The Rumour Mill, Season 2011-12
Second time lucky for Pranjic?

The Croatian international, already linked with Everton in the past week, is quoted as being devastated after a move to Goodison fell apart in the last transfer window when Bayern Munich blocked the deal:
?I had an agreement with Everton for two-and-a-half years.
?I was ready to board a plane and was really happy because I knew Everton were serious and that they had big plans for me.
?But now it is all over and this is a catastrophe.?
The 30-year-old wingback is available on a free transfer after his Bayern contract expired this month and the Star will have you believe that it's Everton who will snap him up as a replacement for Leighton Baines.
Never mind that Pranjic was apparently targeted six months ago when there was little talk of Baines leaving.
Original Source: Daily Star
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
Well it's not.
I'm well aware that the effect of your age depends a lot on the position you intend on playing and how you look after yourself in diet, training etc, but, from what I've seen in the Euros, he's shown no sign of a declining player. Everton offered him a 2½-year contract back in January and I would expect a 2-year contact to be given to him if he signs.
Considering the talent coming through at left back for us as well, loosing Baines is a lot less of a crisis than loosing Fellaini (who, in my opinion, is our best player by a long shot). But saying all that, I would still prefer Blackburn's Martin Olsson as a replacement.
Coming from the German League, where they don't pay huge amounts in wages, Pranjic would not be looking for wages that our budget can't afford. He's experienced, and as he would also have the benefit of knowing Jelavic, would settle in fairly quickly.
A team/squad like ours with no money of such and lack of squad depth needs players like these who can play in a number of positions and are invaluable to squads as small as what ours will be.
If Baines leaves we have a replacement, if he stays, we have a left midfield, if Pienaar arrives we have options. Seems to be saying all the rights things too!
?I am honoured that such a successful coach wants to sign me, and would be honoured to play for a club like Everton with such a rich history,? said Pranjic.
?We were very close to completing a deal in January, but then Bayern prevented it going through. I can?t say that everything is finished, but next week I?m expecting some concrete developments.
?I?m hungry to play again, to fight with my team-mates for success, to play for the fans. I missed all that sitting on the bench at Bayern.
?I?m 31 years old and physically I feel perfect. I have reached my maturation point as a player and as a person, and I think I?m capable of producing the best form of my career.?
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and MailBag submissions across the site.
562 Posted 30/06/2012 at 06:19:21
Report abuse