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Osman optimistic on new signings
The 32 year-old will celebrate over a decade of service to the Blues when the Portuguese champions visit Goodison Park and he is optimistic that a couple more names will be added to the squad by the time the match rolls around.
“Besic should be completed in the next few days and we're aware of the rumours about a couple more coming in," Osman said. "It would be good if any new arrivals could play in my testimonial.”
"We try not to be distracted by speculation. But sometimes you can't help but hear the rumours about who the manager wants to bring in to the club."
Muhamed Besic travelled with the squad to Thailand
One of the most hotly-rumoured targets remains Romelu Lukaku whose future remains as open as it was when he left for the World Cup in Brazil last month. Since then, Chelsea have sold Demba Ba to Besiktas and released Samuel Eto'o but drafted in Diego Costa and fan favourite Didier Drogba which again leaves Lukaku facing plenty of competition for places at Stamford Bridge.
Roberto Martinez is eager to bring the Belgian striker to Goodison on a permanent basis and Osman added his voice to those who would welcome his return.
“It would be good to have Romelu back," the veteran midfielder continued. "We know the quality he's got. There might be a bit more to do to get him back here but it would be great if he could come back in time to play in the game."
Lukaku has been training at his first club, Anderlecht, since returning from holiday and is due to link back up with the Chelsea squad in Austria on 30th July.
Though he has been earmarked for Everton's Under-21s, young Belgian ace, David Henen, is another potential new name who could be in the squad against Porto. The 18 year-old has reportedly remained on Merseyside while the Blues are in Thailand and is expected to complete his £1.5m transfer from Anderlecht when the squad returns to England early next week.
Tickets for Osman's testimonial on 3rd August are available to purchase at evertonfc.com, at Park End Box Office or in the City centre at Everton Two, Liverpool One or the TicketQuarter.
Adult prices are £20 (in advance) or £25 (on matchday). For over 65s and under 16s ticket prices are £10.
Reader Comments (22)
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2 Posted 25/07/2014 at 21:57:34
4 Posted 26/07/2014 at 00:08:39
5 Posted 26/07/2014 at 01:04:00
On the other hand, this is Everton and we sometimes experience the odd blip. Often in the form of agents or other creepy characters seeking a piece of the action.
6 Posted 26/07/2014 at 01:52:56
7 Posted 26/07/2014 at 08:18:42
8 Posted 26/07/2014 at 08:46:30
9 Posted 26/07/2014 at 08:54:41
10 Posted 26/07/2014 at 09:37:02
Unlike previous seasons, I'm feeling pretty calm about this window. I believe it when Martinez says he has identified his targets and I'm confident that intensive negotiations are going on behind the scenes. We just have more class than to broadcast our activities to the press on a daily basis.
The World Cup has had an impact too. Lots of potential signings are still away on extended holidays. I guess Lukaku is training with Anderlecht whilst on extended holiday back with his family. Patience!
11 Posted 26/07/2014 at 11:52:50
Today, players earn more in one week than most people earn in a year. The average salary for a Premier League player today is around ٟ.5M a year. After 10-odd years in the Premier League, I'm pretty sure that the money raised from the testimonial will be small change to Leon.
Again, am not bitter or anything and have nothing against Ossie — he should be given a pat on the back for his loyalty (although the club has also made him a very rich man); I just feel that any money raised from these sort of games should be put to a better cause — like grass roots football in the local community or a local charity. Ossie certainly doesn't need another 𧶀-300k or whatever the final amount raised will be.
12 Posted 26/07/2014 at 12:39:10
13 Posted 26/07/2014 at 13:12:51
14 Posted 26/07/2014 at 13:26:25
Nice to see our lads putting the money (which at the end of the day is direct from the fans) into something good.
15 Posted 26/07/2014 at 14:16:43
16 Posted 26/07/2014 at 23:22:35
This man has been a great servant of Everton.your comments are unjustified and not appreciated.
17 Posted 26/07/2014 at 23:23:22
Perhaps lower league players might keep the money, but those at the top have been giving the cash away for a very long time.
In other news, has anyone else seen the video online of Martinez telling blues in Thailand that we're going to sign Lukaku?
Here's a link to it: Link0677.html">Link
18 Posted 26/07/2014 at 23:25:24
We didn't do so bad did we with him in the team, and your wish has absolutely no chance of happening.
19 Posted 26/07/2014 at 23:46:58
20 Posted 26/07/2014 at 23:50:05
21 Posted 27/07/2014 at 00:03:32
22 Posted 27/07/2014 at 01:18:07
ps: May I add that although I feel Ossie may not be able to play every game, he does offer us a clever pro who is able to pick a decent pass and also keep the ball for us. ItÂ’s a squad game these days and Ossie is a solid squad player.
23 Posted 27/07/2014 at 10:44:25
I’d be surprised if Leon gets as much PL game time this year. This is likely to be his final season at the highest level but given Europe, Paul is going to get plenty of opportunity to vent his customary spleen.
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1 Posted 25/07/2014 at 20:27:09