Transfer Deadline Day

Fulham have pulled the plug on the Spurs transfer.

As Gordon said, this club isn't good for your health (Darron Gibson agrees).

I'm sure we've been following him for a while, just because the media have only picked up on this (our interest in him) in the last few days doesn't mean we haven't had him on our radar.

The only player imo we could buy that would make an actual difference would be a nasty bastard with a big mouth who could instil genuine fear, not only into the opposition, but also into his teammates (and I'm not aware of such a player currently playing in the PL).

Anyone else we buy (shite, average or very talented) will simply be another player slotted into a system that doesn't work.

By your logic then no player not playing currently in the top 5 or 6 leagues in the world would be bought then. How will that work exactly?

Seems Funes Mori was a pretty good buy playing for his domestic league, doesn't it?

Searchin' searchin' searchin' ?

I'm half expecting the usual late disappointments of either failed medicals, visa application or personal terms not being reached, then tomorrow hearing about all the hard luck stories and "we were close but time was against us" moans.

Perhaps not an utter utter shithouse like John Terry, but someone of that ilk.

Could do with a bit of that at Everton.

I truly hope Niasse does not turn out to be a similar saga. I think we do need a striker and if he is the focus of our attention, then let's hope the deal goes through, as if the window closes without a striking back-up, an injury to Rom would leave us badly short of cover.

The nearest type player we had to that was Naismith and was probably one of the reasons he was shipped out.

Just checked, that comment is still there. Priceless.

What we really need is somebody off the pitch who can teach a back four and goalkeeper to play like they have actually met each other before.

I would rather we didn't sign anyone, carry on as we are, then get rid of the worst manager ever to boss in the Premier League.

Talking to Bob Wilson yesterday. He asked why with so many talented players are we down the table? Also he spoke about Neville Southall, brilliant keeper. Bob Wilson a true gentleman and Gooner.

The irony is that on paper our defence is outstanding, with perhaps a lack of cover at right back. On the pitch it clearly is not working. We have goals across the team, but would look lack lustre without Lukaku.

I actually think we need a character, as others have said in midfield. Someone who will eventually take the Barry role and offer grit, determination and leadership. Dare I say it in the Toure, Keane or Gerrard role. In the recent past we had Arteta and Cahill who would come on and provide an instant lift.

Let's see what happens! Evertonians all over the world checking their phones all day me thinks...

Yobo wasn't bad and Amokachi had his 15 minutes of fame but what about one game, one goal Traore ?

The overall quality of the Turkish and Russian leagues is questionable and so this Senegalese player may be over rated at the 13 million price tag.

Everton have not had too much problem scoring goals this season and in fact is it only Man.City who have scored more?

I would have thought a new, strong and quick tackling midfielder to replace Besic for this season and Barry for next season would have been a priority.

Give me a reason to support one of the teams.

Buying a gobby, hard tackling central midfielder for example wouldn't really help us IMO. Isn't that what Besic is meant to be? You could put Roy Keane in our midfield and he'd still be chasing back given the system we play.

We look to be buying a striker, which says everything about Martinez continued conviction in his system which doesn't work – he needs to buy a steely midfield player AND change the system if he wants success.

The media are all saying things like, "Everton are so close to being a really good side", but we're not, are we.

*wakes up*

Agreeing with Eugene freaks me out!

He would run through a brick wall for Everton, he would play for us for nothing. A player like that in the squad is a great thing. As an option for closing games out he would be perfect.

Out of interest, are you Nugent's agent? I think you are going to loose a few bob telling everyone that he "would play for us for nothing".

We need Martinez to realise that we can't play in an attacking style that leaves our full backs exposed, or worse, our centre backs pulled out of position to cover for our roaming full backs. We can't expect two defensive midfielders to do the work of a missing front four, or cover the space left by those roaming full backs. Our failure is our failure to defend as a team. We are too frequently playing with essentially four attackers.

Niasse could make that attack more effective, and give us a little more bite in the cup competitions. Besic can give us bite and aggression in the tackle. Robles may give us a better alternative to Howard.

But aside from a new goalkeeper, and a creative midfield presence, I do not see a way to improve the team which will not cost £20+ million. What we need to do is to improve the fitness levels, attack with more pragmatism, and get everyone bar Lukaku closing down and protecting the players behind them.

We could have signed Nugent years ago; Dithering Dave haggled over the price and he went elsewhere. I think his best days are gone... Nugent's that is – Dithering Dave never had any.

I agree, mate, about Nugent, but then I have said that he would be a good addition to our team going back a few seasons.

He can play and score at Premier League level, he as done it. And what is there to loose if he's free?

It doesn't go down well on these threads Peter, because most of them live in cloud cuckoo land, regarding buying players.

Nugent?! What so we can have another headless chicken charging about up front doing nothing? No thanks.

Naismith is a thoroughly nice bloke, but a limited footballer – if you want old school players who run about a lot, you're welcome to them. Personally I want quality not effort.

Nugent is shite as well -– go and have a look at his record. Limited at the top level – we need to aim way higher than both of them if we want to be a good side with ambition. Supporters also need to have a higher opinion, and aim higher too IMO.

i remember when Messi, gave McGeady, glowing reviews. What happened to him then?

Didn't Mcgeady come from Russia?

I haven't seen Niasse, play. So I will hold any judgement until he arrives. If he does.

Maybe if we had a few grafters with some guts in the team we would be higher up the league?

You see James, I think there is room for both types of players. The class and the work horse.

I mean we have the class, but who is the workhorse?

Going for a cold bath....

Personally, I think Vardy is excellent. And Suarez wasn't too shabby either. For run-about-a-lot types

Examples: Busquets, Matic, Toure, Coquelin, Pogba, Song etc..

I agree there is room for both types of player – the question is the ability of the players mentioned. Everton need to aim higher than pure workers with limited skill.

We should be signing a load of lads who have 85+ ratings on Fifa who kinda stick to their own clique...

Why do we have the likes of Osman and Hibbert around the club? Its because they can help maintain the culture of what we think Everton is. I'm not for one second saying that Nugent should start or play many minutes – he is a very good spoiler. Not a headless chicken. A spoiler can stop the opposition picking a pass, they hurry them into making mistakes – they SHAME teammates who aren't doing a tap.

Andrew Ellams – has anyone said we don't want to sign Niasse??? I certainly haven't. I love a good gamble on a player with attributes that mean goals.

I think a few of us just have an idea as to what makes a good squad, not just a glamorous first 11.

Vardy has come good at a late stage of his career, and also has brilliant movement, pace and a finish on him – I wouldn't put him in the run-about-a-lot bracket either.

Do you have any examples that actually fit the bracket? ;)

Well said.

The next season will see more money coming into Premier League football and the myth some continue to propagate on here about Everton having no money is no longer. *Every* club will have money and that will attract talent from all over the world. You can bet so-called smaller clubs will be spending big money on top players. That had better be the mindset of Everton too or we will be left further behind.

The good news is we have a good level of player talent that gives us a head start on other teams. The bad news is we have a manager who has no clue how to use them effectively.

2007-2013 Ouakam
(Assists) 154 (Goals) 102

2013-2014 Akhisar
(Assists) 34 (Goals) 22

2014-2016 Lokomotiv
(Assists) 28 (Goals) 18

Obviously the Premier League is a different level, but the kid has a very good record on his way up.

Does the Samuel Eto'o experiment not tell you anything? He nearly destroyed the dressing room and it was characters like Naismith who were strong enough to stand up to his mutiny.

Look across the park and see what happened when Liverpool signed Diouf and Diao – Carragher and Gerrard had to sort them out.

Lose you identity as a club and you are nothing. You don't need top quality players to have a top quality team spirit.

It's not 1975 anymore, it's 2016 and football has long since moved on. One of the reasons we're being left behind, and have been for years is this insistence on hanging onto our 'istory and glorious past.

Bollocks to the past – it's the here & now that matters.

Are you suggesting Niasse is going to be disruptive before we've even signed the player? Let's not take this off on tangents – it's bad enough we're discussing Naismith and Nugent!

5 days a week these lads spend time together – the majority on the training ground where only 11-13 out of the 24 or so on the pitch will be involved. You don't want sulky mercenaries....

I wonder why Sir Alex Ferguson kept Brian McClair as long as he did.... there is an answer and it is above.

If Nugent was so useful he wouldn't be warming the bench at Boro' every week would he!

I couldn't give a damn if he's a blue, he lacks talent and has spent his entire career in shit teams – what does that tell you?

All this talk of putting Unsworth, Ferguson or Stubbs in as manager is ridiculous. Same applies for wanting players who 'support' the club – it's a load of old nonsense! Rooney was a massive fan who couldn't wait to get out of the place.

The whole club is as soft as fuck from the chairman down and far too sentimental. Some love it, I think it holds us back from moving forward.

I would not like to see us have to play Nugent – because that would mean Lukaku e would be walking around and this new lad aint great, but I wouldn't like to see our team without proper professional characters in the squad. Who set the right example.

Yeah we were great in 1985, so what? Nottm Forest won two European Cups and where are they now? The past doesn't mean shit, and attitudes need to change to force change.

Compare to that lazy greedy bastard across the park who's currently out with an injured eye-lash. Good finisher though. Personally I'd rather have the former, and anyone we bring in has to have that work ethic.

Yes, he is a blue, but so am I, no-one can seriously consider such a bog standard Championship player as a useful player for a team who want to compete up the top end of the EPL.

Let's get serious.

As a small child I vividly remember the groans of despair from fellas round me when Mick Lyons went forward into the centre forward position. Mick was a great Evertonian who would literally spill blood for the team but a pretty limited footballer.

Let's make the primary criteria for any new player that they are a supremely talented footballer. I happen to believe that any decent manager can instil a work ethic and manage personalities in the team. Moyes did this with Arteta and others. Arteta had a bit of a reputation when he came into Moyes team but ended up being a hard worker too, and twice the player for it.

I don't believe Martinez can do this though and he has his favourites rather than the ability to integrate players so that is a different topic.

So yes I agree you have to work to earn the right to play, but beyond that you need to be able to play a bit too if you want success.

Leicester have plenty of so called journeymen players and look were they are. We have to be realistic at Everton surely.

We need quality, as well as hard work. Naismith and Nugent are hard workers with no quality.

And don't call me Shirley.

PS I'd take him over Martinez

I'd love to see a midfield destroyer at the club, but they are rare nowadays. Newcastle might have done a good job getting Shelvey in for that reason.

I'd almost be tempted by Barton but that could go either way.

Stones a certainty you would think, and if I was a betting man I would think Mourinho could be the man in charge of their neighbours come the start of the season.

The Premier League is all red carpet stuff and even more so now!

Answers on a postcard.

Please don't compare any Evertonian with Kenwright; he is a different breed to any of us. I'm not sure he is even an Earthling, he is okay mixing with his lovies, I've never met any of them following Everton.

Wouldn't make sense right?

'Wtf!?' you would think 'did he actually read what I wrote?'

See Joe Clitherow's post 75, then James Marshall's response 78.

Talk about having an agenda.

James, whether you think our history is a help or a hindrance is neither here nor there, the idea that history can be put to one side or forgotten is beyond ludicrous.

I prefer your other column, I feel it's just better..informed.

Link

We need modern thinking, not old school glory bollocks.

I don't think our history should be forgotten about – I just think it holds us back, as others do. You're not 100% right about every little detail of football, or Everton. Learn to play nice with the other children.

I never said anything about putting history to one side. I happen to think it defines us. But our history was based on being a successful team and we should be looking forward and building on that success. However, hard or even impossible people think that challenge is, it's why the football club is in existence. Everything else is secondary.

With the money on offer next season we should be scouring the globe for the best talent we can afford – and 'afford' will be considerable. I really don't much care that they start off as Evertonians or not. If that is a criteria then the pool of talent is infinitesimal.

I refer back to your Alpha 43 post on another thread though and agree with it. We should chase the best footballers we can and mold them into a team that wins.

If you're saying my "agenda" is being convinced that our current manager can't do the latter, then yeah, you're bang on. He seems a nice man, but I don't care about that, he won't make us successful which is absolutely my "agenda".

Besic is a great example of a hard worker with attitude, whilst Barry, Osman, Hibbert etc have all made a career in part because of their dedication and professionalism. I think that what you are claiming is non-nonsensical and ignores the make up of our side.

Our primary problem is tactical and has nothing to do with the lack of a David Nugent in our squad. There are too many strange old fashioned ideas flying around. They are perfectly symbolised by the absurd claim that Joey Barton would somehow help our team and club.

We will do better when the next manager instills defensive discipline into the entire first 11, or when Martinez finally realises that it is not normal for a Premier League side to have to score 3 goals to win a game.

This addiction to failure has ruined much of the fabric of the club for far too long and it has permeated itself into pretty significant sections of the fan-base too. Note how many didn't really care about reaching the League Cup Final, because our neighbours had already made it there. How many of us dread playing any big team on their own midden?, how many of us even fear playing pretty ordinary teams on our own patch?

That's not Everton and it's not our history either, we have always been a club that's under-achieved to some extent, but the fans have always had a defiance about them that would rally the troops and encourage the players to play above themselves, and sometimes it would be enough to bring glory aided to the skill of the team obviously.

We might not want to become the soulless entities that some think City and Chelsea have become, we might not want to become flag waving partisans who frequent the other side of the park, or to become any other club that you care to mention. We won't become any of those things because we are Everton, have always been Everton and will remain Everton, regardless of who owns the club.

Dreaming of future glory and using past successes as a comparison is not holding us back, fearing relegation and only using the years of failure as a guide, will hold us back as there lies the road to stagnation and ultimately the failure that none of us wish to see.

Everton should always attempt to get the best players it can for the prices that it can afford, and the manager then has to try and get the best out of those players as often as he can, if they don't quite make a success of it, then so be it, as long as every person connected with the first-team can hold their hands on their hearts and say we did our best, that is what Everton have for the most part always had and it has brought success in the past, it can bring success in the future too. Now....how's that deal for Messi and Ronaldo going?

You're right, I hadn't read what you wrote, or at least I wasn't referring to it at all. It was ancient 'istory on this thread (geddit?). I was referring to the frankly silly suggestion that David Nugent would somehow improve our squad which was the current train of thought (at time of posting).

In reference to your post 12, then yeah I agree with you so long as said player can actually play with the football as well rather than just clog people.

So more Roy Keane than Terry Hurlock (exactly – who remembered him before I reminded you? Still a Millwall legend apparently but that says more about their club values and 'istory than ours)

I know, that was my point, you didn't mention it, yet his response (78) was as though your entire post was along the lines 'we should forget our history'

James (111) - 'you truly are an odd individual. I agreed with you and you still come out fighting. Weird guy'

This sentiment imo shows a level of 'I don't get it' of immense proportions.

This is not Facebook, I'm not looking to be anyone's pal, I don't give a fuck about how many 'agrees' I get, I'm only interested in informed opinion.

(nb: should I ever buy into the notion of 'I agreed with you so you should agree with me', I give you my permission to put a Luger to the back of my head and empty the chamber)

You're right that I'm 'not right about every little detail of football or Everton' when putting forward my opinions, because they're opinions, but we can (and should) endeavour to try and make sure those opinions are considered and informed, rather than resorting to loud, alehouse-lawyer, first-thought brain-droppings.

I think he could be an astute signing if he was available on a free transfer. He was a player I willed us to sign when he was a young promising player at Preston before hound dog Harry signed him for Pompey.

That all said, didn't Boro pay £4m for him in the summer?! I know he's not made a massive impact there but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be giving him away. No, I'd only sign him if he was on a free transfer. He'd be a more useful free transfer than James McFadden 2nd time round and his love for the Blues could give us that ingredient we seem to be lacking on the field – Passion!!

I'm tempted to 'do a Capt Mainwaring': "Well done, Murphy, I was just waiting to see who'd be the first to spot that."

I remember people going berserk on here when Moyes refused to pay more than £4m for Nugent. He was right! Personally, I like Nugent as a player, he's got a wicked shot on him, but he's never been good enough to cut it in the Premier League week in week out. And as for Barton.. jeez.

Plus shouts of Ferguson for manager, and move heaven and earth to get Rooney back. Too much sentiment going on. I love Big Dunc and I love that Rooney is really open about being an Everton fan, but guys come on. We need the board sacked, some very shrewd coaches brought in and a few more top players. There's the foundations for a top team here.

Martinez may be the best thing that has ever happened to us, after the rigidness of Moyes, he's got players expressing themselves, and got us scoring goals. Bring in a top manager and these players could really flourish. John Stones would never have the sort of confidence he does on the ball without Martinez, just need a top coach to teach him how to defend now.

Pellegrini in at the end of the season!

I don't think he was ever going to be up to PL level, and hopefully he can now find his feet at what is a good solid club with a loyal, local fan base-you know, like they all used to be.

Even the Echo are reporting he's having a medical as we speak – and they are usually 24 hours behind every other news outlet. Funny that though, you would think they would get the inside track after never questioning the club for 20 years.

Why do you think Boro would put a player they just paid £4M for (a large sum for the Championship) on a free transfer? I think it £2M plus £2M on promotion.

And in the same paragraph you say he hasn't made a massive impact for said Championship side but somehow he will enhance ours? Yeah once upon a time he was a prospect and then he.... didn't do anything at all of any note in the top league and is now nearly 31. So pretty much a known (and proven ineffective) quantity.

Just... well... just bizarre thinking that I don't pretend to follow.

"Nugent available on free transfer – Everton interested"

This is how crap "that's what I heard from some fella in the Vines. Yeah just some fella, never seen him before" type rumours get started and then get quoted back as stonewall facts. Usually in the Star or the Mirror.

"Liverpool is a special place for me. I have always dreamed of playing for them," he added. "If I keep developing at this rate perhaps in the next few seasons I will be playing at Anfield".

Oh.

Patrick Murphy, that was another brilliant post. It was the third I've read today on ToffeeWeb, that should be shown to the manager, and the second that should be shown to the players.

Cling to our history and yearn for past success, the two main reasons I continue to watch Everton FC.

I would have much rather bought Dembele and loaned him back and then brought in Doumbia on loan, who Newcastle have just bought. Seems like a logical way to gain cover until the end of the season, especially when our problems have been in defence and not attack.

We still need cover at right back and a new goalkeeper. I think the goalkeeping situation will have to wait until the summer. Any suggestions on a right back? Could we not take Debuchy on loan for the rest of the season?

Woah, WOAAAHH!!

Self-flagellate until you understand?

Please don't, I couldn't have that on my conscience.

(I mean no one could beat themselves for more than 50 years and hope to survive).

Any thoughts on Everton comings and goings?

What are your thoughts on Niasse?

But there is no way in 2016 will that be replicated by buying an ex binman from the lower divisions, a couple of crocks with dodgy knees, a bloke that can't get near the Liverpool first XI and a central defender from Tranmere.

Man City have spent well over a billion in fees and wages and are up and down every year, Chelsea are never happy and Man Utd and the Shite are spending obscene amounts and getting nowhere.

http://guidetravel.biz/senegal/who-exactly-is-Evertonbound-forward-oumar-niasse-99680.html

Mind if I was an agent it would be like Xmas day, you can just imagine the scenario a club wants to sign your player, so you screw them for every penny and more. You know they have no time to move to another target, so the agent and player hold all the aces. Absolute madness.

Gibson, Hibbert, Oviedo, Osman and Pienaar all out of contract in the summer and add to that McGeady, Mirallas and one or two of Lukaku, Stones, Barkley and Deulofeu and our squad looks incredibly thin. Why not add two or three bodies to minimise the disruption in the summer.

Perplexing...

If he was actually signing, then it'd be a worthy discussion, but he ain't and won't.

So of all the thousands of football players out there that we aren't Going to sign, we dream up some debate about Nugent?

Times are a changin'

Eh?

All my thoughts on 'comings and goings' are simply explained in this thread, post 12 – remember, the one you agreed with.

(I know you want to rid Everton FC of its damaging history, but wiping my posts from memory, I take exception to.)

And why did we sign this Swiss lad who is... yet another striker?

Isn't Mason Holgate defensive cover and the lad we picked up at the beginning of the window (promote from U21s). Sneaky

We now look to have signed a decent striker, let's hope he replaces Kone and starts banging some goals in!

I'd love you to one day join in the debate, instead of making smart-arse remarks all the time. It's really tiring! Take a few deep breaths, and let it all go.....

Do you have an opinion, at 3:30pm today, on Oumar Niasse at all?

Not going to get too worked up yet, not until I've seen a 'Are you for fucking real mate!?' post on GOT.

Also, I hear the frog will be in installments (legs first - typical TW!)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2305708/Lionel-Messi-proves-human-foiled-Japanese-moving-robot.html

At least McGeady's gone eh?

You need to read my post again. I did actually say the same thing as you – Why would Boro give a player away when they've just paid £4m for?!

I was just adding my thoughts to people clambering to the idea that for some unbeknown reason we could get him on a free transfer. In that instance I was in agreement he could be a useful cheap option to throw on from the bench. His passion and willingness would compensate his technical short comings. A bit like Stracqualursi a few seasons back.

I'm not for one moment saying we should sign him. There's about a million other player I'd prefer us to sign, Joe. Don't get so worked up mate.

Nor will I have an opinion on Bertie Eggcup at 4.37 pm, or Ronnie Flipflop at 5.18 pm or Charlie Cheeseface at 7.54 pm.

I have given a clear, very easy-to-understand indication of my feelings on all fucking transfer activity and if that is too hard for you to take, tough titty.

I'll repeat - I joined the debate at post 12, said all I needed to say on transfers and that was it (nb: oh and said nothing 'smart arse').

However if (as it seems) that doesn't suit you and you insist on hourly updates, smart-arse is exactly what you will get (and if that makes you tired, have a lie down and consider that your wounds are self-inflicted).

Seriously, and boy do some of you lot get agitated with your fellow blues! So calm done and let's look on a positive note: Niasse could be a great signing: powerful, fast works hard and can finish, plays on the left as as a lone striker. What else do you want, yet the coffin's being nailed down already. Lighten up and enjoy the ride.

As for Nugent ? No gents...., he wasn't up to our requirements when mentioned in Moyes's time, and certainly won't be improving by polishing a Championship bench.

That Martinez fella doesn't know..... etc etc.

Or more realistically, a manager who thinks organising the team to defend is that of his job description.

Danny, on another thread, a couple of regular posters named this guy. He's younger than Byram and probably cheaper. Arbnor Fejzullahu, Partizani Tirane. Albanian.

I know, it's YouTube, but...

Cuddles.

Link

He's resorted to the above so I'm backing out of the whole thing now.

Any bets on what time this Niasse deal will happen?

The report is on HITC via the Sun bog roll. The "fee" is £5m less than the one Everton were supposed to have been asked for, plus, his side are playing Man City in the Champions League......seems a bit odd, don't you think?

James where are you hearing that? Is it off?

Try Tenants Extra...I use that and then bait folk on Daily Express site. Such fun!

They have been talking about Jordan Rhodes's move to Middlesborough more FFS. What is going on with Everton's attempts to sign a £13.5m striker?

'Pookie' has wished her husband 'well' for his medical today, and hope he comes home in a blue shirt.

Before you check out her Twitter account, you'd better go and take a cold shower, and be sitting down... ahhh, footballer's wives, eh?

It's for knobs!

Just think of the excitement as Roberto is finally vindicated!

At the reported £13M~15M it could be way too much. Remember, McGeady came from the same league; his goals and skills looked great against Moscow teams prior to buying him and he was reputed to be only cost about £4M.

I think it is another panic buy,

On Naisse, he was player of the year, right? As dodgy as the Russian league might be, that is a good thing to win regardless. £13M is definitely a gamble, and while I prefer us signing another position, I don't remember many league player of the year going for just £13M.

Or something like that, anyway!

We are Evertonians. We expect this.

Michael Ball tweeted at 8:49 – "C'mon! Why why why does it takes ages for us to complete a transfer! Hope that fax machine works! Need 2 players who will walk straight in."

He knows. He is one of us.

Good luck to the lad, hope he justifies the fee and the write up.

Any player moving from any country, the price is going to be over the odds. All clubs know the money floating around the Premier League. It's cash in time! Martinez is right to get another striker in. Martinez has gone for the best form of defence, attack!

Our fullbacks could then actually primarily defend and keep the back door shut. Review his loyalty to Tim and then he'll convince me we can achieve something special.

WHAT???

I feel sorry for the Villa manager – No money, no-one wanted to join them, relegation awaits.

Personally I think West Brom are being dicks. He doesn't play much and has 18 months left on his contract so, by the summer, what will he be worth?