Everton still linked with Ljajic

Would be a good signing, but I'd prefer us to sort out another CM before spending anymore of our budget, (which I assume is running very low already).

Don't know what the fee is but just read two separate reports that we're going to spend £15m on McCarthy.

1. Where are we getting that
2 Is he better than Leroy Fer and/or Medel
3. Is it Felli or Baines we're selling: it must be nailed on that a deal has been done for at least one of them or why are we even dreaming of spending all that money?

Here we go again.
We have been brainwashed into accepting we must sell to buy.
Where is the new Sky Tv money?

I won't beleive Fellaini is on the flight to America until I see it, I am putting money on him being a Man Utd player by midnite Wednesday. I pray I am wrong because I feel, if we lose no-one, we can compete seriously at the top end again this season.

I was unhappy with Baines's body language in the car video yesterday, seems he is also unsure what's next.

Totally agree Paul. Club keep saying we don't have to sell and the books aren't great but not bad enough that the Sky dosh can't be used to buy more players. Trouble is the Club has previous in saying one thing and doing or meaning another.

Not sure £15m isn't too much for this player in any event.

Martinez was reported as saying, in several media outlets yesterday, 'We're in great shape financially'. That can't be misinterpreted in any other way than, 'we don't have to sell - we have funds available to buy'

Paul

I'm not brainwashed just basing my thoughts on previous experience (vis last window). Can't help feeling it must be a done deal for either Felli or Baines or from where the hell are we getting £15m. to buy McCarthy and is he that much better then Leroy Fer and/or Medel.

I'm not in any way a knocker of Bill and hope he proves my doubts unfounded by backing Robbie

I meant to add that I think we're so close now to a squad that can really challenge that it has to be worth a punt. Nothing ventured......

Steve (444)
Where did you see £15M mentioned? Not getting on your case, but had a good trawl on the net, and no money was mentioned! I did see on Goal.com for what it's worth that he is rated by most as being better than Jovetic who Moneybags City have recently acquired!
Like I've said before, and probably most blues share my views, I wish it could all be sorted out! Who's staying ? Who's going ? Who's coming in ? All this should be done ideally before going on a trip like the States, I know a lot depends on other clubs etc.!
Hope Roberto and the squad do well in the States!

Terry,

"I am not a knocker of Bill"
You are brainwashed

TBH £15M for McCarthy (or McArthur as the shirt will read) seems steep in comparison to figures currently bandied about for Bainsey. Also, look at how much Fer cost ?

Must be some canny bargains about for "El Boberto" to nail down, that's just what I'd prefer.

Sure, some tried n tested purchases will be available, but TBH my view is that EVERTON buy top class but NOT at top whack. Better to buy "Next great thing" just before the goldrush.

Alan Ball being the exception. Worth every last penny.

I'd be happy with him.

Paul,
sorry, never meant to suggest you were, merely pointing out my own position

Paul,
sorry again

didn't notice the inverted commas.

my apologies

Terry, I think Moyes was looking to spend some of this seasons extra sky money on Fer last season. I think it safe to assume that we've now spent about half of that on Robles and Kone.

Its all speculation, but my gut feeling is that we can get in one more decent player without having to sell anyone.

As for Ljajic he looks a quality player and probably a good long term replacement for Pienaar. I think the squad could definitely benefit more at this stage on a top quality centre mid, but quality creative types rarely become available at a reasonable fee and if necessary we can always try to get a defensive mid from the academy. Lundstram, or perhaps Conor Grant? Can't remember if it was grant who came on in Vienna and didn't look out of place in the middle of the park....

Wayne

it was Grant that came on. I managed to watch the game on line and he looked a class act. I'm really pleased Robbie is looking at our youngsters; we really do have a decent crop in my opinion. Good to give Stones a game the other day - yes only a friendly but nothing like playing for the first team - will stand him in great stead.

Berkely is like a new signing. He started last season in the first team and was then farmed out, why? I think he could have contributed to the team. I am grateful for everything Davy did but my one (minor) criticism would be his reluctance to give our boys a go. I'm very hopeful and hope there is money available without us having to sell

we did receive an extra £20m from tv money this season, that's why we have more money than usual

Terry, I think in Barkleys case Moyes didn't like the unpredictability. He'd rather play an "experienced pro" that would work hard for 90 minutes and rarely give the ball away over a young player who might make the odd mistake, but could turn into a superstar with a bit of experience.....even if that "experienced pro" was a below-average journeyman loanee who wouldn't be here in 12 months.

I firmly believe that Moyes has set Barkley back a season or so in terms of his development. Luckily, we now have a manager who believes in our academy. We might finish in mid-table rather than 7th, but I think to survive as a football club we need to be developing our own talent and its almost criminal to let our youngsters rot due to a complete lack of match experience.

Wayne

couldn't agree more re putting Barkeley back. I reckon at least a season, watch him from now on

Agree also that this season may be developing our team. Have seen all games so far and have not been so optimistic since Howard

There's so much to be excited about but it's still pre-season and we're a long way from being ready to meet Premiership teams in competitive matches.

Only recently, Clive Allen explained how good managers only need 2 or 3 pre-season games to judge squad strengths, weaknesses and requirements. By now he will know who he can trust to do a job and who may need more time. He probably also knows who he would like to bring in.

Surprises may be in store. Favourites may be benched. Who knows.
Quite frankly, I'm game for anything. We need to be freshened up and Martinez is just the man to do it.

In terms of the extra Sky money, don't forget we have been running at a loss under Kenwright. It was £9M last year so that's half gone straight away. With what we've spent and rumours of a slump in season tickets, tnat might be it!!!!

Clive #801, don't forget that £9M loss last year was after sale of assets, i.e. players, and the actual loss is atound £20M.

So if we don't sell any players this season the extra Sky money should cover the annual loss.