Mirallas weighs his options

, 16 August, 137comments  |  Jump to most recent
Belgian could opt for first-team football at Goodison
Everton are hoping to land Belgian forward Kevin Mirallas before the weekend but face stiff competition from a rival bid by Arsenal. Quotes attributed to the 24 year-old suggest he might be tempted by the promise of first-team football at Goodison but the Gunners have money and Champions League football as magnets for the forward.

Mirallas, a versatile player who can play out wide or up front, currently plays his club football with Olympiakos and is reportedly available for £5.3m.

The player is undecided, though. “It is possible that I could go to Arsenal," he said on Sky Sports. "It is possible that I could go to Everton.

“They are two big clubs in the Premier League but for me it is important for me to play every week.

"It is better for me at Everton. They are a good team and it is a good opportunity. Marouane Fellaini plays at the club and he is my friend.

“I have to speak with my manager and make a good decision for me. I have to speak with my family also."

And it seems as though he could return to Olympiakos before returning to England for more talks, although the timetable is not clear. “I go back to Greece today and next week I could be in the Premier League or maybe in the Greek Super League," he continues. "I don't know.”

David Moyes attended Belgium's 4-2 friendly win over the Netherlands with Mirallas' agent Christophe Henrotay this evening offering the personal commitment he hopes will help seal the deal. He will also be counting, no doubt, on the words of Fellaini to persuade his teammate to choose Merseyside over London.

The fee would represent around half of the money Everton received from Manchester City for the services of Jack Rodwell last weekend.

Mirallas was expected on Merseyside today for further talks and to undergo a medical to complete the transfer but it's unclear whether that is in fact what happened.

Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Echo



Reader Comments (137)

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Kevin Day
1 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:12:51
Please please just get this man signed.
Ingi Eyjolfz
2 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:15:19
aye, get this wrapped up quickly Moyes!
Dean Adams
3 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:15:15
Say hello and wave goodbye!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karl Jones
4 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:16:55
Dont Want him at Everton. He comes across with a very mercenary attitude in his interviews and I cant see him fitting in. If he plays right side (which is what we need), You could not see him tackling back and covering when we don't have the ball. He is a very attack-minded player. Would be more at home at Arsenal.

Top striker in Greece, but unproven here. Too much of a gamble in my opinion. I would go for Adam Johnson if possible.

Glen Anderson
5 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:23:48
But does he track back?
Terry Riley
6 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:30:12
We don't want mercenary players at EFC surely, no Heitnga, no Jelavic etc welcome in the world of "top" football.
Mark Lennon
7 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:37:59
Get him snapped up sharpish... This could well be an exciting season ahead. COYB!!!!
David Barks
8 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:39:52
Mercenary?? WTF! He's weighing his options about where he wants his next job to be, and God forbid he should show ambition of wanting to compete at the top level, but not just sit the bench. It's a fact of life, talented people tend to have options and decisions that the masses don't. I sincerely hope we sign him after reading and watching more of him. He would add a ton to our team by the looks of it and give us that threat on the right that we all have cried out for, making our left side even better.
Steve Edwards
9 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:34:27
And here is me thinking that footballers are all mercenaries. Silly me.
Philip Roberts
10 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:36:49
I would love to see this lad at Everton, but I'm not getting my hopes up. If Arsenal are sniffing around I"ve got a feeling we won't be seeing him here. I've seen this happen too many times in the past to get too excited, but here's hoping! About time we had someone that tracked forwards!!!
CJ Gibson
11 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:45:37
Ah. Wondered why someone so promising had ended up playing alongside Matt Derbyshire at the mighty Olympiacos. Maybe he's a bit of a wrong'un.
Brian Cleveland
12 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:45:43
His reason for favouring us over Arsenal was more first team football.... with the departure of RVP from Arsenal it might sway his opinion back the other way as his opportunities there might improve considerably.... and remember we're not the only team with a Belgian to try and convince him, in case we've forgotten... Vermaelen...

Nothing to do with being mercenary... it's who will give him first team football is what he said... now if both teams can give him that... where is he going to go? The team in the Champions league or the one not in Europe....

Mike Powell
13 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:46:35
I would love to sign him but it might end up a biding war with Arsenal. If so, we will miss out again on a very good player. We will soon see if he is after playing football regular or just after big money... let's just hope he signs for us.
David Barks
14 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:51:28
Arsenal have already signed 3 strikers this summer haven't they, in anticipation of losing RVP? So not so sure his options really improve there.
James Stewart
15 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:51:13
I wouldn't go to Arsenal in their current state but then I guess they can offer bigger wages. They certainly won't be in the CL for very long without RVP.
Mark Tanton
16 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:56:57
Typical footballer - wanting to weigh up a move for him and his family, to a new job, in a new country in a foreign culture. Outrageous hey?! Sounds like some fellow Evertonians are getting their excuses in early for if he goes elsewhere. Relax, and let's let them get on with it!
Suresh Gill
17 Posted 16/08/2012 at 17:53:24
I wonder if Arsenal had send someone to entice him or his agent with a better offer.
Nick Entwistle
18 Posted 16/08/2012 at 18:00:39
The way I see it, is if he takes the money and heads to Arsenal with the limited playing time he would have been the wrong player for Everton anyway. He looks just perfect for our right though. Should he come our first XI is looking the best since Moyes arrived.
Jason Lam
19 Posted 16/08/2012 at 18:00:55
Moyes only guarantees first team football to his favorites.
Kevin Day
20 Posted 16/08/2012 at 18:06:00
For all we know the arsenal link maybe no more than trash talk, Arsenal have known all summer RVP was leaving so have had plenty of opportunity to look at the lad.
Just sit back and chill, what will be will be.
Danny Jones
21 Posted 16/08/2012 at 18:12:20
Karl 452.

I don't know if the text has been changed since you read it but I can't see how you arrive at that conclusion. Looking at your options before making a career decision seems sensible to me. As for him being a mercenary: we all are. Footballers just get paid more.

Tony Cheek
22 Posted 16/08/2012 at 18:19:37
Arsenal in for him as well?...that was that then!
Kjetil Moen
23 Posted 16/08/2012 at 18:18:00
Glen #454: Does he track back?

Well, it's David Moyes scouting, so yes.

Bob Willis
24 Posted 16/08/2012 at 18:54:41
It's called negotiation, bluff and counter bluff, brinkmanship and trying to get the best deal possible.

Glad to hear he has his head screwed on the right way - where ever he goes - he'll be better off at Everton' This place is different from all the others - but will he have realised that yet?

Andy Crooks
25 Posted 16/08/2012 at 19:08:19
David Barks, you are starting to talk sense consistently.What's going on ?
Gavin OLeary
26 Posted 16/08/2012 at 19:09:19
Sorry, to me this is down to the board again for dragging their feet, as soon as it became public, it needed to be wrapped up. All the delay is doing is giving other teams a chance to turn his head, its always the same with this board. Adam johnsons loan should have been part of the rodwell deal, and this should have been wrapped up at the latest today. Without spending any of the clubs money this year, we have had over 15 million in player sales and spent 4.5 million. something is seriuosly wrong. If we could have got johnson on loan, this guy and niang in, we could have gone into the season being very positive for the first time in years, now lets hope we still get them, but I doubt it.
Geoff Trenner
27 Posted 16/08/2012 at 19:27:34
Sounds like a young man with his head screwed on. Good luck to the lad wherever he goes.
Kevin Elliott
28 Posted 16/08/2012 at 19:49:22
He'll be wearing a cannon on his red shirt next season.
Alex Sinclair
29 Posted 16/08/2012 at 19:58:46
Can't see how this is anything to do with anyone dragging their feet? Arsenal contacted him first.

As for him being mercenary.. surely his comment that he's leaning towards where he'll get more game time make a mockery of that.

Hopefully he'll pick Goodison, he looks decent.

Phil Sammon
30 Posted 16/08/2012 at 19:59:06
I can't believe some people are already on the board's back over this.

If Miralles is asking for £90K p/w then should we just pay it?! No - of course not. We have made an offer that we can afford and the lad has gone to consider it. I don't understand how anyone can have any complaints

Joe McMahon
31 Posted 16/08/2012 at 20:16:48
Will he choose playing in a fantastic new stadium in London, or Woodison? It's a difficult one.
Harry Wallace
32 Posted 16/08/2012 at 19:31:20
I would be delighted if we signed him. I think he would do well here and further his career too. Hope he doesn't read this page though...
Martin Mason
33 Posted 16/08/2012 at 20:12:49
Oh God fucking help me. We are in for a couple of very exciting players who could propel us into a good season and this guy isn't the only one. Not only that but there is at least one more club in for him who can't guarantee him a place but can guarantee him European football. He is discussing and evaluating options, it is NOTHING to do with the EFC board dragging their feet.

Sometimes I lose the will to live reading comments on here. Give the board some credit for our performance last season and for getting us into this relatively good position wrt incoming players. Our only option is organic increase in income based on improved performances and selling players and the club is doing this very well just now.

I have and will criticise the club when it is appropriate but just now my criticism is only against some of our fans. The likelihood is that we'll get beat Monday by a team that has spent and is continuing to spend a fortune to achieve success but we could catapult ourselves into a good start with a good performance. To expect a win is probably unrealistic but a good performance would be great. Get behind the club please, it needs support.
Ged Simpson
34 Posted 16/08/2012 at 20:27:44
Miralles, Moyes, The Board, Naismith, Pienar OUT !
Joe McParland
35 Posted 16/08/2012 at 20:34:44
For all those suggesting he may be mercenary in thinking about moving to Arsenal, remember one thing, Arteta had to take a pay cut to join Arsenal. That would suggest to me that this has nothing to do with wages or being mercenary.
Brent Stephens
36 Posted 16/08/2012 at 21:13:18
Martin Mason 516

Well said.

Tony Twist
37 Posted 16/08/2012 at 21:35:31
Be great if he picked us but I get the feeling that he won't. With him and everyone else fit we would have a very strong first team that hopefully will punish the opposition from the start and then put us in a position to bring some of the youngsters on in the second half of matches to get some experience and some hope for the future.
Anthony Flack
38 Posted 16/08/2012 at 21:48:21
Martin, well said
Jim Knightley
39 Posted 16/08/2012 at 21:36:03
Lol guys... board dragging feet... I'm sorry if it's overly harsh, but some people say some idiotic stuff on here. We sold Rodwell at the start of the week, the interest was announced yesterday and we are talking with him. How quick do you think deals go through? Do you think it's just a case of ringing up the club, making an offer and then that's that? ...

I don't understand certain thought processes on here. Some people don't like the board (well, all of us don't) but why does that mean the board are always in the wrong? Same with Moyes...criticised for the bad and the good is ignored.

Would love this to go through... and I think he sounds like a decent and honest guy. Fair play to him, no idea how some have extrapolated negative things from what he has said above.
Liam Jackson
40 Posted 16/08/2012 at 22:00:30
I'd sign him and Matt Philips and Jermaine Jeans as cover for midfield
Chad Schofield
41 Posted 16/08/2012 at 22:28:42
Well I'm glad he's not rushing in and is instead making a considered view. I hope he signs from what I've seen of him, but if he'd just have signed and then been constantly looking for a move it would be worse.
Iain Love
42 Posted 16/08/2012 at 22:43:42
I looked at some stuff about / featuring him, and I must admit I'm not sure. I think Big Vic would look good in that Greek league. But Moyes obviously fancies him.
Clive Lewis
43 Posted 16/08/2012 at 22:57:43
Most likely he is waiting for the VP deal to be finalised before Aresenal can move for him. Expect him to sign for them tommorrow.
Ian Bennett
44 Posted 16/08/2012 at 23:01:39
Why are Arsenal after him? Having banked a load over the last couple of years... they must be spending all their money on lawn mower spares as well.
James Morgan
45 Posted 16/08/2012 at 23:00:48
I'd love an exciting lad like this ready for Monday. It would give the whole club a lift to see him running at Evra under the floodlights at GP, the tonic we need to have a good start.
United will have a big boost having a marquee player like RvP play for them on Monday, we could do with the same boost, albeit with a lesser name.
Terry Smith
46 Posted 16/08/2012 at 23:20:37
Does anyone know if this lad has had a medical and agreed personal terms as most press said today?
Gavin O'Leary
47 Posted 16/08/2012 at 23:32:33
To all you people who think its' a laugh about dragging their feet, here we go:

I have supported them all my life when all my mates support the Shite. I have to take it every year when they beat us. Yes, I go to watch them whenever I can, but I am in South Wales, so not as often as I like. I have them tattooed into my arm, my blood is blue and I will fight for them through and through.

Now this will not be the first time we have missed out on a transfer and will not be the last. Answer me this: How come most clubs linked with a player announce they have signed them within the same day? So please do not give me this hypocritical bullshit about the board not dragging their feet.

If this was any other club, this guy would be signed. Even Championship clubs out spend us, so please be quiet. It's not about this player, it's about our transfers in general. And please, as I have already stated, I am always behind my beloved blues through thick and thin, to me they are without doubt the best club in the world.
Peter Thistle
48 Posted 17/08/2012 at 00:57:37
Wish I hadn't got my hopes up. Bound to lead to disappointment..
Si Cooper
49 Posted 17/08/2012 at 01:06:15
On the 'Mancini may have insulted Everton' Guardian blog yesterday, a lot of Citeh fans were suggesting that we were in pole position for the likes of Giudetti and Johnson on loan this season, so Mirallas may only be Plan A (or even only a part of it) for strengthening the squad.

Best to not get too excited either way and just sit tight and hope for the best.

Anto Byrne
50 Posted 17/08/2012 at 01:32:31
Once we let the cat out of the bag with players, how many times have we been gazumped in the past? Still, there are still some very useful players around and this kid looks a bit lightweight and as tall as Ossie. Will he have the physical demands required?

Oh well... here's hoping Moyes can pull it off... otherwise it's all fucking bullshit raising our hopes and delivering nought.
Gareth Fieldstead
51 Posted 17/08/2012 at 02:10:11
What a difference a day makes. Some boards were suggesting the lad was at Finch Farm undergoing a medical yesterday, whilst today he is going back to his club to discuss his future with his manager. If this comes off, and it's a big if, then it appears nothing will be happening before next week.

With regards to Johnson, we (like most clubs) would need City to pay part of his wages for anything to happen. Again, unless the player is desperate for first-team football then it won't be happening. Cannot blame the board (as much as I would like to!) for the transfer process. Unless you are City or Chelsea then it does take a lot of discussions.
Steve Cavanagh
52 Posted 17/08/2012 at 03:06:49
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/120815/mirallas-agrees-join-everton-arsenal-lose-out-striker-178698

Talksport saying he's chosen us and will sign a 4 year deal. Fingers crossed.

Peter Barry
53 Posted 17/08/2012 at 02:00:47
Will we sign Mirallas a very big maybe. Will we sign Charlie Adam a slow useless THUG most probably he is a Jock after all and to Dour Daft Jock Davey that is number 1 on his requirements list. Either a Jock or from a struggling corrupt Jock club.
Gareth Fieldstead
54 Posted 17/08/2012 at 04:25:26
Harsh Peter. Jelavic and Naismith will have great seasons. As for playing the Scots we haven't had one since Ferguson and Weir left. Adam is not that bad either! Just a player that should never have signed for Liverpool. He did terrific at Blackpool.
Gareth Fieldstead
55 Posted 17/08/2012 at 04:34:07
As I pointed out on a previous thread, that Talksport rumor is a few days old. The player has since spoke to the media and stated he has not come to a decision yet.
Peter Barry
56 Posted 17/08/2012 at 07:12:19
Harsh but undeniably true though Gareth I mean exactly WHY is Wier back at Everton and just what was McFaddens return last season all about if not 'Jobs for the boys - as long as you are a Jock that is'.
Kevin Day
57 Posted 17/08/2012 at 07:19:06
Come on lads, we're all worrying about paper and generel internet chit chat, who know's what's actually going on, the player may even be reading these stories and laughing, we just don't know. I think something will happen today, at least it would be nice if it did, it will give us something to smile about for the weekend. Think Positive!
Gareth Fieldstead
58 Posted 17/08/2012 at 07:21:00
Sorry forgot about McFadden! hardly a risky signing or a job for the boys though Peter. He was on a free, Moyes presumed he may have done a job for us, he didn't, therefore he was released. Why Weir is back? Heaven knows! My problem is the fact that nearly all the backroom team were defenders, Moyes, Round, Stubbs, Weir and the former player from Leeds whose name escapes me(!) Hence at times the most negative football I have seen.
Matt Traynor
60 Posted 17/08/2012 at 07:35:07
Gavin #560, "How come most clubs linked with a player announce they have signed them within the same day?"

Understand your frustration but that is simply not true. In the days of social media rumours can spread like wildfire, and often are picked up (or started) by media outlets and then are presented as fact.

Back in the day you would maybe read a snippet in a paper, but would then have to wait 24 hours for the next snippet. Transfers back then were a lot more straightforward, but these days with so many agendas, middle men etc. it is almost impossible to get a deal done quickly, and under the radar.

I was lamenting about this yesterday with someone at the Echo, ironically on Twatter.

Phil Sammon
61 Posted 17/08/2012 at 07:28:11
Some of the commenters on this site are pathetic.

Gavin O'Leary - Answer me this: How come most clubs linked with a player announce they have signed them within the same day?

Just like Man Utd with RVP
Just like Real Madrid with Modric
Just like Barca with Song

You're talking out yer arse mate. We've bid for a player that nobody on here has seen play 90 minutes. Let's just give the lad £100K a week so he signs and fuck the consequences. Yeah it will bankrupt the club, but at least Gavin O'Leary from South Wales won't have to hide his Everton tattoo in embarrassment.

This is not our one and only transfer target. Moyes will have a list as long as his arm. We also have to be realistic and note that the best value for 'buying clubs' is found at the end of August.

Paul Andrews
62 Posted 17/08/2012 at 07:52:41
The best value for buying clubs is at the end of August.
That is true Phil in regards to the fee paid,the choice of players available will have been reduced by then though.
Martin Mason
63 Posted 17/08/2012 at 08:37:20
Phil, all of those deals you reference have been going on for months. Fancy that, the boards of the top clubs in Europe dragging their feet for months?
Chris Davies
66 Posted 17/08/2012 at 08:52:37
United wanted to get RvP signed before 12pm today because that's when the deadline to play for Monday is (I think!).
If it doesn't happen today, I think it's a no-go.
Phil Sammon
67 Posted 17/08/2012 at 17:37:21
Yeah, that's what my point was, Martin.

The only way you wrap up a transfer in 10 minutes is by throwing money about. We can't do that

Phil Bellis
68 Posted 17/08/2012 at 09:11:19
Phil (610)

Exactly

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19289850

Craig Walker
69 Posted 17/08/2012 at 09:14:24
Hmm. Go to Everton, play every week, win nothing and hope for a mercenary move to another bigger club where you can kiss their badge and describe the move as "a dream come true" or go to Arsenal, play most weeks and win nothing whilst hoping for a mercenary move to another bigger club where you can kiss their badge and describe the move as "a dream come true".

I love football. I hate footballers.

Chris Leyland
70 Posted 17/08/2012 at 09:29:35
Phil re your point on the best value for buying clubs being the end of Aug, surely that is only with respect to unwanted players at other clubs rather than players who the selling club ideally want to keep? So, if club A doesn't want to sell then the price will go up rather than down in many cases the nearer to deadline day it gets as the buying club get more desperate?
Steve King
71 Posted 17/08/2012 at 09:21:01
I think it was Neil Strauss that said: "Don't hate the players, hate the game"
Eric Myles
72 Posted 17/08/2012 at 09:38:26
Phil #596 "We also have to be realistic and note that the best value for 'buying clubs' is found at the end of August."

No mate, it's just that in our case buying at the end of August saves a couple of months wages for the player.

Phil Bellis
73 Posted 17/08/2012 at 09:43:22
Funny, though, how, given the all-seeing intrusive media, the "Rodwell incident" was kept under wraps and, allegedly, the secret was kept by many people at both clubs for several weeks
A real throwback to the "done and dusted" before the Echo was printed days of Harry the transfer master
So, apart from Everton, in general re transfers, we can't really generalise, can we?

Brendan McLaughlin
75 Posted 17/08/2012 at 10:03:03
Undoubtedly agents are mostly to blame. If their client has been enquired after by more than one club then agents will play one off against the other to get the player [and themselves] the best deal they can and/or signed with the club the player prefers. So they leak titbits to the press & hey presto...a feeding frenzy.
Phil #619. I think we can generalise about transfers...more often than not the player will go to the "bigger" club.
Ray Roche
77 Posted 17/08/2012 at 10:19:01
It's usually about this time that someone, no doubt out walking their dog past JLA/Finch Farm/Lime St or someone wandering past a taxi rank, spots the player in question and posts here or elsewhere that he's about to have his medical. In the words of Delia Smith. "Where are you"? (It's always best to say this like she did, half pissed with a scarf around your neck)


I'm bored.

Jim Knightley
78 Posted 17/08/2012 at 10:28:46
Gavin, I'm sure pretty much all of us true blues etc, but your claims don't stand. What you say about transfers is fiction, for everyday apart from Transfer deadline days (on which we have also wrapped up a deal in a day). Modric, RVP etc has been mentioned...to that list, for this summer, I would add: Moura, Sinclair(has rejected offer, City interest has been well documented for ages, and authenticated), Sigurdsson, Rodallega, Hoilett, Anita, De Jong etc etc, in fact, pretty much every summer deal. What you say has nothing to do with reality. As has been brought up, social media, and press coverage, gives us info on deals early. And the difference between internet and newspaper gossip re.Mirallas, and our offer and his discussions regarding our offer, was one day, which is nothing. We have moved extremely quickly.

Now let me ask you this...if you were brokering a multi-million pound, with two parties with different perspectives, other interested parties, an agent with personal interests, and a player who is expected to change countries, cultures and re-locate a family...how long do you think that takes?

Phil Bellis
80 Posted 17/08/2012 at 10:32:53
Or, more generally, Brendan, Everton get gazumped or out-bidded or out-attractive packaged
I still can't understand how lads with a talent I'd have loved to have can choose to NOT play and waste their talent taking the bench money
Yes, it's a short career, but bloody hell, the financial rewards are astronomical compared to that available to 60s, 70s etc players
Ray Roche
81 Posted 17/08/2012 at 10:43:25
Bluekipper are stating that Vellios may be on his way, loan or deal, to Sheff Wed. A loan deal would be good for him and us but, if true, would that mean that we have more confidence that we can bring someone in? Vellios was not a regular but he was usually on the bench.
Joe Clitherow
82 Posted 17/08/2012 at 10:39:49
Brendan 624 I was about to post the same thing.

Blaming the board in this case is understandable knee jerk but misplaced I believe. I don't think there has been anything official from Everton on Mirallas (or Kev Johnson), it will all have come from the agents trying to squeeze more out of a deal. As for why this didn't happen with Rodwell well that's a very easy one: once an agent is negotiating with the Eastlands Lottery Chavs it's not very likely he will get more money elsewhere is it? Especially if Rodwell interest is lukewarm elsewhere - he's a known quantity remember. So he doesn't leak.

I also think the Arsenal hopes/options for Mirallas are mostly agent talk also as Wenger doesn't seem that keen on getting another forward, see

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19280162

The only gap in his quotes would be that he wouldn't see Mirallas as a VP replacement, just a squad player also, and Arsenal don't tend to splurge cash on players in the same way as other clubs. Arsenal have also been wading through wodges of cash for ages without spending it on so the VP payments won't make any difference to their player acquisitions.

What will be will be.

PS Peter Barry - it's not often I agree with you but I am 100% in agreement about Charlie Adam. Before you drift off into paranoid Scots conspiracy theories that is.

Mark Murphy
83 Posted 17/08/2012 at 10:43:14
"If this was any other club, this guy would be signed."

Have Sunderland signed Fletcher from Wolves yet?
Is Carroll back in his bar code shirt?
Is Modric already enjoying his callos y tapas variadas in a Madrileno restaurante?
How long did the Van Persie saga drag on for?
and ask your red mates about Sigursson - heralded as the shites missing link signing then just an over-rated near miss when he signed for Spurs.
Its normal to negotiate but these days theres so much more social media awareness that possible transfers are in the public domain much sooner than they used to be.
And those calling this lad a mercenary need to remember that not every one is an Evertonian from birth. He has options to sign for one of two clubs - club A and club B. He is weighing up two job offers is all. don't take it personal that he doesnt support or favour the same club that you do.

Mark Murphy
84 Posted 17/08/2012 at 10:52:02
Doh,
Jim - we're on the same page - didnt mean to plagiarise - just didnt see yours first!
Jim Knightley
85 Posted 17/08/2012 at 10:53:46
I do still fear Arsenal's interest... Vela has gone, Park has/is also going, Chamakh is off, and Bendtner is going very soon. They therefore only have Giround, and Podolksi as senior strikers, and Podolski looks likely to line up on the left. I wouldn't put too much weight on what Wenger says, and they will sign another striker, and for 5.3million or 6million, Mirallas seems a steal based on his record. Hopefully our football prospects, and Fellaini, will convince him.

Also, I think Adam is a decent player, but he is a thug. I would rather not have him representing this football club. Although, given that we have taken the French Guy on trial, and Mirallas is a penciled in possibility, I don't think the interest in Adam as a permament signing is authentic.

Phil Bellis
86 Posted 17/08/2012 at 10:53:51
Joe,

"As for why this didn't happen with Rodwell well that's a very easy one."
Really? not for m,...
Agents/City or not... not a whisper, rumour, watch-this-space, taps nose, nudge-nudge from club narks, family friends, local journos, Blue websites, Sky Blue websites, Twatter(?), Farcebook(?), County Road chippy queues, Birkdale bars, Liverpool 8 brothels or Sammy the shoeshine boy.

Never known secrecy like it surrounding a transfer – have you, in the last 20 years?
Drew Shortis
87 Posted 17/08/2012 at 11:07:19
I really hope this one happens as he will add a lot to our attack down the right and can also weigh in with goals. He is young enough and the price is right. I'm trying not to stress about the outcome. After all I had never heard of the guy a week ago! If we do miss out there are plenty more talented European footballers out there we could sign. Holtby?
Kevin Gillen
88 Posted 17/08/2012 at 11:12:55
It's gone awful quiet...
Joe Clitherow
89 Posted 17/08/2012 at 11:04:21
Phil

I've never known anyone with City's resources or the propensity to throw them round like that. I've also not known anyone else to come in for a concrete offer (apparently) for Rodwell in the last few years despite all of the paper talk.

Ask yourself this:

If you're the agent with the first (and possibly surprising interest) from a very rich club offering upfront money (which is again pretty unheard of these days) are you going to mention or leak it to anyone when the finger of suspicion of leaks will only point at you? It wouldn't be in the interest of the clubs to leak at all if they both want the deal to go through. Especially when dealing with someone as volatile as Mankini who may just as easily walk away? I think not.

As for your point about secrecy then off the top of my head I'd say the Carroll transfer (snigger) was a bolt out of the blue in exactly the same way and for exactly the same reasons above. Tim Cahill as well?

I'd say there is plenty of precedence, it's just not the norm when scumbag agents try to drive the price up for coveted assets if they think there is more money to be made.

Tony J Williams
90 Posted 17/08/2012 at 11:14:06
Beat me to it Joe, there has been absolutely nothing put out there by Everton regarding this guy, it has all been a media frenzy from the player himself and pick one out of the many meejah idiots.

I won't pretend to know how good he is, but if he is good hopefully he comes to us. The fact that he is mates with Fellaini will help us.

Also, Arsenal do not pay huge wages, so this is an instance where our package (oh er missus) may be more attractive than theirs.

Geoff Trenner
91 Posted 17/08/2012 at 11:21:51
We’ve already spent Van Persie cash, says Arsene Wenger
Joe Clitherow
92 Posted 17/08/2012 at 11:20:23
Tony

Agreed.

I suspect Wenger's attitude will be much more take it or leave it than ours because of the relative squad strengths.

I'd also say that if our board are playing a bit more hardball and not upping an initial offer (which may well be the case here - I don't claim to know) then I would applaud that as it is based on sound business principles, not "dithering" - sometimes silence is the best option in negotiations.

Ray Roche
93 Posted 17/08/2012 at 11:23:48
Wenger has said they are not spending anymore money, they bought their replacements before allowing RVP to leave. Let's hope he doesn't sign before mid-day. He misses the Monday game if he doesn't.
Nick Entwistle
94 Posted 17/08/2012 at 11:30:09
If Royston was professional in his attitude we wouldn't need to splash this £5m... But this Belgian would bring potency to both flanks and would be the difference between the usual 7th place and a Newcastle-esque attack on 4th.

If not, Royston is still a free agent! What a waste.

Tony J Williams
95 Posted 17/08/2012 at 11:37:31
Van Persie deal gone through before 12, that means he will be doing his usual wonder goal act against us on Monday.....fecker!!!
Phil Bellis
96 Posted 17/08/2012 at 11:36:30
Joe,
Still something strange about this one; even the club didn't want to start an auction – perhaps under threat of deal off? Who knows – us plebs never will...
Perhaps there WAS an "understanding" reached re future either-way transfers to smooth this one through; wouldn't surprise me where Slippery Bill is involved...
James Morgan
97 Posted 17/08/2012 at 11:32:42
Worthy of its own thread perhaps, but what would your team be for Monday now that we know the midday deadline has passed to have any more new faces for United?
I'd perhaps go for:

Howard
Hibbert Heitinga Distin Baines
Osman Gibson Fellaini Pienaar
Naismith
Jelavic

Obviously Naismith, Pienaar and Osman can interchange as well as Fellaini pushing forward.
Will be a tough test shackling Rooney and RvP, I know that much!
Nick Entwistle
98 Posted 17/08/2012 at 12:18:17
The formation changed to 4-2-3-1 last season so expect better football than the 4-5-1 delivered. Who's injured, who's not – I'm unsure of... but for the season ahead:

Howard
Neville Heitinga Distin Baines
Gibson Fellaini
Marallis Naismith Pienaar
Jelavic

... is frighteningly good.

Ian McPherson
99 Posted 17/08/2012 at 12:20:10
Neville for Hibbert, Coleman for Osman. Just shows how lobsided we are compared to the left flank. Even if we sign Miriallas in the next ten minutes, he has to be rebuilt by Moyes and lose that carefree attacking mindset, not ready for prem, usual crap from Moyes.

Apart from that I fancy a draw on Monday.

Dean Adams
100 Posted 17/08/2012 at 12:30:41
Why do we always hope we will buy someone, when the facts point to us maybe doing a few loans. Far too much optimism on this site regarding players coming in. Remember, this is EFC and we do things differently to everyone else, NSNO.
Jim Knightley
101 Posted 17/08/2012 at 12:39:27
Dean, the facts don't point to us only bringing in players on loan. We are in discussions with the player...the talks are advanced...why do you imagine we are not going to be buying him? We've also currently got a 17-year-old with an approximate fee of 6million on trial...and we've already brought in two senior players permanently. We are clearly operating under different conditions than the last two seasons, having severly trimmed the wage bill, so I'm not really sure what facts you refer to.

Because Moyes really ruined the attacking prowess of Cahill, Arteta & Pienaar, Ian... Do you think all attacking players should just be allowed to go out and have fun in the Premier League and forget about defending?

Phil Sammon
102 Posted 17/08/2012 at 12:46:34
Too much optimism on ToffeeWeb?!

I've heard it all now

Dean Adams
103 Posted 17/08/2012 at 12:46:34
Jim - we all live in hope, just not expectation anymore!!
Ged Simpson
104 Posted 17/08/2012 at 13:02:07
Far too much optimism on this site

Absolutely priceless Dean

Mark Lennon
105 Posted 17/08/2012 at 13:03:17
Anyone heard anymore? Medical? Close to singning?
Drew O'Neall
106 Posted 17/08/2012 at 13:22:27
Jim - well said.

Bit of a winge though, Man Utd have completed the signing of RVP in time for this lunchtime's deadline so he will be pulling on a shirt at Goodison on Monday night while we are still waiting and wondering.

James Morgan
107 Posted 17/08/2012 at 13:30:33
Not that it means a crumb, but a few pundits and hacks are tipping us on talk sport to be the surprise team this year.
Ahem.
Ray Roche
108 Posted 17/08/2012 at 13:33:08
Drew,
I think the RVP/UTD deal has been going on for a lot longer than our apparent interest in Marallis.
Chris Davies
109 Posted 17/08/2012 at 13:38:06
So its too late for Monday :( I'll bet it's Hibbert's fault.
Geoff Trenner
110 Posted 17/08/2012 at 14:02:12
Ray,669, letting the facts get in the way of a good whinge will not endear you to the majority on here!
Dean Adams
111 Posted 17/08/2012 at 14:01:35
Ged Simpson - hope it put a smile on your face!!!!

Priceless indeed!

Drew O'Neall
113 Posted 17/08/2012 at 14:36:08
Geoff.. citing guesswork as facts isn't flavour of the month either.. Fair enough though, it was negative, sorry.

..Got a load of plastic Mancs in my office and fed up with their RVP this, RVP that.

Praying for another one of Tony Hibbert's banana shots under the floodlights.

Geoff Trenner
114 Posted 17/08/2012 at 14:45:58
Drew, I'm doing some work just north of London & surrounded by Arsenal fans who are trying to convince themselves that Podolski will score more than RvP did last season & Spurs fans who honestly believe that they'll challenge for top spot this season!
Drew O'Neall
115 Posted 17/08/2012 at 15:00:54
They're as deluded as we are.. Funny time of year. Does your contract extend to Chriatmas?
Si Cooper
116 Posted 17/08/2012 at 14:50:59
Even if he had been signed before midday I would have been very surprised to see him in action on Monday.

Much bigger transition in terms of geography and culture for him to make compared to RVP switching from Arsenal to the Mancs. Plus Van Persie could do bugger all for 88 minutes while we lay siege to their goal and then latch onto a lob over our back four to blow us out of the water, whereas we are more likely to need everyone switched on and working together throughout the game to get something from it.

A couple of players in before the transfer deadline will do me, though obviously the sooner the better and the more the merrier.

Drew O'Neall
117 Posted 17/08/2012 at 15:23:57
Si sounds like you were at the emirates last year too?
Si Cooper
118 Posted 17/08/2012 at 15:46:23
No, but Football First on Sky is a reasonable facsimile!
Aidan Wade
119 Posted 17/08/2012 at 15:31:48
It's up the player now, he seems a sensible lad and if the article is not misquoting him, it seems he is leaning towards Royal Blue. We can only hope.

Putting one over United would be a fantastic way to announce our intentions for the year. Holding off Rooney and RVP will be tough but strangling them in midfield should be easier, they don't have any inspirational midfielders without bus passes.

Geoff Trenner
120 Posted 17/08/2012 at 18:40:45
Drew @691, I hope not! I'm trying to get it finished asap so that I can get back to civilisation in deepest Somerset
Tommy Smith
121 Posted 17/08/2012 at 20:08:22
This is the most exited and nervous I have ever been about us signing a player. This guy could be the difference for us. Please let there be a God and bring this Mirallas dude to Papa.
Phil Sammon
122 Posted 17/08/2012 at 20:42:07
Olympiakos are releasing a statement about Miralles tonight.

Exciting!

Jamie Crowley
123 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:15:29
Phil - where'd you read that? When is the statement released? It's gotta be near 9 pm over there...
Justin Widdop
124 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:19:35
Twitter saying news to appear on sky about Miralles real soon!!!
Justin Widdop
125 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:20:25
BREAKING - medical in next 48 hours. BOOM!!!!
Matt Traynor
126 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:22:59
He'll be unveiled at Goodison Monday. Hope for a similar result to last time we unveiled a new signing at home to a Manc team....
Ian Bennett
127 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:24:54
He looks pretty direct. Loads of pens for baines I'd think.
Jamie Crowley
128 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:24:39
Jesus please.... I have a good feeling about this kid.

A wide right player of quality. I'm actually beginning to have a good feeling.

Probably will end Monday night, but fuck it. Get this kid in.

Jim Knightley
129 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:28:24
Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Clive Lewis
130 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:37:36
Its true just confirmed on twitter, get in
Jamie Crowley
131 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:40:40
Clive -

Where'd ya see that? Who u following? Link?

James Morgan
132 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:36:39
Excited, Jim? Haha.
This is the most positive I've been going in to a new season in ages.
A strong back four, a midfield which will have pace, trickery, width, creativity and strength. Add to that a genuine goal scorer and his trusted sidekick! Bring em on!
Bobby Thomas
133 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:34:27
Never felt a single pang of doubt!!
Nick Entwistle
134 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:45:19
What's going on? Have we signed him?
Stan Sheppard
135 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:42:52
Ssn via twitter. Medical within 48hrs fee around 6m.
Clive Lewis
136 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:46:08
http://twitter.com/SkySportsNews
Andy Morden
137 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:46:05
Remain calm until officially signed gents, I will never forget the Manny Fernandes debacle...
Nick Entwistle
138 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:46:15
Stan Sheppard's Mum? What's an Ssn?
Si Cooper
139 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:48:33
Sky Sports News, Nick. They are quoting 'sources'.

Fingers crossed for the medical!

Nick Entwistle
140 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:50:44
Joyous. Maybe Arteta had a word and told him go north.
Stan Sheppard
141 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:51:58
Haha nick. Sorry. Sky sports news were quoting sources
Harry Wallace
142 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:32:21
I am not going to believe it until I see him in our shirt. Lots can go wrong still.
Matt Traynor
143 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:54:56
I'd heard something about Velios going out on loan to Sheff Wed, but the Mirror (I know) are now saying it's Barkley?
Stan Sheppard
144 Posted 17/08/2012 at 21:53:24
Nick. Its saying sahins going to arsenal instead of liverpool so maybe that put miralles out of the picture. Or maybe he just knows what makes sense.

Really hope this comes off and that he and the team have an amazing season.


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