Roberto will not spend big in January

Reading reports today R.Martinez is going to look for loan players as coverage for injured players; I hope this does not mean that once again BK and his cronies fail to strengthen the team for the future.

We need a couple of players in to build for the future and not just loan players for coverage. Do we not have any young players in the club that can provide coverage?

I hope Martinez's statements after this latest injured player is ruled out, regarding bringing in loanees, is a smokescreen, when of course as we all know we have built a nice pot of funds in reserve from previous player sales this year...

Really? McGeady? Even as an Ireland fan I would have huge reservations about him. He has a few tricks, and can be effective, but I would not consider him a team player

Rumours that we may loan McGeady with a view to a permanent move. Makes sense to me. Give him a go and if he fits then we can get him long term. He's a decent age at 27 and should have quite a few years if he keeps himself in shape, though I guess his primary weapon of pace may be dwindling...

Would prefer Tom Ince I think.

McGeady – I would only take him on loan. Better options out there with better end product, I think.

Personally I'm against the loan system but have to say Roberto's certainly making good use of it. As far as I am concerned, it is just a short-term fix and does not help building toward the long-term future.

I'm a bit concerned that according to The Echo today we will probably not be spending any money in the January window just acquiring more loan signings plus maybe McGeady on a short-term contract. While I think it is sometimes not wise to spend too much in January, it does worry me a bit if the above is true. I do hope that money is made available next summer for some permanent signings to bolster the squad rather than continue down the loan route.

Is nobody listening to what is coming from Roberto and Everton?

"Short term" signings to cover the injured players add this to the comments about foreign clubs looking to "loan" us players... No mention of making a few quality signings OR looking for players to take us to the next level OR even players that can come in and strengthen the first team!!

Make no mistake our manager has been told that there is no money available for signings! Ince etc will move but not to goodison but a team that has ambition!

Can none of these so called journalists track down Kenwright and co and ask them there plans for the upcoming window?? There will be 3 weeks of nothing then we will get McGeady in on loan and be expected to do cartwheels even though the Russians can't give him away!

At one time a few years back McGeady and Naismith were considered the main men in the respective big two in Scotland! Enough said!

Please no Aiden McGeedy. We don't need a soon to be 28 year old wide man who holds the ball too long and gives it up going one v one half the time.

Callum McManaman please...

Andrew, they do track him down, and he ends up convincing them that he is the biggest and best blue there ever was, and that nobody would be better than him. Then we get the manager singing his praises despite having to sell to buy, or sell to loan nowadays!

We will probably sell Jelavic to fund the McGeady loan.

This is the same story we've been reading in December for the past 10 years, only the name of the manager has changed.

Maybe be thinks what he has will do the job for this year with the exception of some cover for the long term injuries and any cash would be better spent in the summer on a striker plus a couple more squad players

McManaman is a right back isn't he? What do we urgently need one of them for when we have Seamus and Stones for cover?

Another quality defensive / holding midfielder and striker are surely the priorities.

RM is managing expectations and (possibly) keeping his cards close to his chest. Agree that not many top players will be up for grabs in January, so it is most likely going to be 'try before you buy' gambles and short-term solutions.

Hopefully if someone does become available at the right price then the funds will be available (they bloody well should be!).

"Roberto Martinez will not splash the cash in the January transfer window, despite being promised millions to spend." This doesn't seem to be the usual same as before situation, but if RM doesn't think the right players are available at the right price in January, then surely it makes sense not to spend what little cash we have just for the sake of it.

A lot of course can change very quickly between now and the end of the window and RM may indeed purchase a player or two. The squad will need bolstering in the next window - but it will probably be Loans. RM will realise that we need a Striker given that Lukaku probably won't be here at the start of next season, but would it be better to buy that player sooner rather than later? We are going to have to pay top dollar for the type of player we require and who knows perhaps RM believes he can persuade Lukaku to become a permanent signing.

'The Mirror claims' that was enough to stop me reading.

I'd say with the Del boy injury and Barcelona now saying it will be 8 weeks out, the McGeady transfer will definitely happen, I think I'll trust RM on this, remember all the reservations about McCarthy, also got a feeling we will be waving off Heitinga and Jelavic, so I'm guessing a new striker and another midfielder will be on the shopping list. I read this morning that Samaras is likely to leave Celtic in January I think he'd be a decent fit and far better than Jelavic.

The board have learned their lesson from past calamities. Set the bar as low as possible (loans etc) and any decent signings make them look as if they have moved heaven and earth to back the manager.

People forget we are £20m better off this season from extra T.V. money alone, before the net profit of the last window.

Come on lads, we've all been here before. Baines may well go and all hell will break loose on the last day again - with a large profit being salted away to pay down some debt naturally.

Off to G.P. for our Chrimbo do tonight, so if I see Bill, I will ask him what his plans are. I believe he is the DJ for the evening, with Elstone doing magic at the table with the annual accounts.

The joy's of having Kenwright as a chairman. Bargain basement here we come.

Kevin (652) - Samaras - You've gotta be kidding mate. Do you remember how dreadful he was at Man City? - couldn't hit a barn door. His goal-scoring record isn't that outstanding even in the SPL. I'd rather stick with Jelavic and that's saying something!

He more or less told us what he's after in January at todays press conference. 2 players short term to replace Kone and Gibson. That would do me. We won't have a clue who they are till we sign them but rest assured "the fans will be the first to know".

The more I watch Roberto, the more I like him. I hope he doesn't kick me in the bollocks like the last one did.

With Delboy out for 6-8 weeks, I think it makes a lot of sense to try to get Donovan back to GP for two months or so. Still a good player who knows so well about our team, and can easily slot in the wing position. Now the only problem is whether Galaxy is willing to release him...

Mark, I've seen him play in the CL and he didn't look bad to me, I suppose I'm being desperate but from what I've seen he'd be an upgrade on Jelavic, although I realize that's not saying much.

Long would be my choice. He has been somewhat in the cold at Albion but Under Martinez who knows what he would ring to the table with Everton.
The lad knows where the goal is, has speed and gets to the high balls well.
I don't think McGeady has what it takes for the Prem.

So Everton won't spend big, eh? Well, what a fucking surprise. Widow Twanky strikes again. Twenty million extra TV money, plus the profit from the summer window, seems to have disappeared into the ether. And we're making a virtue of necessity while others... actually, it's Christmas, so I'll eschew my anti-Kenwright auto-rant.

Donovan on loan makes sense - short-term deal only. Long? Doesn't score enough. Samaras? Fuck right off.

Kevin,

You're welcome to your opinion of course, but Iv'e seen Samaras play on a few occasions and I don't think he's the answer. Jelavic's goal scoring record is far superior to Samaras in both the SPL and the PL; that's not to say I think Jelavic is the answer either. I'd sooner move Jelavic on in January, get him off the wage bill and hopefully get £3-4 million for him (wishful thinking).

With some of the names being banded about on these board - I'd rather we not sign anyone at all! Players like Mcgeady and Long aint good enough.

I do like Adolf's suggestion of Donovan for 2 months - that is if he's available.

Not spending big statement is not for our ears but for the ears of any potential sellers. Calm down little chickens.

Can't agree, Tony. It's the biannual bromides from Luvvie's pals in the media. You can bet your last cent it's for our ears.

Could be a bit of subterfuge here.

I'd suggest THIS January is the perfect time for a club like Everton to pick up a striker.

Any International striker worth his salt and not getting a game at his club will be angling for a move.

Firstly, what the hell does the Mirror know about our transfer plans? Lets face it, nowadays anyone with a little nous and access to the internet would be capable or writing the transfer gossip for the rags, but what do they ACTUALLY know. I'm sure neither Roberto or Bill have invited them along to their strategy meetings!!!

Regarding McGeady. I have heard quite a lot of negative comments about him. I also heard a lot of negative comments about fat / slow / past it Gareth Barry before he signed so I for one will trust in Martinez's judgement.

Ps. If we get an offer of anything like £18m for Baines he's gone to help fund it..

Calm down people. Most managers do not want to sign players in January so Roberto is correct in what he wants to do. It was the unique situation with Rangers a few seasons ago that released the likes of Naismith and co.

Have faith I do it is better to have Bill than the fellow from Cardiff!

Samaras?! Samaras?! SAMARAS?!?!

Really?!?!

Drew O'Neall 680:

Very good point - what about Jelavic's mate Olic? Getting on a bit, but good for an 18-month contract.

I think there may be cash to spend, if we manage to get decent money for Hetinga and Jelavic. I think it would take decent money to see us sell Jelavic. We are down to the bare bones with fit strikers so we would a need decent cash return on sales to afford a decent striker.

I'm not so sure now that Baines will go. I'm beginning to think that ship has sailed. Shaw is the left back to buy at the moment.

Carl,

What about Jelavic's mate Mandzucic?....... okay, i'll stop dreaming now!

I'd rather have someone who is proven in top flight football than an overhyped kid like Gauld for instance.

Mark/

Wouldn't it be lovely? Seriously, Olic would a decent bet short-term.

Well if there's one thing we're used to it's austerity. I just hope this is a decision made by Roberto based on his experience of the transfer window, and not something that's being done to him from the boardroom. Meanwhile, Red fucking Rum signs a new contract for they who must not be named.

Why is everybody getting all pessimistic when the mirror never actually uses a quote from Martinez on the subject? All he said is that Kone and Gibson are important, and that we need a bit more cover because of the length of their injuries. Would you rather break the bank on overrated players now or throw all the dough at somebody that's actually good in the summer? Lukaku, Benteke, Michu, and Remy could all be wanting a move somewhere else depending on how everything shapes up. And we'll be holding all the cards if we qualify for CL.

Mark 695, if Real Madrid come sniffing next summer the rat will be gone, I suppose its good business having him tied down so they can sell for a premium price, wouldn't surprise me at all if that was the agreement off the record made with the twat, Oh BTW Phil, regarding Samaras, weren't you the same poster that said Oviedo should be nowhere near the pitch after Baines got injured, so I think I'll give your opinion a pass.

Where's the Felliani money Bill?? FFS

The January window is a difficult time to bring in players unless a previous deal has been made. The type of loan players that Roberto Martinez seems to be talking about will not be starters but be on the bench mostly unless we have a rash of injuries.

I am still reluctant in thinking that our chairman and board are going to change their transfer policy by using any money in January that comes in from outgoing players.

Have we got any young players in the club that are capable of being in the squad, to come off the bench in case of injuries during a game?

I agree with Kevin.

Samaras is a decent player. Better than Jelavic for sure.

He'd do short term.

I read somewhere around £10M will be made available in Jan along with any other proceeds from potentially the sales of Heitinga and Jelavic – approximately another £5-6M. It all depends on whether RM finds the right type of player in Jan, no point in spending the funds on players for the sake of it, I'd rather he get in players on loan/short terms deals until the end of the season and buy when the right players become available in the summer.

Let's face it, those players that RM will probably look to get are those with potentially some kind of CL experience. These players will still be at clubs this season because they are competing in European competitions.

McGeady's attitude may seriously unbalance the excellent team spirit we have, I would say - no way on that grounds alone. lets wait till the summer before we move to fill the striker vacancy. If there is even a slight chance of getting Lukaku, its worthwhile waiting to see that out.

Bafetimbi Gomis is out of contract so could be signed in January and fits the bill for me-big, strong striker. Its unlikely we will be able to get Lukaku on a permanent deal and this guy plays the same game in the same manner so he fits well for me.

Niang from Milan is apparently available for loan and he looks a real quality forward who can pay anywhere along the attack. A loan with an option to buy

Central Midfield is where we really need to add a player and Estaban Cambiasso is out of contract. He is nearly 34 but I watch Inter matches every week and he is still a high quality player for a short tern loan.

I quite like McGeady. A typical Martinez type player who will work hard for the team, try to take on opponents one-to-one and feed Lukaku.

As for the other replacements I wouldn't really know, except they will hopefully have a character and personality nearer to McCarthy than Mirallas who is a cracking player but doesn't always give everything for the team.

John Scott and his koppite Mirror buddies hate Everton and this embellishment of an interview which gave nothing away is typical. In fact, our good start has them severely rattled.

Good suggestions Ray 723

I was going to raise Niang as an option, the report I saw said he was off to Montpellier but we've been in for him before.

Love Cambiasso, wouldn't blame him for a last hurrah in the prem.

Ray,

What a suggestion - Gomis - this lad ticks all the boxes. Newcastle have been trying to sign him for several years now. He almost signed for Newcastle in the summer for a reported £8.5 million fee, only for Lyon to pull the plug on the deal. He will have 6 months left on his contract come January, but Lyon are notoriously hard bargainers, so I think we would have to stump up £4-5 million for him I think.

The lad is strong, has a decent goal scoring record and still only 27 years old. And has been capped by France a good few times.

I think you've identified the perfect gem there Ray. Having said that, he will probably end up at Newcastle.

Ray, agreed. I still hold hope of getting Lukaku but top teams need more than 1 good striker so he would be a good add either way. I love Cambiasso but not sure if he will move here. He has been playing in UCL for so long so he might view this as a step down, unless Inter gets relegated... Niang, no idea...

Also agree with Mark about him possibly snagged by Newcastle. Then again, they have always been yo-yo'd for the past 4 seasons. Money aside, I think we show more credence for his career. No harm trying definitely. Who knows, maybe we might snag him instead. I definitely didn't expect our 3 loanees when RM arrived!

Kevin #654:

"People forget we are £20m better off this season from extra TV money alone" — that should just about cover the annual £20m losses before player sales.

I have not seen conclusive proof that Martinez has said he wont be signing anybody, just newspaper reports making claims. Sorry but this does not amount to anything as far as I am concerned and yes I do think we will buy one or two players during this window.

McManaman is a winger/forward. Definitely not a right back!

His stock has fallen since the cup final but I still think he has great potential. Martinez certainly gets the best out of him.

They're just stating the obvious. Save your money Roberto, till the Summer when there might be a chance of signing Lukaku permanently, especially if we make CL or Europa. Heitinga and Jelavic need to go so if we do as he says and bring in a DM and a striker at little cost and not lose Baines I'd be happy.

Bye-bye, Jela (he's had his chances by now, reminding me of Beattie in second full season); and bring in a striker, and cover for Gibson. The latter should be a loan as we may not need him next season, but probably need to find a striker even if it's a bad time to buy the most expensive position.

When (don't think it's 'if') Baines goes, we should use the money to replace Lukaku, not Baines.

Why spend £15M plus on Baines when the same money will get you Shaw? You may not get the immediate impact with Shaw but in the long run you will get many more years out of him. I honestly think we will either end up keeping Baines or will have to lower our evaluation if he is to leave.

If we are to get a top striker, then we had better learn how to provide the proper service for him. Lukaku gets himself into great positions but isn't getting enough ball to feet. It's great that we aren't relying on him for goals, or that our whole game doesn't revolve around him, but we haven't made the best out of having him so far this season. We have goal all over the pitch but a striker banging them in can be the real difference.

A definite no to McGeady unless he can learn how to deliver the ball. At 27, I doubt if he will learn.

Everyone's jumping overboard because of 1 article in the Mirror.

Regardless of its validity have you not 'twigged' yet that you can rely on RM's judgement.

There goes the 4th place will BK never learn!

Jelavic is a striker, one touch and can be lethal, he goes off and plays for the national side and low and behold looks a far better prospect than the player forced to be the lone striker and playing deeper and deeper so much so he is defending on the bloody goal-line. He in my opinion should get a run with Lukaku as a double spearhead.

Lukaku is already creating so much trouble for defences, imagine if they also have to start worrying about someone who when is in form and is full of confidence will bury the ball in the net in a sniff. At least bring him on for half an hour and show a bit of faith. How can top class strikers under Moyes lose the plot. Even the Yak and Saha were not scoring.

Could it be the way the team was set up by Moyes back then when the emphasis was on not conceding and nicking one. I read on here that some-one suggested that the School of Science had reopened, the padlocks and boarded up windows removed, the cobwebs and decades of dust brushed away.

I think with the world cup happening next year there will be some players desperate for first team football which we can pick up either on loan or buy. If Baines does leave for Utd I'd be more than happy to take Hernandez off Utds hands.

I see this morning in the Sun on Sunday that Barcelona are rumoured to be keeping an eye on Roberto, and see him as a future manager.

Just as I feared.

What you reading that shite for, Ray?

I've not got the paper Phil, its on the BBC Sport site, Football - Gossip- Sun rumours.

The problem is, not that its true Phil, but its only a matter of time I'm afraid, before it happens.

Same old story, as soon as we get a gem, we lose them.

It seems a little for the "woe is us" stuff, given the window's not opened yet and it's a rumour.

If RM doesn't get funds by the end of the summer window, then sure... rant away, but this is a pretty safe bet story from a pretty shitty newspaper.

what about Jovetic from Man City on loan? Great build-up player, great finisher, class act.

He's not been given a chance at City due to injury, maybe a 4-month loan will suit?

We can only loan one more player anyway can we not? So if his statements are correct about needing two or more players, we will be getting at least one permanent.

I wondering if any other Premier League club supporters have the stress of wondering if they will do anything at all in the market. Really stresses me out.

There are plenty of very talented players in the Barca B team that could be bought for a relatively nominal sum. Surely almost any of them would present better long term prospects than some of the names mentioned by others.

The Mirror also claimed that some old bint was the fairest of all. This was later shown to be bollocks when Snow White turned up, much fitter than her step mum, who wasn't even a milf!
I prefer facts to inform me of events to be honest. Merry Christmas!

Simon (#922), according to the regs someone posted we are limited to 2 domestic loanees at a time, and up to 4 in a season.

However, there is apparently a loophole with players from foreign leagues and you can have as many of them as you like.

If those regs are correct then any additional loan players will be from abroad unless Barry is signed on permanently.

Yes McGeady can be a sulk, but hey check out Mirallas. McGeady needs out from Moscow and a new lease of life, which he's more than capable of doing. We don't have a squad (he's an upgrade on Naismith), he's cheap and now has Roy Keane breathing fire under his arse. He looked inspired playing for O'Neill and Keane in the recent Republic game. Martinez must believe he can definitely work with this lad. No-brainer.

I believe RM will continue to make buys with calculated risks. There will be buys that suck, it's just business as usual. I like his tone on keeping status quo and improving whenever opportunity arises. McGeady or Shaw or whoever, I look forward to anyone he brings in, as long as they are not injured before them come...

Ray, it just occurred to me, even if you fear RM to go to Barca, he has not managed huge egos before. Is he ready for Barca? I would say not. And unless the offer is again ridiculous, I think RM is smart enough to avoid a disaster.