Everton close in on Eto'o

The only thing that worries me is when the ACN comes around and we lose Eto'o and Kone

World Class finishers are short in abundance and regardless of age, he is that, just can't do regular 90 minute games now.

Use him wisely and he could turn out to be a top signing.

Points about his attitude are a concern - just have to hope for the best with that.

He's better than Kone.

Roberto will want him to mentor Lukaku.

It will take some of the burden off of Lukaku whilst giving him some real competition. It would be great to have them both in the squad for the Chelsea game raring for a little payback against Jose!

If he has taken a lower salary in return for a two-year contract (as opposed to just the one reportedly offered to him by the dark side) then he fits in with our wage structure and allows us to cash in, if desired, in a year's time when the Middle East comes calling.

It might be too much to expect for him to continue that 1-in-2 strike rate at his age but you can't argue with his record. A natural goal-poacher coming on when Lukaku tires is no bad thing.

This is a fella with a goal record as long as a phone book, 100 goals at Barcelona??
Scored God knows how many at Inter Milan.

The guy has bundles of experience and has proven he can still do a good job last season, infact only in January this year he hit a hat-trick against Man United.

Lets not forget we're talking back up striker here, well Eto'o will do you a good job and he will also help the younger lads along including Lukaku.

As others have said, he’ll be a Mr. Miyagi-type for Rom, and hopefully he can turn games coming off the bench.

So I am pleased enough to see him in our blue now.

Around the box, this guy is always on full alert.

Here we go again, another expensive sick room candidate.

ThereÂ’s no Champions League and am sure we are not paying the massive wages he could get in the Middle East I remain unconvinced he will be good for squad morale but I suppose Roberto has inquired about his character.

He had the best part of a goal in every 2 games last season at Chelsea, where he was used sparingly. I just watched his goals for last season and he scored some crackers..Added to that, his experience playing europe will help us playing in the europa this season.

If Jose hadn't made the quip about his age, I don't think Roberto would've been posed questions about whether Eto'o can still do-it over 90 minutes. Chelsea have just signed Drogba who's older at 36 and nobodies battered an eyelid at that signing

And yes, his experience in working free from defenders will be an incredibly valuable grandmaster lesson for Rom, who currently has no idea how to do it.

A huge YES to this signing.

Flying in from the States for the Chelsea match. Any TWers finding a pub before the match this Saturday?

Footy fans, fickle?

If he scores the winner in both derbies mate, he can go fast-track straight into the Hall of Fame !

Also not much use comparing his age with Barry, Distin and Howard who play in different positions.

The premier league is dominated by teams with pace, energy and guile at the moment. He has 1 of the 3 so hopefully he uses it well.

Not convinced its a great move financially but we need another striker and if he puts in a few goals and good performances then I will be easily converted.

We've been asking questions for years about spending money, splashing the cash, so why the hell not, he may be slightly older than we'd like but sod it, I'd like to see what he can do.

Exciting times ahead!

Would love Micah Richards next; he can play centre back and RB... and when at his best, is far superior to Glen Johnson, Kyle Walker or any other English RB's. Coleman can't play every game in all 4 competitions... and the thought of seeing Hibbert or Stones at RB brings me out in cold sweats. We rely heavily on our fullbacks to be an integral part of our attacking play, so we definitely need another RB.

As an option to throw on with 20 minutes to go against unambitious 'bus-parkers' I don't think you can have too many qualms. As someone you might want to lead the line for 70-80 minutes in an extended series of games, then it might be expecting an awful lot.

These boards are starting to sound more and more like we are defending champions, rather than trying to break into the elite. That's Martinez's fault I suppose....the positive bastard.

Could have used him Saturday! Early call for masterstroke me thinks

I said elsewhere Eto’o was only holding out for the club prepared to pay the most, which someone else said before me, but fair do’s if he has taken a significant pay cut to sign for us.

Now go back to Chelsea RM and sign Petr Cech as well!!

That said he is free and does know where the net is. He is a damn sight better than Welbeck so there is that.

We will see I guess if he hits double figures great move. I am concerned what kind of wage he will be getting though!

Let's get one thing straight, he hasn't been brought in as a coach for Lukaku so let's stop these terrible shouts that Lukaku will learn anything from him. He is here as a very highly paid back up striker and if he gets injured it will be a signing that has backfired.

I think they will win the Championship, next year!

Scar tissue written all over this.

What's Shevchenko doing nowdays ?

What worries me most though is our lack of cohesion at the back, I suppose if we score more then we have to concede more to snatch more draws from the jaws of victory.

Hey ho, onwards and upwards...

He’s a top professional and others in the running for him included AC Milan.

Good signing. And on a free.
Some people look for any excuse for a moan.

The point mentioned about that he's the same age as Osman and Barry are precisely what terrifies me. Without McCarthy doing the running for them our midfield was virtually stationary, surely we can't afford to have the same up front?

I'm surprised by many peoples reaction to the Eto'o signing. He's clearly still a class act, though he's not going to play every minute of every game. I'm not normally keen on signing players in the twilights of their careers, but I make an exception to that rule when they are genuine class acts like Barry and Eto'o . To me this will work in a similar way to the loans last season in that they buy Martinez more time to build his squad without compromising on quality or just bringing in bodies to make up the numbers. We get a couple of decent seasons out of Eto'o whilst the new young crop of talent grows into the team. A shrewd move by Roberto in my book.

Regarding his wages, this is football in 2014 lads, if we want to compete at the top this is a very unfortunate side effect.

And he won't be knackered after a long career of hard knocks either, in fact he had plenty of rest last season.

If he's agreed lesser terms with us, to me that says he's got a point to prove and if he does it in the Blue of Everton even better.

As Chris 68 says, this is not Beckford/Beattie.......blah blah, this is Samuel Eto'o!

We're throwing money around more than ever and still people are frustrated!!

That said; if we are paying Chelsea 5M a year for Rom; where has the money gone this time?

Yes, because our Commercial Department has nailed our opportunities having the likes of Howard, Cahill, Donovan etc. down the years.

He is burning with resentment at what Mourhino said about him; so we'll have 2 strikers, one older one young; both desperate to make Jose eat his words!

Throughout his career [which has mostly been at heights we won't see] he's scored 1 in 2. Even at Chelsea, his 9 goals came from 16 STARTS.

Also, Eto'o will take all the press attention; the media will love him; allowing Rom to develop quietly in the shadows.

Mourinho, Rodgers and Martinez have all been keen to sign him; so, if the 3 best young managers in football, all wanted him; mightn't they know a bit more about it than we, the public?

And he's FREE!!

P.S. for those worried about the African Cup of Nations, Cameroon have just announced their squad, and he's not in it [neither are 13 others who went to the World Cup].

The difference with Eto'o is that he's not just a star in his home country. An Everton team that plays great football and includes the occasional flash of genius from Eto'o wouldn't need any other marketing. That would be enough to draw interest from neutrals worldwide.

He is not free he is going to cost us a fortune in wages for christs sake. He was a great player but he hadn't been for a long time he is a money grabber hence his time in Anzi. Smacks of panic to me. I am sure the mega bucks we will have to pay him will unite the dressing room. A two year contract as well, he can probably qualify for his pension at he end of his time,

Romelu will learn every day from EtoÂ’o, no doubt about it. Any young striker with ambition would look up to him.

A loan deal for Micah Richards with an option to buy at the end of the season would be good!

He’s got to be worth a punt with no transfer fee and it is not a hark back to Ginola etc – this time, we have spent 㿏M or more and are looking for backup. Naismith will do his running for him so let’s see if he can put the ball in the net.

But In Roberto We Trust...

With Eto’o to show Lukaku a few tips, skillwise, in and around the box, and Big Dunc to instill a bit of attitude, Rom can’t help but soak up a few pointers. It’s all good.

Sometimes, in my opinion only, you need to gamble on certain things, and I think this maybe one of them

Also not sure about the two year deal, surely one year with an option would be the way forward. Hope this isn't another gazza/ginola type moment....

Interesting times indeed and certainly good for the profile of the club (hope he scores and his ego doesn't screw up the dressing room....).

Spot of desperation here?

ItÂ’s also a top name in the ranks; old or not, itÂ’s good for the status of the club to have such an established well known player in an Everton shirt.

Simply Eto'o gives us an option to rest Romelu and the ability to go to 2 up front if a game requires.

Struggling to see the downside with this. If we had an 18 year old ready to break into the side them I'd be disappointed... but we don't.

I just hope (and pray) that Martinez brings in another striker either on loan or bought as we are still very light up front!

Now the question is: Do we want to pay that ٢-5m a year on an impact player? Well, yes and no. Let me break down the advantages and drawbacks.

Advantages:

Considering Lukaku is the only fit striker, heÂ’ll now he be able to share the burden upfront with Eto’o.
Lukaku will have some healthy competition.
Eto brings a different dimension to the game, quicker and agile inside the box.
Even at 33 he will still be able to outrun most centrebacks as an impact sub (if there’s a goal/assist bonus in his contract).
HeÂ’s got great footballing experience around Europe which will come in handy with the Europa League games.

Our options were definitely limited and let’s be honest, we needed a bench player. I don’t think there are many out there better than him who want to warm up the bench and who know where the net is.

Drawbacks:

HeÂ’s a pompous hard-head, a one-man team, a selfish animal.
He has lost a yard or two.
HeÂ’s going to be gone for the African Cup of Nations.
He has no resale value.
Fairly injury prone.
May actually be the highest paid player while playing the least, if he signs.

If I was Martinez, I would take Eto’o on that 2-year contract and then sell him off come the winter transfer window. Of course, depending on our other strikers, if theyÂ’re fit and in form.

We are a sell-to-buy club and I can see us selling of either Barkley or McCarthy in the next year or two if we donÂ’t make that Champions League spot. Our squad needs a revamp and that 㿊-60M isnÂ’t going to come out of BillÂ’s pocket, I am sure of that.

This guy was the best player in the world.. Did anyone think Everton would ever sign Samuel Eto'o?

.

I don't know what has happened to our club lately.

COYB

Overall I would have preferred Welbeck, but I just don't see United loaning him to us, a rival. I think that if he was hellbent on leaving next monday and there was nothing else on the table (which is unlikey) United may deal, but that is one hell of a gamble to take with our schedule coming up.

Secondly I am fed up of 'fans' casting aspersions of people they know nothing about. How do some of you know that Eto'o is a disruptive influence? Why does the fact he went to Russia make him a moneygrabber etc. Afterall he had done everything in Europe. Do we look at him as more of a mercenary because he is African? However it is totally unjustified.

If he does sign welcome to the best club in the world Samuel.

This is a huge gamble that could go either way. To those who don't see any alternatives I would ask how many of them knew about Gerard Deulofeu before he was loaned to us. I am disappointed that the links supposedly forged through that deal have not yielded a promising young striker who could be assured to be keen to impress.

Maybe Samuel Eto'o is the best we could hope for and will be a resounding success. Personally, I am a little disappointed with the way the transfer window has panned out since we signed Rom.

Any news on Henen.

Aperfect signing... who will pass on his experience to Rom, Kevin etc, as well as scoring goals in league, cup and and Europe.

I canÂ’t believe some would prefer diving Wellbeck. Not a chance.

Also, I think EtoÂ’o is a guy who likes to prove people wrong so I canÂ’t help but feel heÂ’s gonna be a hit with us for at least this season, just to prove himself to the teams and managers (Mourinho in particular). HeÂ’s always known were the goal was and heÂ’s filled in on the right for inter in their treble-winning season just a few years back as well as playing in the playmakerÂ’s role for Anzi.

All-in-all, heÂ’s a well rounded and experienced goalscoring international.

Cannot handle watching Everton players who don't give everything for the shirt and I wonder how bothered Samuel will be. If he busts a gut and gives everything on the pitch then fair enough. If he wonders around looking like a dazed and lost geriatric waiting for Messi to serve it up on a plate then that 60k per week is going to start to irk fans and players alike.

Don't rest on them laurels Samuel. Give everything, score a few goals and you will be adored.

Kone doesnÂ’t look like he will be fit any time soon and most teams with CL ambitions have at least two good goalscorers, I still feel he has a lot to offer and can only help our profile.

With regards to his temperament, maybe that little bit of arrogance in his character is what made him such a top player; after all, you donÂ’t really play for the teams heÂ’s played for and win all the trophies he has without having some serious ability as a footballer.

I was around during the Smith Era. Eto'o scored twelve goals last year including a hat trick at United and was playing in Europe. Other than age ( which is simplistic) I see no similarities. Can you elaborate?

On Deulofeu if it is a player who simply plays for himself and shows the poor decision making he last year I would rather not to be honest, no.

Link

Get off your high horse pal, he is a money grabber as all the players who went to Anzi during their boom time were due to dodgy Money building a team who didnt even train there FFS. You also contradict yourself as well how do you know it's 60k a week, do you know whether there is a signing on fee. You also unsubtly infer that my earlier comment about being a money grabber is somehow related to him being an african? Which is a load of crap. Anybody who followed world football would know that ALL of the imports who went to Anzi were going for a big pay day rather than compete at the top level in Europe or maybe they liked training in Russia and then flying to home games. However you might have known that one of Everton physios went to work for Anzi after Moyes got the push here. He was employed by Anzi for a few months before the bubble burst financially. I happened to bump I to him in town around 12 months ago, as I have known him since he was a kid he gave the lowdown on what was happening there do you can retract your sly racist slur

I have been beating the TW drum about Micah Richards for weeks, it is only now the window is gradually closing that others are seing that this would be a great (and not a bank breaking) transfer, should it happen.

I still feel Holtby, and a goalkeeping understudy (Marshall, McCarthy or Cech, well why not?) would really be the icing, and set us up for an assault on all fronts!

Just sayin'...

The African player thing was not directed at you at all, more at a wider media idea that it is ok to label players like this as money grabbers.

I am certainly not on a high horse so cut that out now.

To be fair, if he's purely a money grabber then he wouldn't be coming to us, though. Been pretty well reported he's got some ridiculous deal on offer in Qatar, but apparently wants to stay in Europe and continue playing at a higher level.

Now we have Lukaku at 21 and EtoÂ’o as back up and, 33 or not, that is a great strike force. IÂ’m made up!

We have a team full of potential and bottle merchants - do you think Eto'o will bottle it at Anfield, or Old Trafford? It will be an excellent signing. He's better than some of our midfielders, never mind playing as a striker.

"Fuckin’ money-grabber that feller!"

They ALL have agents and no agent (worth his/her salt) is doing anything other than trying to get the most money they can for their client (and therefore themselves).

EVERY agent is looking for a four/five/six year contract at top whack - some agents are better than others (bit like footballers then)

The fact that one player is on 25 grand a week and another on 100 is absolutely no reflection on the greed level or monygrabaciousness of the players.

Imo those who target specific individuals for being ’greedy’ are simply venting.

But - Has Been's 'Have' - he's been there, seen it, done it, will do a job for us, teach Lukaku a thing or too and raise our profile a bit too.

We need more options up front so to get him on a free on a realistic wage seems good to me.

Taking Eto'o specifically, he'd won *everything* at club level, and Anzhi made him the highest paid player in the world to lead what, at the time, seemed like a highly funded project to create a genuinely competitive Russian team. Obviously that never happened, but it's not like it was a totally confusing decision; and he continued to score goals and seemingly stay pretty motivated.

What else can you get for that these days? You wouldn't even get someone like Jordan Rhodes when you factor in his wages as well.

Obviously there is no sell in value, but on this occasion and in the stage we have evolved to, I think we need another proven striker, and yes he hasn't got long left, but they don't come much more proven than Eto'o so why not?

Sometimes you have to take a few risks, so overall, having given it some thought, I think it's a good move.

If, however, this doesn't happen, he can fuck right off, the mercenary, lazy, past it twat. I never rated him anyway!! ;)

If Eto'o really couldn't care less then why stay in the PL. The most competitive and physically demanding league in the world? Go to Qatar, America or Dubai surely!

IÂ’m not fussed about talking about Eto. He doesnÂ’t excite me. I think he will think he is too big for Everton and the fact he will be our highest paid player?? I hope it works out and he scores lots but I repeat IÂ’m not excited about it.

Opposition is based in Abu Dhabi and the like.

Nobody of Eto'o 's stature would go there unless planning on retirement!!

I think Martinez is great but, if this deal goes through, IÂ’ll be having very serious doubts about Robby.

Personally I think you are comparing apples to oranges.

As it stands he is our back-up striker with Lukaku suffering from some sort of injury. At Chelski he had the company of Ba, Torres and Schurrle to share the loan. If you expect him to be skipping around merrily slotting in the goals after half a dozen 90 minute outings on the trot then you have high expectations.

That was my point about the Walter Smith era. We are recruiting players who are very much on the down-slope and may need them to really put in a shift. Coming off the bench and dealing with tiring defences is not the same as leading the line from the first whistle. It is the same reason why you cannot simply project Hernandez's performances at United into a putative career at Everton because he will not be used in the same way in all likelihood. We are not Chelski and what Eto'o did last season is pretty much irrelevant (in the same way we are not Wigan and what Martinez did with them 2012-13 was in no way guaranteed to be repeated).

You also misinterpret / misrepresent my point on Deulofeu. It was simply a comment that none of us really know who may be available beyond the players we have all heard of. To claim that Eto'o is the best we could hope for is just making things up.

Kevin (134) - yes, I am largely disappointed in what has happened (or not) since Lukaku signed. To be fair I had overlooked the loan of Christian Atsu, but whilst he is a big plus he is not one for the long-term (especially if he actually does have a terrific season).

The drawn out Henen saga, the lack of interest in signing another midfielder to cover Barkley's absence (as well as any of the others who fail to make it through the season unscathed), and the last minute scramble to sign any half-decent striker that is available (i.e. not wanted by our main rivals), seem very typical of the sort of 'activity' that I hoped we had somehow left-behind .

These days it's thankfully a targeted effort to improve on what we have. Eto'o would do that; we need a backup striker to play 10-20 sub games and maybe start another 10-15 games. He's perfect for that isn't he?

So we cold move him to the top, and put Barkley, Oviedo, Osman or Pienaar behind him. Or perhaps Besic, though I don't know much of his ability as an offensive midfielder.

I am just saying that Naismith really is a good striker, and hardworking as we like it. Lukaku no doubt has talent and is a goalscorer. But so is Naismith, and I believe he would be a proper replacement if Lukaku is out-has to be substituted.

E'to has a good record and will surely give us some good goals to celebrate, bt why is he comming? To give in to his pocket, or to give it for Everton? Regarding Naimsith there is no doubt..

Kone I believe is ruined and will not make many apperances.
IF he recovers, he's been out for so long it wold take him half a year to get the touch again. And by then someone else is no 2 and no 3 on the picking list, before him.

Traore could be a good catch, altough I reckon he's out of the pic now.

Fantastic signing. Now teams will fear us.

As long as he is not a disruptive influence and the wages not out of kilter (and who knows) then a two year deal makes sense. I hope Kone comes back and comes back good, but we just won't know for at least 6 months and we need a body we can throw in now as cover for Lukaku.

Its not like Gascoigne or Ginola. Gascoigne in particular was well gone when we got him, whilst Eto was still scoring goals in the Premier League last season.

Sorry to hear the latest Gazza story. 47 and passed out outside his flat with a bottle of gin in his hands. Its a story that will not end well.

This guy was arguably the best striker in the world for a good chunk of the last decade, played with some of the greatest players we have seen in a generation/lifetime (Ronaldinho, Xavi, Deco, Inietsa, Giuly, Puyol, MESSI), won an Olympic gold medal, Champs League winner's medal and at one stage was the highest paid footballer on the planet. At 33 (not that old) he is looking like signing for Everton. Some of us haven't had the luxury of seeing Everton of the 80s play like the best club in the world that they were for a short time, so forgive me for being over the top, but this is a massive deal for the club, if only for the fact that a player like Eto'o would consider us a viable option.

We've drawn the first two matches. Last season we drew the first three against teams that were not as good as Arsenal.

Memory is a wonderful thing to use sometimes.

Are u kidding me?

World class striker admittedly older and slower but with clinical finishing capabilities and bags of experience vs. donkey, over-paid English, no talent Bambi on ice Welbeck.

You gotta be fuckin kidding me?!

We are signing Samuel Eto'o FFS and he will contribute and will improve the team! He bridges the gap between him and the next young striker to make the grade and compliment Rom.

How can you be against this?

Welcome Samuel!!! Get in!!

Maybe the poll should have told you something Jamie? Welbeck is clearly a better striker than you give him credit for, and Eto'o, as wonderful as he once was, is now 33. How many 33 year old strikers cut in the Premiership? how many 34 year olds or 35 year olds?

And Roman, I don't share your glee about Eto'o honouring us with his presence. We are buying the player now, not his past reputation.

Eto'o is still a good striker. Just as Barry as an important midfielder. But my concern is this: We've Barry for 3 seasons, and Eto'o for 2, on high wages. Both will bring experience of playing at the top level, which is an invaluable bonus. Both have a winning mentality. But, both are on the decline, and will likely cost us a significant amount of money in wages when they are no longer vital to the first team. I'd be happy with Eto'o for one year, but I'm not happy with him for two. He will also not be happy to sit on the bench, and if he is unhappy, then the dressing room will be unhappy too. If Eto'o prevents us from going for Hernandez or Welbeck on loan, we will have also lose out on players who can improve us now and in the future, and who offer the kind of pace which our system relies on. Is this move best for us now, and for the future? I'm not sure, and cannot share the glee of some others on here. This is a big big risk, and I'm not sure we needed to take it.

Eto'o / Besic is making sense to me, i.e. we need the European experience and they're what we can afford in the crucial areas.

....exclaimed the wild eyed, wiry goats pube haired humanoid known as Gene Wilder. "And I never saw shit neither" chimed in Richard Pryor, his slightly less annoying co-star in celluloid shite-fest ’See No Evil, Hear No Evil’. "Unfuckingbelievable" groaned the entire audience.

"I am fed up of ’fans’ casting aspersions of people they know nothing about. How do some of you know that Eto’o is a disruptive influence?"

You’re dead right Clouseu, it’s an absolute disgrace the way in which some people are presumed guilty despite the fact your finely honed, nigh on godlike gifts of guilt detection have thus far failed to find even a hint of a hissy fit...erm....apart from those well reported rifts at almost every club the crinkly Cameroonian pulled a kit on for.

Let’s see who he’s had run ins with over the years:

Pep Guardiola:

(1)
"Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola rowed with striker Samuel Eto’o yesterday.

El Mundo Deportivo says Guardiola clashed with the Cameroon star during a closed-doors training session.

Eto’o was ordered with the rest of the squad to do stretching, something that Guardiola believes in strongly. The coach was unhappy with Eto’o’s efforts and demanded better.

The player snapped back at Guardiola, insisting he was doing the exercises properly, but the coach was having none of it and sent Eto’o to the showers early."

(2)
"Samuel Eto’o has accused Pep Guardiola of being a coward and disrespecting him in his final season at Barcelona:

"I first of all reminded Guardiola that he’d never been a great player," Eto’o told BeIN Sports. "He was a good player, that’s true. I told him. As a coach, he had proven nothing. He came in and didn’t even know the story of the dressing room.

"Guardiola has never had the courage to say things in front of me. He passed by the players. Xavi told me they wanted me to stay but I had to talk to Pep. I say ’never, if you do not respect me, I do not respect you’.

"Pep told me how to move like a striker. I told him: ’You’re not normal!’ The true story is that Pep didn’t respect the things in football"

Roberto Carlos:

"‘I’ve known Eto’o since I was 16, and from that time on he’s always been a good guy who I’ve liked a lot,’ Carlos said.

‘He’s a good person, but there’s a big part of him that thinks “I, and not the group”, which is really damaging.

‘....a moment arrived when Eto’o thought to interfere with my work, to control the club, taking my position and that of Guus [Hiddink, the coach].

‘We talked about one thing, and then he went to the players and talked about another. That stressed me out and I warned that I would pack my bags and go.’

Frank Rijkaerd & Ronaldinho:

"Eto’o refused to come on as a substitute in a league match against Racing de Santander on 11 February 2007. Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard said after the match, "He did not want to come on; I don’t know why." Ronaldinho was critical of Eto’o’s actions, saying that Eto’o was not putting the team first"

Then there’s the effect of his wise head on the Cameroon World Cup squad:

"Add to all that the influence – often disruptive – of Samuel Eto’o, the 112-cap Chelsea striker. If he’s not trying to pick the players and coaches, he’s accusing his team-mates of “not wanting to pass to me”.
(-from ’the secret footballer’)

"Eto’o was accused of treason by some members of the media in his homeland after the Cameroon national team wouldn’t board their plane to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil until they received bigger bonuses.......The Cameroon team has been involved in monetary disputes before and this time it was over an extra $10,300 to each member of the World Cup squad. Back in 2011 Eto’o was banned from the senior national team for a total of eight months for his role in leading a players’ strike. In that instance the Cameroon team refused to play a sold-out match against Algeria unless they received more money and it had to be called off"
(http://m.soccerly.com/article/IanStewartPalmer/cameroons-samuel-etoo-fights-back-against-accusations-of-treason).

....exclaimed the wild eyed, wiry goats pube haired humanoid known as Gene Wilder. "And I never saw shit neither" chimed in Richard Pryor, his slightly less annoying co-star in celluloid shite-fest 'See No Evil, Hear No Evil'. "Unfuckingbelievable" groaned the entire audience.

"I am fed up of 'fans' casting aspersions of people they know nothing about. How do some of you know that Eto'o is a disruptive influence?"

You're dead right Clouseu, it's an absolute disgrace the way in which some people are presumed guilty despite the fact your finely honed, nigh on godlike gifts of guilt detection have thus far failed to find even a hint of a hissy fit...erm....apart from those well reported rifts at almost every club the crinkly Cameroonian pulled a kit on for.

Let's see who he's had run ins with over the years:

Pep Guardiola:

(1)
"Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola rowed with striker Samuel Eto'o yesterday.

El Mundo Deportivo says Guardiola clashed with the Cameroon star during a closed-doors training session.

Eto'o was ordered with the rest of the squad to do stretching, something that Guardiola believes in strongly. The coach was unhappy with Eto'o's efforts and demanded better.

The player snapped back at Guardiola, insisting he was doing the exercises properly, but the coach was having none of it and sent Eto'o to the showers early."

(2)
"Samuel Eto'o has accused Pep Guardiola of being a coward and disrespecting him in his final season at Barcelona:

"I first of all reminded Guardiola that he'd never been a great player," Eto'o told BeIN Sports. "He was a good player, that's true. I told him. As a coach, he had proven nothing. He came in and didn't even know the story of the dressing room.

"Guardiola has never had the courage to say things in front of me. He passed by the players. Xavi told me they wanted me to stay but I had to talk to Pep. I say 'never, if you do not respect me, I do not respect you'.

"Pep told me how to move like a striker. I told him: 'You're not normal!' The true story is that Pep didn't respect the things in football"

Roberto Carlos:

" I've known Eto'o since I was 16, and from that time on he's always been a good guy who I've liked a lot,'Carlos said.

'He's a good person, but there's a big part of him that thinks "I, and not the group", which is really damaging.

'....a moment arrived when Eto'o thought to interfere with my work, to control the club, taking my position and that of Guus [Hiddink, the coach]. We talked about one thing, and then he went to the players and talked about another. That stressed me out and I warned that I would pack my bags and go".

Frank Rijkaerd & Ronaldinho:

"Eto'o refused to come on as a substitute in a league match against Racing de Santander on 11 February 2007. Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard said after the match, "He did not want to come on; I don't know why." Ronaldinho was critical of Eto'o's actions, saying that Eto'o was not putting the team first"

Then there's the effect of his wise head on the Cameroon World Cup squad:

"Add to all that the influence – often disruptive – of Samuel Eto'o, the 112-cap Chelsea striker. If he's not trying to pick the players and coaches, he's accusing his team-mates of "not wanting to pass to me".
(-from 'the secret footballer')

"Eto'o was accused of treason by some members of the media in his homeland after the Cameroon national team wouldn't board their plane to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil until they received bigger bonuses.......The Cameroon team has been involved in monetary disputes before and this time it was over an extra $10,300 to each member of the World Cup squad. Back in 2011 Eto'o was banned from the senior national team for a total of eight months for his role in leading a players' strike. In that instance the Cameroon team refused to play a sold-out match against Algeria unless they received more money and it had to be called off"
(http://m.soccerly.com/article/IanStewartPalmer/cameroons-samuel-etoo-fights-back-against-accusations-of-treason).

At the end of the day, having an older experienced striker in the squad can prove vital in a stretched campaign. Rom is obviously our marquee player, but he's still young and to have some of the pressure of leading the club to the next level shared with someone like Eto'o must be a relief for the big fella.

Didn't mean it that way at all. if it came off as offensive I apologize.

I only meant to illustrate that English players seemingly have larger price tags, hence "over-paid" preceding it.

I don't rate Welbeck at all. The over-paid is what I see as clubs over-paying for English / homegrown talent.

I was stunned to see the word "racist" associated with my comments from you and believe me that was not in any way shape or form my intention.

I do see clubs over-paying for English players often. I think Welbeck would be a 3 or 4 million striker if he wasn't English. I don't believe that to be a racist comment.

Cheers and apologies but hoping that clears it up.

Dream scenario would be to take him on a free, sell Gibbo, buy another striker - Welbeck? - and offload Traffic, giving us three Â’nameÂ’ strikers, with one of our young lads as number four. But, thatÂ’s a dream...

I suspect Martinez's approach to this transfer is the same as his using of the loan system - it is a short term move to benefit both parties, especially with our involvements in Europe this season. If it it really is a 2-year contract, I suppose we're stuck with his high wages should we, god forbid, fail to qualify for Europe, but then again, can always mutually agree to tear it up if there's a suitor from the nouveau riche leagues.

As for Welbeck, I think he's a useful player but at this current moment Etoo is at a higher level, plus I'm also sure we can't afford the full transfer of a young England international player. He's quite an awkward customer to me, Welbeck, despite having some pace and skill I doubt he'll be a top-class centre-forward but he's very good defending from the front and on the counter-attack. But I reckon once he leaves Man Utd he won't be winning as many free-kicks.

As for Welbeck. Well I suppose he's the nearest thing to Lukaku but with Giroud out of action, Arsenal may come in for him.

World class striker and would take some of the pressures off Lukaku in terms of goals and being our record signing. Speaks Calatan so would be able to suss out the rubbish sometimes Rob sprouts out, Rob'll have to come up with something in English.

ItÂ’s Samuel EtoÂ’o for heavenÂ’s sake - just think how weÂ’ve progressed! ItÂ’s not Brett Angel. Some people are reacting as if heÂ’s arriving in a bath chair with a hidden commode.

He will guarantee us goals.

I hope it comes off.

I am sure he will make the dressing room a place of harmony as he has done everywhere else in his career.

This year its Lukaku, Kone, Eto, Naismith.

I think it's fair to say we're moving in the right direction.

Absolute Quality, HAHAHAHHA !!!!

Can we say the same for Eto’o or does he just want a kick around and for the footballing party to not end?

That being said, I agree with a comment posted earlier in the thread.........a few seasons ago we were re-signing jimmy mac! So, I’d prefer to have Eto’o, who may or may not, add something to our squad. Time will tell and worth a punt.

I still think we should enquire about Dembele from spurs. Strong, creative, can beat a man and will force ossie further down the pecking order.

EtoÂ’o will do that and I bet he reaches double figures for us this season which is more than welbeck would. Sometimes you lot are absolutely bonkers wi the negativity. If dougarry can come in and do a great job for Birmingham at the end of his career I reckon etoÂ’o stands a better chance

When you read this thread itÂ’s clear he could be anything, and as always, only time will tell. He could be the missing link, having had a year to adapt to English football with Chelsea, and wanting to prove his old friend Mouriniho wrong! Or he could be the old man, desperate to rekindle past glories, and canÂ’t or wonÂ’t, accept the opinion of anyone, unless of course they agree with him!

There is too much money in this ridiculously over-rated league, with the recipients being mostly the luckiest bastards on gods earth.

Roll on 2 September when we will have the pantomime for the biggest false economy in the world!!!

If it goes balls up I bet there will still be offers that would suit all parties next season from Qatar, Saudi, Emirates, America, Australia, Turkey etc. His failure to cut it in the premiership will not put these clubs off and his reputation would actively encourage them. It would not be a hard sell. EtoÂ’o wouldnÂ’t hang around the premiership if he canÂ’t cut it, If simply because he could earn far more money in an easier league.

You give him the ball in the box, and heÂ’ll put it away. I couldnÂ’t care less if heÂ’s 33, so what? Chelsea just signed a 36 yr old called Drogba.

Players are able to play on much older these days, so the old adage about turning 30 doesnÂ’t really hold much weight any more. Better diet, better pitches, better lifestyles, fitness levels completely different, being 33 doesnÂ’t mean as much nowadays. Lampard is what, 34? Nobody cares. Sheringham was 40 and still in the PL.

EtoÂ’o is a quality player, and scored plenty of goals last year too. I canÂ’t wait to see him play for us and our squad is looking better & better now.

Great news :-)

I still think we need a forward, cover for left side centre half (assuming this isnÂ’t Besic) and back up goalie (assuming Joel isnÂ’t ready). On latter, IÂ’d be interested in loaning Joel so he gets some match practice but with a clause that allowed him to be called back if Howard picks up an injury. We should sign an ageing keeper to sit on the bench. Deadline next week is important.

ItÂ’s not as if we want him to play every minute of every game - he is to cover and rotate with Lukaku. 20 starts and 20 in appearances with 15 goals would be great.

Good deal.

Roberto Martinez is signing Samuel EtoÂ’o (Samuel-Fucking-EtoÂ’o!) to take us to the next level.

This isnÂ’t a Moyes bash, IÂ’m a Moyes supporter but it shows the strides made in expectations, ambition and finances (thanks to OFM partly for dealing on Fellaini on that score).

Young players must be attracted to a club with SE on its books.

What risk? A couple of million in wages if it doesnÂ’t work out? We just signed one player for 㿈 million, weÂ’re one snapped leg away from writing that off... thatÂ’s a bigger risk.

He might be 33 and on the decline, but heÂ’s still class, knows where the goal is and heÂ’s certainly not ready for a zimmer frame yet. Check youtube and the way he gets half a yard on Koscielny and leaves Phil Jones for dead last season... theyÂ’re 2 of our rivals for 4th.

Great signing on a free, will get us some important goals this season... and what an option to have from the bench. Seriously, a front 4 of EtoÂ’o, Mirallas, Lukaku and Barkley. IÂ’d fancy them against most premiership sides.

Or, you could go back 15 months when Fellaini was our top scorer from midfield, or even Tim Cahill!

I am starting to give up. In fact - go to this link on this very site and take a good look at what weÂ’ve been served as our leading goalscorers over the last 15 years or so ;

Link

Also adds depth to the squad on our march to the Europa Cup, Carling Cup and FA Cup treble. What’s not to like – and he’s on a free?

A good bit of business and a decent transfer window – though I’d still like a keeper and a central defender if there’s any money left.

Not overly fussed, but he will certainly score goals and is miles better back up than what we have at the moment

If we do get him, that Kitbag deal will really come home to roost again.......kitbag will be laughing all the way to the bank. At least Eto may mean we get a few more fans if some younger kids see Eto as a hero and start to follow us......trying to see a silver lining with this one. I know its Eto but....age, ego, wages.....mmm

(There is NO silver lining in signing Wellbeck - please god no.)

It is a gamble but with his vast amount of experience and I think guaranteed goals I believe EtoÂ’o will be an excellent signing.

Like Charles Dickens he has given us all Great Expectations, and perhaps at this time theyÂ’re too much. Under the previous managerial set-up, I couldnÂ’t have seen us challenging for a CL spot in the manner that we did.

We are in the Europa Cup and will be up against some good teams with good squads. I hope our squad is big enough. We need a wiley midfielder, a RB/CH and some forwards (not a lot to ask). I am a bit surprised that RobertoÂ’s scouting team have not identified over the previous season players who could do a job for us given our financial constraints. We have Lukaku but we need more, as his leaving the field with the knock he took shows we didnÂ’t have a proper striker to bring on.

Samuel EtoÂ’o looks like a done deal, letÂ’s embrace him as a Blue now. I bet he wonÂ’t believe what a wonderful club he has come to. His signing will raise our profile even more and remind people who we are.

Liverpool signed Rickie Lambert for ٢ million and wages of 㿨k per week. Over 2 years, thatÂ’s 㾶M. HeÂ’s 32. If Sammi gets ٟM signing on fee and 㿨k per week thatÂ’s ٥M over 2 years.

HeÂ’s 33 (?) Who would you sooner have? Would a player of his quality have considered Everton 12 months ago? He must have put a few quid in the TSB by now so it canÂ’t just be down to the cash. Roberto stunned us with his signings at the close of the last transfer window and I expect him to do the same this time.

The chairman’s silence for the past 3 months over all the transfer speculation has been deafening. I expect The Everton Project to be a long-term thing – not a five-minute wonder.

"Not overly fussed, but he will certainly score goals and is miles better back up than what we have at the moment."

We donÂ’t have any back up at the moment.

Each time Traffic is supposed to surprise us, well erm, he surprises us, with another setback. So much so, that it isnÂ’t a surprise any longer.

Seriously though mate, I think this could be just what we need. I have read various reports from different sources that have stated that he has (allegedly) dropped his outrageous wage demands in favour of fitting EvertonÂ’s wage structure, with a goal bonus incentive.

I do hope both of these are true, a) he genuinely wants to play for us and prove to the Prem. he has still got the desire.
b) he will provide goals and just may, go a little further to get them (goals) to top up his meagre wage.

I donÂ’t know where the 42 games and 14 goals comes from, perhaps its right, Wikepedia however says the following.

2009-2011 Internazionale 67 (33)
2011–2013 Anzhi Makhachkala 53 (25)
2013–2014 Chelsea 21 (9)

Almost one in two wherever heÂ’s been if accurate.

He also last season scored against - Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool and 3 against United, 2 against Schalke and 1 against Galatasaray and others against lower Prem sides.

Most are in the upper echelons on the Premier and hardly poor opposition.

Er... no I didn’t, that’s not what I said at all – read the post that’s posted rather than the one in your head that you believe serves your ’argument’ (fact, I didn’t say any footballers were money-grabbers).

You enlighten me further - "They all have to earn money that is true but not all of them fuck off and chase the dollar, many do, but not all as in any other job. Who knows perhaps EtoÂ’o will do a Naismith and buy tickets for the unemployed."

Well, forgetting the ludicrously loose Â’not all of them fuck off and chase the dollarÂ’ (nothing like cold had stats) the key phrase imo is Â’who knowsÂ’ and my answer is not me and definitely not you.

Of course if IÂ’m wrong and you have proof the man has never made a charitable donation (as you definitely and desperately infer), I will be prepared to eat humble pie.

(Here’s a hypothetical – maybe he donates millions and says fuck all?)

Oh and so determined are you to score your Â’pointÂ’, you forget that by pointing out NaismithÂ’s generous act, you imply that not only does EtoÂ’o not come up to scratch, but neither do all the other Everton players - what a shower of mingebags! (Â’Yeah but no but...Â’)

Your final flourish – "I am sure he will make the dressing room a place of harmony as he has done everywhere else in his career."

Maybe, maybe not, but on your part, nothing but guesswork and venting. (By the way, Alan Ball was by all reports anything but a harmonising force but he was a winner and all around him knew it and were dragged to greater efforts.)

In the past, EtoÂ’o may not have been Mother Theresa (or Mother Naismith as you seem to prefer) and has no doubt made enemies, but personally, I think heÂ’ll probably be best remembered for being a great player, for his goals and for the trophies heÂ’s helped win.

I should add, if his house was called Â’Greedy Bastard TowersÂ’ and he sat Scrooge-like each night with a big tin of coins muttering Â’mine all mineÂ’ and never paid a penny to charity, I wouldnÂ’t give a flying shite as long as he knocked in 15-20 goals for us.

He has a lovely touch, bags of skill and pace. Looks a great prospect for the future - for that amount IÂ’m really surprised we havenÂ’t taken a punt on this lad.

Shame.

Looking at the Henen situation though, there obviously isnÂ’t much spare change lying around.

Now go back around 30 years and insert Andy GrayÂ’s name, washed out striker just looking for one last pay day, some of you now getting the picture, can also throw Peter Reid into the mix, crocked and past his best.

Yes it could be a Gasgoigne or Ginola signing, there again it could be a Gareth Barry signing.

I like the 2 year deal, like Barry he will bring experience and knowledge to the players around him, Lukaku will benefit and improve as a result.

How on earth a free transfer can be a huge gamble god only knows, if we were paying millions for a 33 year old fair play big risk, but we are only paying his wages, may be high, but take out of the equation no transfer fee then I think Everton have got an absolute steal short term.

Will do for me.

Don’t know about anyone else, but I’m still pissed off about Saturday’s result. I’m working over the weekend so I won’t be able to watch the game against Chelsea. Maybe just as well – don’t think I’ve got enough Valium left !!!

While I am not expecting him to play 90 minutes (80 will do) I will of course be expecting no less than a hat-trick debut.

Now, who have we got on Saturday?

WeÂ’ve just spent 㿈m on a striker who is brilliant on his day and disinterested on others, so I think 㾻m for the over-rated Welbeck is a non-starter. Proven aged striker on a free is much better.

DonÂ’t expect him to track back, but if he gets the service, heÂ’ll score goals.

My concern is like Lukaku, will he get the service he wants? If heÂ’s an arrogant sod who bollocks everyone else when he doesnÂ’t get that service, that may be a good thing!

It leads me to wonder what level of injury can invoke a claim and also what governance exists over and above the diagnosis of the clubÂ’s medical staff.

The reason I say it is, even on high wages, if EtoÂ’o only played when he was Â’fit enoughÂ’ he might cost us very little.

Further filling your squad with Kone, Gibbo, EtoÂ’o and others may be part of a clever blended risk strategy.

Now, this may not happen, but 12 months ago you would have been taken away for tests if you had even suggested it. The fact it is possible at all shows just how far we have come already. Exciting isnÂ’t it?

I just wonder if Bill Kenwright could be using his theatre as a smoke screen and actually works for injuries direct, have you had an accident in the last 12 months that wasnÂ’t your fault.

Could be onto a nice earner with the injury list we have had over the years, tongue placed firmly in cheek before some actually take this as a serious post.

If it is true that he can be disruptive in the dressing room and this begins to happen, I am 100% convinced that RM can handle him. Just because RM comes across as a nice guy in the media, I am sure if he needed to he could handle any possible disruptions; he is a very clever manager. I just hope we do get him!

Sometimes it is easy to whinge and get despondent when you look at clubs who can buy ten players (RS) or have bottomeless coffers (City, Chelsea) but I personally think we have the best squad weÂ’ve had for decades and EtoÂ’o will add to that. Would I have liked to have seen EtoÂ’o in his pomp at Goodison? Course but the sad fact is that we couldnÂ’t afford him then. HeÂ’ll bring experience and a much higher conversion rate of chances to our front line and for the money we are paying is no-brainer.

I canÂ’t wait for the transfer window to be shut then we can all stop playing Football Manager and look forward to the season (until January) with the squad we have.

If class is permanent then I believe both Maradonna and Pele donÂ’t have clubs at the moment.

For me this signing smacks a little of desperation. I may be wrong and it may pay off in the short term but it doesnÂ’t feel like a long term plan for success signing players past their best ( however good that best was).

However, what a desperate signing it could be. A man who has won it all domestically, a big head that will put the cat amongst the pigeons and hopefully give a lot of advice to our main, young striker.

I was completely against it at first but even I have been won over by the thought of having a world class striker as back up and a potential coach to Lukaku.

Haha, I should have clarified, I understand clubs are insured against the lost wages they pay to injured players.

I didnÂ’t suspect BK of a ruse to defraud Injury Lawyers 4U - their claim would be against our incompetent medical and coaching staff anyway presumably, or the player himself.

Anyway, I think its a good signing if it goes through. Could have gone to Qatar or US (prob) for the wedge but wants to stick it out in a competitive league. Maybe he just likes playing footie. hmmmm. Does seem curious though.

It may turn out great, it may be an unmitigated disaster. Nobody knows.

However the worrying thing for me is it does not really seem to fit in with the approach Roberto seemed to be developing.

Successful managers usually have a very clear vision that permeates the club in all sorts of ways. ItÂ’s this clarity of purpose throughout a club which engenders success. This feels like a knee-jerk and a change of direction. Will the rest of the squad feel it is a panic move? Do they feel less confident in the managerÂ’s decision making?

ItÂ’s small things that can make big differences. Look how Moyes lost the squad very early on at Man Utd. The senior players obviously had no confidence in him and a team that won the league became also rans in six months.

As I said, it may end up being inspired but there are a few alarm bells ringing for me.

Howard was a taking a gamble mainly due to the poor injury records of Reid and Gray. However they were 26 and 28 respectively when signed.

Those are comments I have heard from fellow Blues over the years, you just donÂ’t know unless you gamble and take a chance so lets just first of all see if it turns out to be a masterstroke or a white elephant, only time will tell.

All gone eerily quiet.....is it because EtoÂ’oÂ’s agentÂ’s on the phone to Wenger now, waiting to see what GiroudÂ’s second scan says?

Whilst IÂ’m far from convinced EtoÂ’o is what we need, once he signs heÂ’ll get full support as long as he puts a shift in for the team.

IÂ’d still be hoping for at least one more before the window closes mind.

Welcome to Goodison Sammy lad.

You go on to say that you think it "smacks of desperation". I agree to a point - and that point is - we are Â’desperateÂ’ for striker cover.

Are there that many other proven strikers available at this late point in time?

I can understand that you (or anyone else) donÂ’t want EtoÂ’o. But to me (and others) we believe that he isnÂ’t over the hill and can still contribute in a significant way. As many have pointed out - Drogba at 36 has gone back to Chelsea - so (to me) why shouldnÂ’t EtoÂ’o come to us? ItÂ’s a long old season and weÂ’ll need experienced heads as well as young Â’uns.

LetÂ’s agree to disagree. The proof will be in the pudding (even if itÂ’s past its sell by date to some).

We are not in the same position as Chelsea where they can go out and spend another 㿊-40 million plus on another striker. Everton simply have to utilise the market within their means (Bosmans, loans etc) until that billionaire arrives one day. One day....

Methinks we have United fifth columnists infiltratiing the site - desperately trying to get shut of him.

Danny - Â’well backÂ’ - in my poll.

Knew youÂ’d be over the moon, with this one mate.

As far as the record books go, hehas never played for Wigan either. :-)

Anyway if he does sign letÂ’s hope he scores a few goals during his time here and whether the RS were set to sign him or not makes no odds if he pulls on the Blue shirt of Everton.

Your love of this man mirrors that of Doddy for Moyes. Do you live in Formby by any chance?

Colin, any news on Henen or a centre half?

I canÂ’t think of anyone who is close to the quality of EtoÂ’o (even at his age) who would be happy not starting every game. Factor in the experience he can pass on to Lukaku, Long, etc and on paper it seems a great bit of business. Lets hope it lives up to that.

Like I mentioned on another post, that would be a good move, but surely Howard would be HIS understudy, as he would be in the same situation he is at Chelsea.

I could certainly live with that, but could Cech and Howard?

Whomever is the manager of most clubs donÂ’t get to negotiate the deals directly with the players as the owners and Chief Executives do most of the financial aspects of the contracts with the players agents. I said yesterday it was a gamble and I still believe it is, but if the club believe it to be the right move at this time then who am I to belittle their football knowledge and I am at least prepared to see how he does for the club before I start blaming anyone for the length of the deal or the folly of bringing him to the club.

To be honest with you if I started to worry about the financial implications of every deal and every contract and compared it to my own meagre income I would probably stop watching the game forever. As it is I am like most others suffering from a lifelong addiction to Everton FC and that knocks all logic out of my head.

CanÂ’t stand this anymore.

We need a bigger squad to cope with the extra games in the Europa league & his experience of playing on the biggest stage in Europe could be a great help. Could be good for some of our young strikers at the club to learn from him too.

I have my doubts about him just like most fans but I think the positives outweigh the negatives. If he even got 10 goals as back up to Rom IÂ’d be happy.

Now, now stop being insightful!!

-->EtoÂ’o for me yes please plus anyone else, including a C.H. who can defend a 2 goal lead

Is it happening?

Is he at FF?

I canÂ’t stand this!

If Tim Howard gets crocked then we really are going to be up the proverbial creek. Stones can cover at CB and perhaps one of the reserves but, without Howard, IÂ’ll be running for cover when anything comes near the box - especially with any height on it.

(Richard Wright, is one of their back ups, so it could be worse..)

Whatever peopleÂ’s opinions of this deal, if he joins then EVERYONE should be right behind him for the next two years!!

A 33-year-old EtoÂ’o or a 32-year-old Lambert?

Puts it in a better perspective donÂ’t you think?

Eugene on points, I feel.

"Do you want 㾾m a year to play in my team?"
"Where do I sign?"

Unlike this great signing we’re about to make - now that’s a change for the better!

The lack of fannying about makes me believe what I was told about Lukaku though.

Cheer up you miserable buggers!

Meanwhile, back to Henan....................

"Samuel EtoÂ’o has signed for Everton. I think thatÂ’s quite a canny acquisition. Good mentor for young talent. Very experienced.....very!"

Good strike rate, knows where the net is, and in his prime we wouldnÂ’t have been able to buy his left leg-so welcome aboard Sam.

Gonna love him I reckon.

1. I would have thought that ’money grabber’ and ’about to sign for Everton’ are mutually exclusive!

2. My spies say he asked for 𧴜k pw for 1 season, which we refused; we then offered 㿨k pw for 2 years, which he accepted. This means, of course, that if he fails and we get rid after 1 year, we are entitled to a fee ... and I suspect we would get one!

3. For that sort of money, all you would get otherwise, would be the likes of Jordan Mutch or Jordan Rhodes... unlikely to keep Vincent Kompany awake at night!

4. Opposition defenders will be either scared of him or at least respectful of his reputation. Even at 33, you can’t leave him alone for a second.

5. While money obviously matters, I think his main motivation, and the reason he wanted to stay in the Prem, is to shove it up Mourhino [ metaphorically speaking!]

5. He was interested in Liverpool, because, like every other player on the planet; he would have preferred being in the CL to the Europa.

6. I have a suspicion he wouldn’t have come, had Lukaku not been here already.

7. Some say [on very thin evidence] that he might be a pain in the bum; well, so are C. Ronaldo & Ibrahimovic; but I don’t think we’d refuse THEM on that score!

8. I think he’ll be either OK or very good ... I don’t see him being a flop.