Jack Colback may be on the radar

The times I've seen him he looks a very good player, being out of contract in the summer obviously fits into our budget as well (thanks Bill), I can see this one happening.

Kept an eye on this guy yesterday in the League Cup Final as I have seen these rumours before. Not sure about him being a direct replacement for Barry but certainly a solid, younger option to Osman.

The lad has skill, with a great engine and a tenacious tackler — and that's from a old warhorse who use to help run our great midfield in the 80s... Peter Reid. Enough said.

Ki Sung-Yueng is a player I do like from Sunderland. Having watched Swansea a bit this year i'm amazed they let him go out on loan.

Yes Charlie, but they refused to sell him.

Colback looked poor under Di Canio but has looked another man under Poyet, positive, lively, good quality, terrific energy. Everton potential? I would say so.

He was played out of position yesterday and still looked good. I'd still like us to get Wayne Routledge as the perfect replacement for Pienaar.

We really need cover for the DM trio of Gibson, Barry and McCarthy. Its the one area on the pitch where we do not have a full set of replacements (and as one of them is injured for the whole season we have no replacements at all). Colbeck sounds like he would fit the bill assuming we are not going to break the bank for a superstar in that role (a given frankly).

Though like Charlie Dixon I like the look of Ki.

Why an 'alternative' to Barry? We'll never had a squad of players as long as we keep on going for 'one or the other' like this. Assuming there's any truth to it...

Mark #595, I know right? I mean, after two windows of net negative spend on transfers, that must mean that RM has quite the war-chest [(c) Deluded Bluenoses] for the summer right? So we'll be looking to build a sqaud to compete on (hopefully) four fronts right?

Where's the war-chest Bill?

According to the"Barry" thread, the City loanee has purchased an exec box for next season with his pic already on the wall.

Where this would leave Colback goodness knows. Being a left footer he could play the Barry or Baines roles but it's hard to see him getting a game. In the recent Cup Final he was stuck on the left wing and was a virtual spectator throughout.

Have to agree. His agent is pushing for a move.

Harol M @ 597 I cannot find a 'Barry thread', at which club did Barry purchase an exec box?

Ki is the one you want from them — he would be great here.

This could be good news for us but how the hell can Sunderland allow 7 players to run down their contracts?

Ciaran, with all their upheaval over the last 2-3 years since sacking O'Neill, it's easy to see how they'd have 7 players running down their contracts. Di Canio probably fell out with half of them, told them they'd never play for him again etc etc. New Manager comes in, has to work with what he's got but ultimately wants to shape the team in his own style.

Finally, the executive management probably want to see what division they're going to be in next season before committing as well.

Agree with Mark (#595) we need to start to build a squad, ie almost have two first teams. A good idea to keep the "older" players like Distin etc to help the transition of the younger ones. I think this will be a good player for Everton if he comes. competition for places keeps players on their toes.

Feel sorry a bit for Poyet, Sunderland are going to fall into the lower division and that's despite some good performances under him. I see it states on the official Everton site that the bean pole is staying at Everton as he doesn't need surgery just 6-8 weeks out. Now I reckon that leaves just about a month of the season left for him. presuming he sticks to that timetable.

I ask is this worth it to pay his wages as he will hardly have played since he came in January. or is Roberto hopeful of getting another season out of his parent club?

Let's get Colback, Ki and Routledge hey then we can replicate the great performances of Swansea and Sunderland this season.

Ki is not good enough for us hence why Swansea loaned him out and he's been an ever present in a poor side.

Colback has a lot more talent but should never play fullback. He's the type of midfielder who would help us dominate lower teams but is overawed in the big games.

Considering we have no issue with ball retention shouldn't we be looking for a different type of player to the likes of Allen, Colback and McCarthy? We need a midfielder that gets people off their seats who can beat a man with a trick or with a great pass.

Dick. Rumour Mill, "Barry offered 3-year deal."

John Moore 548. " I was at Goodison on Friday, looking at seats for next season and the bloke showing us around said GB had just purchased the end exec box towards the Park End. You could see picture of said gent on the wall, resplendent in blue."

Wayne Routledge???? Far too hit and miss for me.

Don't see the problem with Mirallas and McGeady occupying the wide berths for the next couple of seasons, and don't consider Routledge to be an improvement on either of them.

Wayne Routledge?

Cant see the RS, Spurs or the Arse scrambling for his signature.We have to think better than him.