ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Possible Transfer target?

Having missed out on Manny, there are rumours a plenty as to who Moyes may be after for the elusive 'creative midfield' berth. The names mentioned so far this week don't get my juices flowing so far with Nolan and Bouba Diop both average players for average clubs, the one exception being Stephen Appiah having seen little of him up until the 2006 World Cup where Ghana v Italy looked like a routine win for the Italians. Ghana ran them close and pulling all the strings from centre mid was supposed to be Essien but instead Appiah was a colossus. Real box-to-box player ? just what this present Everton team is screaming for.

Appiah is currently playing at Fenerbahce, who played the second leg of their CL qualifier at Anderlecht winning 0-2. Appiah was linked to West Ham and Schalke earlier in the season but nothing has materialised SO FAR! Appiah has not featured for Fenerbahce in either leg of the CL qualifier so would be eligible for Europe.

I feel he could be perfect in the middle with a good range of passing, energy and a fierce shot and would certainly take a lot of pressure off Arteta. Although supposed rumours are that Moyes has asked about the availabilty of Appiah and been told he's not for sale? Strange then that the player was not picked for either leg of Fenerbahce's CL qualifier! Perhaps he's injured... A bid in the region of £8M would seal a transfer but with likely competition from West Ham following Dyer's injury could mean a bidding war. The race is on!
Brendan Fox, London Posted 29/08/2007 at 22:46:08

back Return to the Mail Bag

Comments

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer

Steve Claringbold
1 Posted 30/08/2007 at 08:21:55

It’s Thursday now, Window closing Friday, I think it’s too late now for Appiah.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the window closed and we hadn’t added any further to the squad.

But we can’t be too downhearted, we have brought in Baines, Jags, Wessels, Yakubu, Jutkiewicz and Pienaar.
So it’s not been too bad.

The Keith
2 Posted 30/08/2007 at 08:41:58

Morning Steve.

What’s for breakfast, I’m starving.

Steve Claringbold
3 Posted 30/08/2007 at 08:51:35

Egg and chips lad.

Mick Stanley
4 Posted 30/08/2007 at 08:50:23

I agree with you Steve..I think it is too late for Appiah, Fenerbahce clearly do not want to sell and 2 days is probably not enough to force the issue. If we still have money then try again in January or next summer. The Boss seems keen on Diop, although I have never seen anything in him that makes me say "wow!- wouldn’t he be a great player for EFC." One that does really interest me though is Matt Taylor. Redknapp has apparently indicated (Tribal) that he is willing to sell to fund a new striker (so much for Nugent!). Taylor, formally a left back is now generally regared as a good left sided midfield player and would fill a position that has been inconsistent for EFC for a long time. The prospect of Taylor and Baines down our left side is much more mouth-watering than Diop. I believe that they would compliment each other excellently, Taylor could support Baines defensively, while Baines could support Taylor offensively. As Portsmouth clearly need the money in a hurry though, we would need to act quickly. Taylor has my vote anyway...anyone else agree?

Steve Claringbold
5 Posted 30/08/2007 at 08:59:44

Yeah, I rate Taylor as well, but I don’t think he’s even on Everton’s radar.

Robin Byrne
6 Posted 30/08/2007 at 09:15:41

Of the names on the supposed shortlist, Appiah is the one that I would really like to join. I have to agree with everyone else though and say that its probably too late for him, and with Fenerbahce qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League last night, the player himself may no longer be as keen on moving. As for the rest, I think Nolan may be too similar to Cahill in that he’s a goal scoring midfield player. Not sure about Bouba Diop but at £3million he’d be a cheap option and should leave Moyes with money to spend in January.

Mick Stanley
7 Posted 30/08/2007 at 09:13:18

We have been tenuously liked with Taylor all summer (along with Tottenham). The report this morning, albeit on Tribal, suggests that Redknapp has specifically alerted EFC and Spurs about his avilability. He is very much a DM type of player and I think he has been on our radar for some time. I hope I am right.

Scott Jenner
8 Posted 30/08/2007 at 09:25:02

I don’t think moyes will go for Taylor as he has already taken Pienaar to cover the left side of midfield and there is always Mcfadden who can play on the left as his striking days may be over with the aquisition of Yakubu. Do we really need to panic about midfield with Cahill set to return at the end of September?

Scott Edwards
9 Posted 30/08/2007 at 10:03:58

Considering the length of time it has taken to complete our summer signings, I won’t hold my breath on a quality midfielder putting pen to paper before the deadline on Friday!

Don’t get your hopes too high guys, we will most likely have to make do with what we have!

Steve Claringbold
10 Posted 30/08/2007 at 10:11:42

There’s only three signings that wouldn’t take much time.

Myself - I’ve already passed a medical for work so I’m sorted.

Allan’s Nan - Dodgy hip though, medical could be a problem.

Keith Harrison - Medical problems?
You’d have to ask the man himself.

Eddie Harrison
11 Posted 30/08/2007 at 10:40:54

The only players that seem to be A) Quality enough and B) anywhere near approaching available are Appiah or Van der Vaart.

But seen as Valencia only moved for Manny coz they were outpriced on Van der Vaart, that really leaves only Appiah

Lee Rogers
12 Posted 30/08/2007 at 10:56:17

david i do want to play for everton can?t wait to get into to the darkside riquelme

Allan Hobbs
13 Posted 30/08/2007 at 11:06:47

I’m free!!

Scott Jenner
14 Posted 30/08/2007 at 11:26:03

Riquelme is no longer available as it looks like he has joined Athletico Madrid.

Rob Fountain
15 Posted 30/08/2007 at 11:37:19

A bit pie in the sky,but joe cole has had a bust up with jose.

moyes tried to get him once before, if i remember rightly.

Allan Hobbs
16 Posted 30/08/2007 at 11:41:52

Joe Cole won’t leave Chelsea, or London - he lives at the end of my sisters road - jumped up little twerp he is, driving his ferrari far too fast everywhere, overtaking people like a joy-rider. He needs a good slap that lad. I’d be gutted if we signed him. Appiah would be great but I doubt it’ll happen now - Im still confident we’ll sign someone. DM has £12m to spend so I read this morning.

Paul Coleman
17 Posted 30/08/2007 at 11:39:19

Lads have we all forgotten about Pienarr?? He can play centre midfeld and is creative. Centre Mid is his preferred position! Just because Moyes has only put him on for a few minutes and he hasnt set the world on fire doesnt mean his is a ’squad player’. We do need a quality midfielder for depth, but I wouldnt lose any sleep if we dont get one. I would rather Moyes keeps the cash until someone world class becomes available.

Neil Humphrey
18 Posted 30/08/2007 at 12:04:29

I’d like to offer my services. I’m about a stone and a half overweight and haven’t kicked a ball in 12 years, but I am more creative than Nolan and Diop and was once described as ’crafty’ by a teacher. Be quick though Mr Moyes as Valencia have ben sniffing round me.

Allan Hobbs
19 Posted 30/08/2007 at 12:12:01

Thats because you smell of paella Neil.

Shaun Asthon
20 Posted 30/08/2007 at 12:15:14

Does anybody else remember Appiah rejecting us the year we reached the champions league, so that he could join Fernabache. That was the same year we got embarresed in a friendly match against them. What makes people think he would want to join us this time round in the Eufa cup?

Seth DeMerit
21 Posted 30/08/2007 at 12:21:40

If a player of relevance (Kaka) came available - then yes - but not Nolan as a piss and a panic purchase.

Brian Wolf
22 Posted 30/08/2007 at 12:29:14

What’s this Eufa cup then, how have we got into that?

Is it affiliated with something?

Allan Hobbs
23 Posted 30/08/2007 at 12:32:05

We wont buy Appiah, Fenerbachce wont sell now, too short notice for a start. Nolan, no thanks, run of the mill player who apparently is a red shite anyway and has said no to us as a result thankfully. Diop is the most likely of those being mentioned, him & maybe Vogel. I dont really rate the wardrobe that much, but then he has been playing for Fulham so who knows - he’s a big fucker which we could do with.

wabi sabi jones
24 Posted 30/08/2007 at 12:14:53

Nice to see the spirit of TW Forum resurfacing in its new home -The Mailbag ; ) Meanwhile yup I’d agree it looks like time is up on the new creative midfielder acquisition. While it’s true that we have managed to make some good signings, the Fernandes farce does leave a bitter taste. I’m sure no one here would mind seeing Cole here.. with or without his flash motor. However back down on planet earth.. If Moyes can’t get Appiah.. better let the likes of Diop and Nolan rest content. Pray Pienaar comes good, that Tim’s recovery is a speedy one and for the deeply faithful.. that Shandy Andy turns that corner.

Brian Wolf
25 Posted 30/08/2007 at 12:43:41

Shandy Andy comes good?

What the hell have you been drinking?

Neil Humphrey
26 Posted 30/08/2007 at 12:43:41

Too late. I have just signed for Valencia. I’ll admit it has surprised me as much as anyone else.

The Keith
27 Posted 30/08/2007 at 12:46:42

Steve C,
Been busy this morning mate. I’ve got Rheumatoid Arthritis in one kneecap, so I’m still more than up for our centre midfield berth. My range of passing far exceeds Cars, Nev and Jags, and I’m sure I could pick you and Allan’s Nan out with the killer balls in the Worthington Cup games, when Moysie utilises his squad rotation.

I can also - wait for it - play with either foot as I used to convert tries with both depending on which side I was kicking from (our wingers always scored in the corners, even if the whole try line was empty).

I can take the medical as soon as the sons dogs are fed. job vacancy there soon Steve if your trial doesn’t work out mate.

The Disciple Steve Claringbold
28 Posted 30/08/2007 at 12:58:22

I’m Ambidextrous as well.

I can play with neither foot.

The Keith
29 Posted 30/08/2007 at 12:56:51

Neil,
Are you an all meat Paella or one of the traditional ones with all the seafood shite etc in. Don’t mind the former, the latter has me ruuning like AJ after a hoof.

By the way, Wabi Sabi, don’t go preaching faith on here please, the position of Toffeeweb deity is already taken, and I’m not one of those love your brother, peace and forgiveness type Gods.

Brian, off for some more paw prints, salad cream on the shirt today - had to use that on me Ham sarnies as daughter used all the marj on her toast this morning. I’m sure todays interviewees will be impressed.

Keep up the (only) faith. Speak to you later.

The Keith
30 Posted 30/08/2007 at 13:11:17

Steve, Allan, Brian etc. Do you come on here at night??? This site was as boring as f**k last night after the frivolities of yesterday afternoon.

I even tried posting a spoof article on Nigeria v the Lesotho Crocodiles, but it hasnt been accepted likely.

The Disciple Steve Claringbold
31 Posted 30/08/2007 at 13:18:54

I can’t get on at night, I run a cat-fighting centre so my nights are pretty much taken up.

I’ve said too much already....

Ajay Gopal
32 Posted 30/08/2007 at 13:24:36

I might get roasted for suggesting this - but Harry Kewell from LFC might be available and worth trying for. A decent left-sided player, don’t you think ?

wabi sabi jones
33 Posted 30/08/2007 at 14:11:58

feed him to the Lesotho Crocs!!!

Neil Humphrey
34 Posted 30/08/2007 at 14:28:59

The Keith, Let me assure you I am all meat my friend - no poncy seafood here.

Allan Hobbs
35 Posted 30/08/2007 at 14:54:58

I’m not that way inclined but if anyone fancies ’roasting’ Ajay then it looks like yer in!

In the evenings I can mostly be found baiting bears out yonder so I rarely have time for the Internet, that is of course when bears are in season. No Ajay, not that type of ’in season’

Kieran Doyle
36 Posted 30/08/2007 at 15:11:52

Be realistic lads, I dont see there being another signing until Jan...thats it for now. We’ll have to make do.

Allan Hobbs
37 Posted 30/08/2007 at 15:53:50

Kieran - historically theres lots of transfer activity on the final day before the window closes, I wouldnt be quite so hasty. We have money to spend as well remember and DM has said on numerous occasions that he wants to bring players in, even if its another loan deal.

The Keith
38 Posted 30/08/2007 at 19:00:24

Any news over the last few hours ??? Just got in from work.