price is as reported, what the hell?
Eugene Ruane
99 Posted 23/06/2015 at 23:57:50
Mark (88) - Pop round and see HG Wells, head back a year, then ask Â’how long before we get twitchy and impatient, then hysterical?Â’
Jamie Sweet
100 Posted 24/06/2015 at 00:41:15
"In fact this is the only possible dream we have of ever returning to greatness. Hitting it lucky with potential".

I think youÂ’re on the money there Andy Crooks. I think we have enough "potential" now, that if all their stars were to align at the same time, something great could happen.

It is a bit of a long shot, but without the massive investment required to be able to compete for the signatures of "ready made" world beaters, itÂ’s probably the best shot weÂ’ve got.

Tony Abrahams
102 Posted 24/06/2015 at 08:13:10
When you have more than enough potential, then the signing you need, is a true leader.

Do you think the team of the eighties would have come through without Peter Reid? Someone to pull these talented kids together and make them believe that they can become a great team.

Phoenix from the flames Everton – you’ve done it many times before!

James Marshall
103 Posted 24/06/2015 at 08:19:45
The world according to Eugene Ruane.

I wonder if Derek Mountfield and John Terry know what theyÂ’re talking about in the press when they mention how good John Stones is? People stating what appears to be the obvious, is a perfectly acceptable form of commentary.

Peter Bell
104 Posted 24/06/2015 at 08:39:15
Tony @102

Fed up hearing it was Reid who pulled those young lads together in the 80s. It was Andy Gray. Reid had been there 18 months before Gray arrived and nothing had changed.

Gray was the voice of the dressing room who made them all believe in themselves; he was the man who turned Sharp from young potential into the finished article.

Dave Abrahams
105 Posted 24/06/2015 at 09:09:26
Good point Peter (104), I think they both had a big influence on the rest of the squad and they, the squad were no mean performers themselves.

By the way, the reason Reid never had much say in changing the way the team played was Kendall never played him for a lot of that time; when he got in on a regular basis, he let everyone know what a great player he was.

Tony Abrahams
106 Posted 24/06/2015 at 10:01:02
I think Andy Gray was very instrumental Peter, but not as much as Peter Reid.

It doesnÂ’t matter anyway really, the fact that we got these two "winners and leaders" into our team, gave the other talented kids around them, such a big lift, that it turned them into "CHAMPIONS"!

Not saying we can win the league again, but do think we have some very, very good young players who need someone to lead them out there on the pitch.

Peter as much as I love HeathÂ’s goal at Oxford, I love the way Reid turned away in frustration, after he had pressured Kevin Brock, into the mistake for the goal.

As far as IÂ’m concerned, good players need belief, we just need to go and find the right player who can provide it.

Brian Harrison
107 Posted 24/06/2015 at 10:43:32
I donÂ’t know if a lot of people know but Peter Reid failed his medical but Kendall signed him anyway. Despite this, he wasnÂ’t getting a game under Kendall and his brother rang the Radio City phone-in which Ian St John was hosting. He went on about it not being right that Peter wasnÂ’t being picked; St John commented that you seem to know a lot about this lad, to which he replied, "Yes, he is my brother." The rest is history and he and the rest made us the best team in the country.
Kev Thomas
108 Posted 24/06/2015 at 11:03:29
What mode of transport is Gerard flying over on to complete this medical? Is he paragliding from Barcelona? I get bored on a 2hr flight, goodness knows how he feels being stuck in the air for 4 days.
Jason Davenport
109 Posted 24/06/2015 at 11:36:59
I see the RS have signed Firmino subject to a medical. Everton should take a lesson on how to complete a transfer efficiently. Delboy, Garbutt and Henen still to sign after a few days of conjecture. It’s enough to drive anyone mad.
Mark Boulle
110 Posted 24/06/2015 at 11:55:32
Jason #109

You beat me to it, was just coming on here to say exactly the same thing when I read about the Shite buying Firmino. Tied up swiftly, efficiently, not even a peep in the press about it as far as I could see until it was done.

Meanwhile, still we wait for this signing to complete...

Yes, I know Cleverley was done quickly, but to my mind that doesn’t count as he was out of contract. I can just imagine BK (if he’s well enough to be conducting negotiations) or otherwise whoever his deputy is will be haggling over every €1,000 with Barcelona for several days yet... sigh!!

Eugene Ruane
112 Posted 24/06/2015 at 11:08:28
James Marshall (103) - Â’People stating what appears to be the obvious, is a perfectly acceptable form of commentary.Â’

If you find the obvious Â’acceptableÂ’, you accept it by all means.

For me however, the obvious is... fucking obvious, therefore I donÂ’t accept it.

Still, never let it be said – given your strident defense of the unilluminating (and presumably love of it) here are a five little nuggets to thrill you – my treat:

1) Cheese has a sort of cheesy taste.

2) The word Â’onomatopoeiaÂ’ is a word.

3) If a man is punched just below the ear, the pain he will feel will be painful.

4) A steak and kidney pie needs steak AND kidney.

5) John Terry is a thick-as-fucking-mince, scruples-free, sly-eyed cockney twat and anyone quoting his opinion on anything needs to have a fucking word with themselves.

[DonÂ’t mention it.]

Ciaran Duff
113 Posted 24/06/2015 at 12:07:56
Mark/Jason,
IÂ’m not sure that the RS are a great benchmark for transfer dealings! How much money have they spent and wasted over the years and still seem to be going backwards? If you are willing to "splash the cash" then it is a lot easier to have quick transfers. As Everton donÂ’t have much cash, we have to make ours transfer kitty stretch as far as it can. If we didnÂ’t get the best deal then RM/BK/The board would be slated.
Anthony Flack
114 Posted 24/06/2015 at 12:17:14
To be fair, the club has said nothing about the deal - it is on here, and in the press in various places, and of course via our very own Nostradamus.... who some believe may be "the club"....

So I do not think we should moan about the other lot getting it done quickly....

- I am of the view that he (Firminio) will be another great Brenda like signing, the Beeb et al. will marvel over him in the early months of the season then he will be subsumed into the shite Brenda trots out (hopefully anyway)...

Nigel Gregson
115 Posted 24/06/2015 at 12:31:14
Eugene #112 - I couldnÂ’t stop laughing for hours. Keep these gems coming !
Dave Abrahams
117 Posted 24/06/2015 at 13:43:05
IÂ’ll trust Colin Glassar on this, he seems to know what he is predicting, I am confident he will sign by the 1st of July which is when his contract will start from. Colin, any more news on Everton getting Roberto from Barcelona?
Steve King
118 Posted 24/06/2015 at 13:45:37
Its amazing how Everton manage to change your mood from -

"Well done blues IÂ’m surprised weÂ’ve managed to pull this one off"
to
"Oh fuck what have they managed to balls up this time?.....its taking too long!........thereÂ’s no way heÂ’s signing now!!"

IÂ’ll be gutted when Gerry signs for Spurs or West Ham. Especially when they confirm Barcelona didnÂ’t make them include a buy back clause.

Andrew Ellams
119 Posted 24/06/2015 at 14:16:45
Firmino? Give me Leon Osman any day of the week.

http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DhE5m8KXjfb8

Kev Thomas
122 Posted 24/06/2015 at 14:29:30
Back off everyone, Eugene can press Ctrl+B and make jokes happen in bold.

So Eugene, youÂ’re saying unless comments are obtuse they have no purpose? A football website isnÂ’t the place for that is it?

ItÂ’s possible you will come up with a hilarious diatribe to counter my obvious statement though. Please donÂ’t make it as funny as the list you just did of Â’obvious statementsÂ’ which seemed confused at best.

Also, "never let it be said..." . You didnÂ’t even finish that sentence, possibly you got a bit lost in your own thoughts?

Finally, I think John Daley may have replaced you as chief surrealist. Keep them coming though, "steak and kidney pie" wow.

Kev Thomas
123 Posted 24/06/2015 at 14:56:34
James @120
+1
I think thatÂ’s what the Facebook generation says now.
Richard Reeves
128 Posted 24/06/2015 at 15:10:59
ItÂ’s understandable why everyoneÂ’s arse is twitching as Everton (this board) have a history of dragging out signings and trying to get players for as cheap as possible and maybe in some cases pushing things a little to far but if they did fuck this up then someone would require a bloody good kickin.

IÂ’m not worried though, IÂ’ve stated many times on ToffeeWeb (since midway through last season) that heÂ’ll be back for the start of this season. The next step after that will be letting him know he is loved here because that is one of the ways weÂ’ll keep hold of him if he reaches his potential. League success and money have something to do with it but if heÂ’s happy here it could make a massive difference if Barca come back for him.

Danny Halsall
129 Posted 24/06/2015 at 16:14:27
Kev, I understand with limited funds we need to be careful in terms of every penny counts, but the waiting is agony. It is getting to the point that I just want some sort of comment from the club telling us the deal has gone one way or the other. Seems like weeks that we have been having articles with the title Â’Deulofeu transfer nearly doneÂ’, exhausted by it all!
Ged Simpson
130 Posted 24/06/2015 at 16:47:28
Like it Eugene, like it a lot. But you will continue to get shit from some muscle-heads.
Tony Abrahams
131 Posted 24/06/2015 at 16:51:03
Just donÂ’t ask him to tell you the time...
Darren Hind
137 Posted 24/06/2015 at 18:30:21
I hardly ever agree with a word either of them say, but John Daley and Eugene are both capable of posting stuff to make me properly laugh out loud. ThatÂ’s some achievement believe me.

WhoÂ’s the funniest of the two? I guess it depends what day it is.

Moan all you want, but TW isnÂ’t nearly as much fun when theyÂ’re not on.

Colin Glassar
138 Posted 24/06/2015 at 18:57:01
Dave Abrams, not a peep which is good.
John Pickles
139 Posted 24/06/2015 at 18:54:45
While he is still to sign I think there is still time for Everton to put in a Â’buy-backÂ’ clause on the Â’buy- backÂ’ clause.

If, in the next 2 years, he does turn into Pele/Maradona/Messi/Ronaldo/Kilbane rolled into one and Barcelona buy him back, we should be able to re-sign him if Suarez starts eating him.

Andy Crooks
141 Posted 24/06/2015 at 19:42:34
Kev, honestly, I have never witnessed trolling on this site. I regard the site as a kind of online bar with a bit of robust debate. I really believe that anyone intimidated by that is a shrinking violet indeed.
Mike Gaynes
142 Posted 24/06/2015 at 22:07:51
Andy, back in the early days of the site there were enough trolls around here to answer a casting call for another Hobbit movie.

Lyndon and Michael developed a knack for turning them into stone pretty quickly, and while there was one who stayed around for quite a while, most of them have been quickly banished.

Ross Edwards
143 Posted 25/06/2015 at 00:40:10
I personally think Eugene is the funniest on here in my opinion. John comes across as more condescending in his responses to people rather than sarcastic and witty. But thatÂ’s just my view.
Jack Cross
144 Posted 25/06/2015 at 03:03:46
Andy Crooks. Your right there mate. All that I see going on here is healthy debates. We all think we have the answer, it use to be called an opinion.

This Del boy, did nothing for me first time around. Under achiever, and over rated. We just canÂ’t carry the likes of them. Give me Lennon any day. Anyone seen that Kenneth Omeruo? Center back, with Middlebough. I think he would siit us.

Peter Barry
145 Posted 25/06/2015 at 04:18:50
Re Garbutt, Deulofeu et al – all you can say is ’Here we go AGAIN’.
Victor Yu
146 Posted 25/06/2015 at 04:55:06
Did he change his mind? He flied in and there was no news after that....
Peter Barry
147 Posted 25/06/2015 at 05:04:27
How come so many other Premier League teams can conduct transfer business without telegraphing it in advance and do so in the early days of the closed season? Judging by EvertonÂ’s previous history, we put up the shutters after the last game of the season and everyone goes off on holiday until a couple of weeks before the new season starts.

Oh and please donÂ’t talk Â’CleverleyÂ’ he was out of contract and WANTED to join Everton and the only thing we had to do was decide how much a week we would pay him.

Chris James
148 Posted 25/06/2015 at 05:14:25
Okay then Peter, how about Del?

Oh and can you name the Â’so manyÂ’ other clubs. Curiously I can hardly find any transfers conducted yet elsewhere. Maybe IÂ’m looking at the wrong Premier League?

Peter Barry
149 Posted 25/06/2015 at 05:20:27
Chris James (#148) Oh so you canÂ’t remember Arsenal, Chelsea and the RS all doing business in the last few days. Not much of a football supporter are you.
Peter Barry
150 Posted 25/06/2015 at 05:23:04
Oh and BTW, Chris James, we havenÂ’t done the business with Del or Garbutt yet which is the point I was making.
Peter Barry
151 Posted 25/06/2015 at 05:26:42
Further to my last, Chris James, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Southampton, Bournemouth, Leicester, Man Utd, Liverpool, Swansea, Spurs, West Ham and West Brom have ALL completed transfers in this CLOSED SEASON. Seems you donÂ’t really follow football at all just come on here and make ridiculous statements.
David Barks
152 Posted 25/06/2015 at 05:56:11
Peter,

HavenÂ’t we signed Cleverly? So surely weÂ’re in that group. Garbutt seems to be all completed, except that heÂ’s been away playing with England. Everyone in the press seems to agree heÂ’ll be going to Bournemouth on loan.

It seems to me the club might just be waiting for all these players to be back so they can unveils them all at once. Some sort of stupid youth messaging or something. But IÂ’d assume in the next couple of days Garbutt, Henen, Deulofeu and Cleverly will all be unveiled together for a photo op.

IÂ’m really not seeing the big deal here.

Chris James
153 Posted 25/06/2015 at 05:23:10
Okay, well never let it be said I donÂ’t relish a challenge!
If you want to get specific, hereÂ’s the actual completed transfer dealings of the PL clubs (not including youth prospects, etc) that I can find details of.

The result is below. There are a load of clubs whoÂ’ve done more (3 transfers seems the most popular with eight clubs making that many, then there are two with 5 transfers, one club on 4, three clubs on 2 transfers, three on 1 and three with none). Overall thatÂ’s an average of 2.35 deals per club. On that basis weÂ’re behind, but look at the specifics of a lot of those deals and itÂ’s far less clear. How many of these are players that would never get into our side at smaller clubs, how many are players we couldnÂ’t afford/attract?

Ultimately, amongst the top 8 the only substantial movement has been from Liverpool and Southampton (5 players each), otherwise Utd + Chelsea have both added one decent player that’d be outside our budget at £20M+ and in general, as with pretty much every season I can recall, the majority of transfer activity lies ahead.

Arsenal: 0 deals
The Cech deal is NOT actually done yet (despite being talked about for most of the last year). Also to be frank itÂ’s really NOT the position they most desperately need to fix, thatÂ’s defensive midfield or centre back surely?

Aston Villa: 2 (Scott Sinclair and Micah Richards from City)
Not bad deals and maybe one couldÂ’ve taken a squad slot at Goodison, but both have lost their way at City and hardly setting the league alight.

Bournemouth: 4 (Arthur Boruc on free, Adam Frederici + Joshua King from Championship plus Atsu on loan)
Boruc is a good signing, the others probably not good enough to make much impact in the Prem.

Chelsea: 3 (Juan Cuadrado for £26M, Nathan, Christian Manea)
Class player to strengthen the premier league champions, theyÂ’ll probably have a good chance at being champions again next year too. To be fair with their squad, manager and bankroll they are a class apart.

Crystal Palace: 3 (Jordan Mutch, WIlfred Zaha, Chung-Yong Lee)
Not terrible, but again not massively inspiring. Mutch is okay, Lee hard working and Zaha has occasional good game but generally patchy. Not sure any of them would add to our squad.

Everton: 1 (Tom Cleverly)
Squad definitely improved by a player Villa wanted to keep, not sure if heÂ’ll push the first team on much, but an option.
Del-boy will be a more exciting signing of course, Garbutt re-signing helps defensive options and plenty more being linked in centre-back, attacking mid and up front.

Leicester: 2 (Robert Huth, Christian Fuchs)
Good signing definitely for them, but too old for us to consider. Excellent comedy name from the Austrian left back also - heÂ’ll sell a few shirts at least!

Liverpool: 5 (Firmino, James Milner, Adam Bogdan, Danny Ings, Joe Gomez)
One of the few clubs to have done substantial business that I can see so far this season. Firmino could be their new Suarez or their new Carroll, no-one knows yet. Ings could be very astute or could be Lambert all over again. Milner looks like smart business on a free as a hard-working midfielder to replace their dear departed captain (albeit with less goal-scoring potential). Then thereÂ’s Joe Gomez from Charlton....no, me neither. Promising 18 year old defender apparently. Could be a Stones/Coleman but unlikely to feature this year.
However they are the top 8 club in biggest need of a rebuild, they were frankly shambolic at the end of the season and look set to lose one of their hottest prospects again. Indeed the imminent £40-50M talent headed out may explain the speed and scale of transfer activity to date.

Man City: 0
Bidding for Sterling and numerous others, but nothing substantial done yet.

Man Utd: 1 (Memphis Depay €27.5M)
Linked with loads of big names, but after the Depay signing (that happened before end of season effectively), nothing signed or sealed yet. Also look likely to lose their star keeper.

Newcastle: 0
TheyÂ’ve got in the wally with the brolly, but have a chairman whoÂ’s less forthcoming with cash than our own and most talk is about who goes.

Norwich: 2 (Graham Dorrans, Anthony Andreu)
More potential signings from West Brom pending...meh

Southampton: 5 (Ryan Bertrand, Juanmi, Gape, Cedric Soares, Martin Stekelenburg)
Pretty solid, but unclear how much has improved. Signing of a proven loan player at a high price from Chelsea (sound familiar?), plus a reserve keeper another decent defender in form of Soares plus 2 players weÂ’ve not heard of that are unproven. Main concerns are whether they can hold onto Schneiderlin and others or will be pillaged again.

Stoke: 3 (Joselu + Jakob Hauguard + Phillip Wollschield)
Signed a decent loanee to full time. Otherwise, no idea if this is good or not, IÂ’m sure no-one else will know till a couple of months in. Main focus is to try and tie down their keeper.

Sunderland: 1 (Ricardo Alvarez)
Potentially decent signing, but not one weÂ’d have been in market for. Big news is theyÂ’ve kept the manager who kept them up.

Swansea City: 3 (Frank Tabanou, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Andre Ayew)
Back-up keeper and a new left back from St Etienne for £3.5M
No doubt theyÂ’ll be fine, but nothing to concern us - Ayew is the only one we had half an eye on.

Tottenham: 3 (Kieren Trippier, Dele Alli, Kevin Wimmer)
Burnley defender and another two from MK Dons and Cologne may be practical but not earth shattering. Perhaps Spurs will change tact from being a graveyard for too many midfielders to derailing promising defensive careers?

Watford: 3 (Marco Motta, Sebastian Prodl, Diego Perrotti)
DonÂ’t know enough to comment on any of these players really, they donÂ’t look like mugs, but they arenÂ’t sure to settle either. Most importantly the soap opera that is Watford and itÂ’s managerial revolving door should prove entertaining whatever!

West Brom: 3 (Callum Mcmanaman, Jack Rose and Darren Fletcher)
With James McClean set to arrive shortly, it seems Pulis is picking over the carcass of Wigan for what is left after Martinez had his fill, although heÂ’s got a bit of the Moyes appetite too with a taste for Utd cast-offs.
I suspect few blues fans want to see further Wigan players or ex-Utd in our squad, so not much to worry about here.

West Ham: 3 (Nene, Pedro Obiang, Darren Randolph)
Linked with everyone (and pretty much anyone weÂ’re also linked with) but so far little actual activity. Austin would definitely be a good signing (especially if they offload Carroll back up to the North East) and Payet maybe too, but neither deal appears imminent meaning unknown Brazilian forward Nene and promising but far from proven Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang plus Birmingham back up keeper are the only signings so far. Biggest move has been on the sidelines with Allardyce out for Bilic.


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