Moyes insists Fer would not be Fellaini's replacement

Lyndon Lloyd , 30 January, 14comments | Jump to most recent

David Moyes has dismissed out of hand suggestions that the proposed deal to bring Leroy Fer in from FC Twente is not because the Dutchman has been earmarked as Marouane Fellaini's successor at Goodison Park.

Speaking at yesterday's press conference ahead of the West Brom game, Moyes restated that he has no intentions of selling the Belgian powerhouse and was clear to point out that the two players have different strengths.

"‘I read something [about Fellaini being sold] and that is the biggest load of tosh I have heard," Moyes said.

"That is nonsense whoever wrote or said it. They are different types of players. No, that is not the reason for bringing [Fer] in, that is for sure."

Speaking before the deal for Fer hit a snag over payment terms, Moyes spelled out his desire to add the Dutchman to his squad before the transfer deadline.

"I felt that we are in a really strong position and could we try and strengthen that position and stay there if we can," the manager continued.

"I would hate to look back and think I hadn't given that a go or made any attempt to do that. The squad needs help. I think the squad has done brilliant to get where it has got but it could do with one or two additions."

Fellaini, meanwhile, has called on the Goodison faithful to give the team their vocal backing when the Baggies come to town this evening.

"It's going to be a good, tight game on Wednesday," the Belgian told evertonfc.com. "We have a good chance because we are at home."

"I like to play at night because you have a lot of time to rest in the day. I hope it's a great game and that the fans help us to win.

"A lot of other big teams want to play Champions League like Arsenal and Tottenham, but this season everybody wants to win a place and we are working hard to get there."

Quotes or other material sourced from Daily Mail

Reader Comments (14)

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Gary Richardson
1 Posted 30/01/2013 at 07:59:39

Still wouldn't be surprised if a late bid came in for him tomorrow. The club then spouts that we didn't have time to get a replacement. Didn't the transfer window open 30 days ago? I bet Moyes buys his Christmas presents from the 24-hr garage on Christmas Eve!

Paul Mitchell
2 Posted 30/01/2013 at 08:14:15

Let's just get the deal done first. I never really thought Fer was short term replacement as I always thought the big Fella would stay until summer then look at things.

If Moyes has identified Fer as the man we need, the Club need to get this settled unless they know that a Plan B is in place before tomorrow. There is so much hanging on strengthening the squad for a push towards top 4 and cup run, not just for Moyes future, but more importantly the Everton fans who will all be the most disappointed if we don't take this opportunity to kick on.

Pete Anthony
3 Posted 30/01/2013 at 08:22:50

Fer heaven's sake, get the lad signed if fitness isn't an issue. Lescott from Wolves had similar wranglings and his knee held up well. Hoping Fer our sake Leroy is the boy. COYB tonight..

Apologies Fer the pun jokes, I'll get me (Fer)coat.

Mike Webb
4 Posted 30/01/2013 at 08:30:34

From the limited video I've seen of Fer, he and Fellaini play about as similarly as two completely dissimilar things in a pod. To paraphrase Blackadder.

Tony J Williams
5 Posted 30/01/2013 at 10:18:02

I was thinking the same Pete, but we don't know if it was the same issue with the knee.

If it doesn't come off, I won't be too downhearted, as at least we know we have money to get someone and it isn't our fault it fell through. Also, I didn't even know about him until yesterday, probably more to do with my ignorance, but not on the radar as a "wow" signing.

Paul Ellam
6 Posted 30/01/2013 at 11:38:51

We always seem to do things the hard way at Everton! If it is just about installments then surely they can sort it out. If he has a genuine injury then use the money elsewhere (Capoue?) but quickly! We need helpers.

Harold Matthews
7 Posted 30/01/2013 at 13:23:06

Tony J. No, you're not on your own with this one. Very few of us know this guy.Maybe thats the WOW bit.

Harold Matthews
8 Posted 30/01/2013 at 14:02:39

Seems we now enquiring about once L'pool target Amorebieta of Bilboa who is a free summer transfer centre back.

Kev Johnson
9 Posted 30/01/2013 at 14:16:06

Amorebieta? I've never heard of him! Although, to be fair, I was massively impressed by BIlbao last season. Loved the way they played against Man Utd. High tempo pressing with a distinctly unSpanish blend of short and long passing. Much more dynamic than the usual Spanish tippy-tappy stuff, which bores me stiff.

On reflection, why don't they keep Amorebieta and we can swap managers? Bielsa is a genius.

James Martin
10 Posted 30/01/2013 at 14:24:57

Not going so well for him this season though is it Kev? They also had to sell Martinez and will sell Llorente... I guess we're not the only club in the world with problems.

Brent Stephens
11 Posted 30/01/2013 at 14:36:58

Lyndon, I think you might have a rogue "not" in the second line.

Kev Johnson
12 Posted 30/01/2013 at 14:37:35

I haven't kept up with Bilboa this season, to be honest James. I know they sold Martinez - Bayern Munich, was it? And Llorente as well - I thought he was fantastic and really gave them another dimension.

There are three centre forwards who I've watched without knowing anything about beforehand, and thought: "Bloody hell, they are the real deal". One was a 17 year old Shearer when he was at Southampton, the second was Drogba when he was at Marseilles and they played Newcastle in the Champions League... and the third was Llorente. I was surprised he didn't come to England, because he would have been a big hit here.

John Templeton
13 Posted 30/01/2013 at 16:01:03

We have missed out on a top player in Leroy Fer. Top Dutch sportswriters liken him to Frank Rijkaard. Also a Dutch specialist says this water on the knee is common with the type of injury and surgery he underwent. Has he been looked at here by a top specialist in that field???

He has played well for FC Twente in his last match, which was last Sunday – he earned rave reviews in Holland.

Patrick Murphy
14 Posted 30/01/2013 at 18:18:37

Water on the Knee, you would have expected Twente to settle for payments on the drip wouldn't you?

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