Real sting in the Sandro tale denied by Perez

A quote saying, "First I've heard." No quotes otherwise.

BS

It does seem a hell of a long time to get the lad signed up.He is just a young man and who knows what is going on.I would not be surprised at anything.

It's Twitter madness. Paul Joyce saying he's definitely going to Everton and there's no release clause in his contract; then, an hour later, Spanish media say he's agreed to go to Real.

I miss the 80s when we relied on Ceefax for the latest footy news!

Ceefax! I had to make do with waiting to hear the score of midweek matches on the 10 o'clock news, Chris boy!

Your point is well taken, Chris, but until the deal is officially done it isn't done and that leaves room for other clubs to muscle in regardless of how "done" Everton – and, by extension, Joyce's sources – say it is.

Perez's denial came swiftly and in good time for frayed Evertonian nerves but I won't be convinced he's signed until he's pictured in or holding up an Everton jersey with an over-sized SportPesa logo on it!

He won't go to Real, because he wants to be a first team regular, so he can get into Spain's national team with the World Cup next year.

Totally agree, Lyndon... I think personally it's a done deal but, until he's signed on the dotted line, there's always that uneasy feeling. I was hoping that Spain got knocked out tonight.

While the reasoning that the announcement has been delayed due to the Euros is feasible, I won't relax until we see Sandro in an Everton shirt.

Maybe it's because I'm an Evertonian and we've been here before with the likes of Fernandes but I just have a feeling that this won't end well.

If he does sign, I think he'll be a very big player for us next season.

He's an, as yet, no mark.

Whether he does or doesn't sign, we will still end the window with a better striker than him in place, in my view.

Your feeling is understandable, Gavin. And like Lyndon says, until we see him wearing the top with a big grin on his face, it's hard to be overly confident.

Just can't shake the feeling that he's using this tournament to put himself in the shop window, while leading us on and keeping us as his 'sure thing'. I don't believe for a minute he'll go to Real, though.

In saying that, this is a new era. Things are definitely different, and we've not been given a reason (this summer) to not be positive.

Chris, I think you've hit the nail on the head with the 'putting himself in the shop window' comment. That's exactly my feeling. The longer these deals drag on the less they seem to be concluded. There seems to be delay tactics, whether that be from the player, agent, or Malaga.

But you're totally right. This is definitely a new Everton and, with or without Sandro, we'll have a better team and squad next season.

Joe (#3) – "Hear the results on the News at 10" – well often you couldn't "hear" the results because if there were footy highlights on later, they would ask you to turn away from the screen and then not read out the results.

I remember doing that for the League Cup final replay in 1977 vs Villa... Mistake – I should have peaked through my fingers and saved an hour or two of anguish.

Complete madness. This is why I hate the transfer window.

This has been a strange one, even by transfer window standards.

I haven't noticed Eugene's name pop up in any recent threads and that's not like him. Maybe he has followed through on his proposal that we simply don't look until the window actually closes?

Been our best transfer window for a long while so no panic.

Just need Sandro, Dembele, Sigurdsson, Keane & Gibson to sign and we can start the season. 😊

Ship out those who don't want to be part of our club – we all know who they are – to recoup half our transfers kitty ready for January and will be very happy.

Tend to agree with Tanvir #5. If he hopes to make the Spain squad for the World Cup, he wants to be playing first-team football regularly, not warming the bench as an understudy at Real or anywhere else.

If he's as ambitious as we've been led to believe, such a role wouldn't match those ambitions and I can't see it suiting him somehow. If Real's president says there's no deal, I tend to believe him.

Lyndon - "over-sized SportPesa logo "

Chang beer's logo was a lot bigger and yukkier looking. This SportPesa logo is sort of smaller and neater, at least, methinks!!!

Couldn't really be bothered about this guy. He doesn't look much of a player to me. Would rather we went for Dembele.

Every close season is the same. Players you have never heard of get hyped up to something they're really not and everyone starts panicking about signing them. Up to now, Everton haven't said a word, it's all come through the unreliable press.

He might spend a lot of time on the bench at Everton, never mind Real Madrid.

Geez, Karl, have you watched the guy play this past week? Did you see him yesterday?

"Doesn't look much of a player"? Really?

I'm more concerned about where our first choice striker is going to come from once Lukaku leaves !

I've no doubt the club has told UK jurnos this deal is done to ease fan fears. The fact they are all saying it's done says a lot.

I'll believe it when he has signed.

With or without Sandro, we need a 15-goal man, ie, Dembele.

I watched Spain for the first time in the tournament last night and this guy's movement is amazing. I definitely think the fact that Koeman is targeting and signing the likes of Sandro and Klaassen means that we are in line for a change of style this season and a much more mobile attacking formation. Can't wait.

Karl (#19). Why would you rather go for Dembele?

Both are young. Both will score goals. One had a good season in a good league against good defenders. The other had a good season in a shit league against shit defenders with a team who walked everything. Oh, and one would be at least 20 mill more than the other.

I'd like both if I had my way, but to say Sandro isn't much of a player is a bit silly isn't it?

Not going to lie, I'm fretting about this one. I wish the club would come out and say something.

The Real rumours seem to have stemmed from a Real fan trying to wind Barcelona up after their fans went nuts about losing Sandro for nothing. All of the Spanish media outlets then just ran with it because they new it would make juicy headlines. No substance to it.

Still bloody anxious though!!

Sandro would be exceptional for us. We've needed a player with his work rate up front for a long time!! His selfless running will hopefully be infectious.

I was just glad it was Saul who got the hat-trick.

David @13,

I was on about the radio back in the 80s... long before Sky News at 10 came along. That radio news programme started at 10 with all the news, then the sports results at about 10:15. Painful listening waiting to see how we got on midweek.

This dude seems like the Real deal, but just not for them. COYB

Not many players have dared cross the Real Madrid - Barcelona divide over the years but one thing I've noticed is there usually top players, names like Ronaldo, Luis Enriqe, Luis Figo to name a few.

This is no disrespect to Sandro Ramirez because I would love to see him play for us, he's got a Premier League type style to his play, quick, quite physical and quite a direct thinking footballer who loves to smash in goals what more could we want.

My point being, I don't think hes at the point yet where hes good enough to get first team football at Real, he spent long enough at Barcelona on the fringes of the squad and I think he will want to go to a club where he can be on the team sheet every week making a name for himself as any pro with drive and ambition would want, not clinging on to the prospect of playing now and again for Real Madrid.

Fingers crossed then, come on Sandro, come and join the greatest club in the world. COYB

At Real, he would have to compete with Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema, Isco, Morata, Asensio and Rodriguez. Not happening!

Keane and Sandro signing for us this week!

I just cannot see this deal going through. Pickford was on U21 duty and the club went out there to get the lad signed and push it through. You would imagine the same would have happened by now for Sandro if the player was willing but it hasn't happened.

Surely the young lad would prefer to stay in his home country if he wants to push for a chance at the World Cup this year and considering he'd been on a similar path to Geri and spent the last week or two with him then Geri has hardly been promoting Everton.

At such a cheap price, clubs like Sevilla and Villarreal must be interested in him so I'd say he's waiting for an offer from Spain first.

Once Sandro signs, who are we going to fret over next?

Brian – far too much conjecture there and you're causing your own anxiety.

We just don't know his thoughts or what is going on do we. We don't know that he is waiting for the big Spanish clubs and we certainly don't know what Gerard Deulofeu has or hasn't been saying to him.

What we do know (I think) is that he has said that his future will be resolved after the U21 competition has finished. Why not wait until then? Otherwise, your blood pressure is going to go through the roof!

Why would a Barcelona based newspaper be promoting Sandro towards Real Madrid, given the history of the player? This whole thing seems like a load of bullshit to me.

Sandro has had a medical, agreed terms, Everton & Malaga have agreed a fee (they have no choice contractually) and the player says he's going to get it all sorted after the Under-21s final on Friday.

Following this story the past few weeks, with all the theories and counter-theories, I have surmised the following:

1. He's agreed terms and passed a medical.

2. He has a release clause which has been met, so the fee is agreed with Malaga.

3. Spain won't allow any deal to be announced until after the U21 European Championships.

There were also reports of an Everton delegation flying out to Poland to seal the deal. Let's say the contract was all signed at that point, and the photos taken with the shirt. That being the case, there's no chance any other club could come in for him. We're just waiting on the weekend before it can all be made official. At least that's what I'm pinning my hopes on anyway!

Sandro'll be announced on Monday 3rd July.

If that doesn't happen, Colin Glassar will buy everyone on here a pint.

@ Ken Buckley "I was just glad it was Saul who got the hat trick."

I thought the exact same thing!

I didn't give a date, Brian, you did!

Was the liquid within the pint container specified?

Thanks lads. I'm calm again now. Haha!

I hope it's true though I've not watched any of the Spanish U21 games. Has he played well? I saw his goal where Geri crossed it in to him.

As a matter of interest, are people still expecting a big name striker to be signed or are we going for a few lesser known names to replace Rom?

Brian, I made a bit of money betting on Lukaku to stay last season when the bookies were certain he was going. I shoved some more on this time at 10/1. The odds are now 7/1 and I don't think he has actually said he is leaving. The only thing you can realistically say about Rom is that he's very fickle.

Colin (#37).

I know, mate, but I'm not bloody well buying the beer!!!

Chris (#26), I'm glad the club hasn't come out and made any statements. They don't need to respond to all the sensationalist shite coming from every journo.

As suggested on another thread, I wouldn't worry about what Geri may or may not be whispering in his ear.

Geri is looking to be unwanted by Koeman, whereas Sandro is clearly of massive interest, as we have flown him here to talk to him and then flown out to talk to him when he is playing in the tournament.

One is very much wanted, the other isn't.

Why would Sandro be bothered what a player who is about to do one thinks?

Of course he's not going to say he's leaving until the deal is done but we all know he wants to play for a team who is going to win the league and compete in the Champions League.

No matter how many new players we bring in we know the best we can hope for is to compete for the top 4 with 6 teams all better positioned that us to get there. We are a long way from being a Champions League team in my eyes as we're not even a successful Europa League team yet.

Rom knows he wants to play for Chelsea or a bigger club but it's all about will they meet the asking price. Whilst I enjoy his goals and would like him to stay, I am also excited about our new signings and think maybe we will score more goals from midfield if Rom is not there.

Paul Joyce of The Times says that the deal is done and there is no get-out clause in the contract. How he knows I have no idea – might all be the usual bullshit. But by Monday, I am sure we will know the answer.

In other news... J Defoe still strongly rumoured to be joining Bournemouth – a rumour that seems to have been around since I was at school (in the 1970s).

Yup. Completely agree. I just think that it's not nailed on that he's leaving.

If Deulofeu has been cold-shouldered by Koeman and they are playing in the Spanish U21s together, you have to wonder whether Deulofeu has had a word in his ear.

Most of us believe that Koeman does not want Deulofeu and despite rumours of Barcelona being interested nothing has come about. Anyone else believe that none of the Spanish U-21 squad are allowed to discuss transfer matters until after the tournament finishes?

Alan J.

It would be a very reasonable assumption to make that the Spanish U21s aren't allowed to get involved in transfer business during the tournament.

Makes perfect sense.

I believe Rom has stated that "staying at Everton next season is not an option" ... "I know where I will be playing".

In the absence of any denial or censorship by EFC, I expect they are fully complicit in what is going on.

So I wouldn't be putting money on him staying.

Jay, I agree with that. I work with fans of about 6 different clubs and they are generally of he opinion he is joining Chelsea. Conspiracy theory is that Chavs have paid top dollar and want it kept quiet.

The logic behind that, is that Chavs don't want Lukaku to be a yard stick in buying other players. We don't want the world to know we now have 㿲 million (plus?) so can barter downwards on new players with other clubs.

As I say, just banter and conspiracy theory.

The Barcelona option on Deulofeu expires on Friday so, if that one is going to happen, then it will have to happen soon.

James, I work with a fans of a whole load of clubs and they all have the same opinion. But to be fair, they have all pretty much come to that conclusion via the tabloids and social media.

See, that "staying at Everton next season is not an option" bollocks is what pisses people off about Lukaku. That, of all his behaviour, to me, is the worst of the lot. How can it NOT be an option when he's contracted for another two years?

I know all about player power and blah blah blah but saying that really fucking annoyed me because he's saying it in public to make it difficult (or impossible) for the club to keep him.

I've nothing against ambition, nothing against honesty, but he has been way out of order and showed a distinct lack of class in getting his own way.

To me, he thinks only of himself. I cite the attempted steal of Davies's goal against City, and the celebration after it even though he failed to touch it.

I cite him making a twat of himself with his remarks towards Harry "I can learn nothing from him" Kane and I cite a number of examples of his sulky non-celebration after he actually did score legitimate goals.

Aaaaaaagh! I was quite calm 'til I came in here but I'm pissed off now!!!!

I see Martial may want out of Josés Man Utd; he'd be a great option.He is unhappy at always playing out wide (when playing) for Man Utd, but he is a natural No 9.

Quick, skillful and good finisher. Him in the middle of a front three with Sandro and another would make for a highly promising forward line. A bid of £45 million just to test the waters (or ask Man Utd for £50M + Martial for Lukaku).

Also, I see Ghezzel is still out of contract, strange we haven't yet been linked.

And how about Pepe at centre back, also on a free. Which club doesn't love having a talented raging lunatic in their team?

Good shouts Fran, Brian (#33); whilst you're correct, those clubs in Spain could not afford his wages.

Do I get dips on Colin's beer bet? He will have to mail it to me.

On Sandro, does he have a clause we can get him for? I remember reading some comments before that there is a clause, perhaps not a minimum fee but a contract buyout or something.

After the hat-trick last night.... better call Saul??

I'll get my coat!

My information is that Sandro has signed all the documents, Everton have signed all the documents, but Malaga have not. They are mightily miffed at not being able to sign him themselves [his goals this season have been the equivalent of Rom's to us].

On Saturday 1st July, Sandro's existing contract expires, and, as Everton have already met the release clause, Malaga's consent becomes irrelevant, and he becomes our player, come what may.

The player himself was keen not to be distracted during the Euros, so Malaga will sign the paperwork late Friday night, as soon as the final whistle goes in the tournament – simples! As a meerkat would say!

Jay @53: You're probably right about Everton being complicit in what Lukaku said. However, it's also possible that Moshiri, as a shrewd businessman who also might be averse to taking shit off anyone, might become determined to keep Lukaku (maybe until the end of his contract in two years).

If he did do this, and you asked him why, he might say "Because I can". He might consider it a shrewd business move in terms of the value of Lukaku to Everton as assessed by Everton, and in terms of a 'statement of intent' that we don't need to sell and we won't be fucked about by any player, regardless of how gobby they are to the media.

Just a thought, even if unlikely.

The Sun now reporting that Real Madrid have beaten us to him.

That should be all the confirmation we need that he's ours.

Hmmm... couldn't be The Sun coming the cunt because of our ban on the piece of shit, could it?

Who do you believe? One things for sure, I won't trust The Sun. I hope he signs for us though.

Also being reported that Ross will take the contract that's been offered to him. Won't hold my breath for that one either.

Now, I'm not at all religious, but if I was a cast-out angel turned devil, I'd be mighty proud if the Silly Season was my one and only bright idea... >:)

The Sun would be my follow-up...

Chill out, guys, he will sign when the window opens, his club are dragging their heels signing the paperwork, but they can do nothing come July 1st when his contract release clause can be activated.

In other news, Matt@43, it's looking likely the bookies will be getting some of last year's winnings back: Chelsea have kept the Number 9 and 18 shirts free... Word on the street, it could be for Rom. As soon as Chelsea's old kit sponsor expires at the end of June, they will parade Lukaku in the new kit.

Let's see if there's any done business or signs of genuine business to be completed on 1 July; hopefully there will be. This so far has been a good window but we need more signings ASAP.

Chelsea will tie up the Rom deal and we all can move on, but we must take stock. Koeman will be looking for a team that scores and plays better, like when Lineker left in 86, but we went and won the league.

At least two centre-fporwards and central defenders, in my book and sort out the back-up 'keeper.

Better times hopefully for EFC.

Paul, Robles will be fine as the backup 'keeper. Let's concentrate on other positions we need to cover. Left-back for me... and, as you say, more forwards.

With you on the left back, Jeff. I think Jonjoe Kenny is ready to take up the right back spot but what I have seen of Callum Connolly, he is no left back.

Going forward, he is a decent left-sided midfielder, which is where he played most of the time for Wigan Athletic. As a defender, he gets skinned time and again. So yes, cover for Baines needs looking into.

The Guardian now reporting that he'd prefer Real's Champions League bench to Goodison.

I was really hoping we'd get this one over the line, but maybe we've been used to get better offers. If so, I hope he regrets his manoeuvring at our expense.

Sandro is in the bag, it's who follows him upfront that interests me, as we need more than one and Calvert-Lewin, although a great prospect, needs time.

It'll be announced July 3.

So much paper talk crap in the meantime. A Turkish paper is saying Fenerbahçe want Mirallas since he is totally out of Koeman's plans. Someone should tell them that Koeman gave Mirallas 35 appearances last season.

I'd love to think it will happen, but it's dragging on too long for my liking.

Colin is usually a reliable source; I'm going with him.

Why all this fuss? He's nothing special.

Has signed for us on a 5-year deal, according to Sky Sports News.

Sky saying 5 year deal signed.

Reports all over the Internet saying he's our new number 9. Done deal, 5 years as Terence says :)

Deal done. :) Welcome to our new Number 9.