Koeman still looking for a No.9

Wednesday, 16 August, 2017 121comments  |  Jump to most recent

Ronald Koeman says that Everton's summer spending is not yet over as he seeks extra options up front to replace Romelu Lukaku.

The much-anticipated addition of Gylfi Sigurdsson to the ranks was finalised today and the bulk of the recruitment energy will be focused on adding another striker.

While Koeman acknowledges that the Icelandic midfielder's addition plus that of Wayne Rooney and Sandro Ramirez will allow the Blues to spread goals around a greater number of players than was the case last season when Lukaku notched almost half of the team's Premier League tally, he says a new signing for the No.9 role is important.

Olivier Giroud was said to be high on the list of targets but despite being behind the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck in the pecking order at The Emirates, the Frenchman looks likely to stay with Arsenal.

“We still need to sign a striker,” Koeman said. “Everybody knows that we lost Romelu Lukaku. We brought in Wayne Rooney, Sandro Ramírez and now Gylfi, and maybe they can share the goals around more than happened last season, but we still need another one to play the No.9.

"When you play in Europe — and let's hope we reach Europe — and in the Premier League you cannot do it with just one or two strikers.

"We have brought in some good young players in important positions and that is good for the future of the club. We are still trying to get more but they have to be of the best quality. We don't sign players just to get numbers in.

Of course you like to sign players for the future but if you can get the best one why not?" the Dutchman said when asked if would consider a loan signing to bolster his team.

“That's for six months, the season, two years. I am open to everything to get the best quality players for the team.”

 

Reader Comments (121)

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Jay Harris
1 Posted 17/08/2017 at 00:13:09
Youre speaking my language Ron.

Now lets see some action from the aquisitions team.

Ernie Baywood
2 Posted 17/08/2017 at 00:15:43
We may want to target the best but, right now, we're probably desperate enough just to get a seasoned pro in.
Vijay Nair
3 Posted 17/08/2017 at 00:18:05
Wouldn't mind Costa in on a season-long loan. He certainly knows how to find the back of the net.
Laurie Hartley
4 Posted 17/08/2017 at 00:26:04
Well Steavey Buckley on the Siguardsson thread said we need a nasty fast centre forward. The "King of Nasty" could be available for a 6 month loan.
David Barks
5 Posted 17/08/2017 at 00:29:56
Yeah I've totally changed my mind regarding Costa at this point. Given the fact we haven't gotten anyone in yet and Giroud is no longer an option, getting Acosta on loan would probably be a very good move. Just don't see it happening though. I

also think we need to keep in mind that he would not be allowed to get away with some of his actions on the pitch the same way he did at Chelsea. He got so many free passes because Chelsea were the title leaders. The refs were more lenient. I think you'd see much quicker red cards here. But I still think it would be a massive improvement over someone like Benteke. Benteke would be a panic buy and massive regret.

Craig Fletcher
6 Posted 17/08/2017 at 00:45:17
Sorry to disagree re Benteke David (5).

I think he'd be exactly what we need. Big target man to get on the end of Sigurdsson's / Bolasie's crosses, and also knock-downs for the likes of Rooney and Klaassen.

He's something completely different to what we have already at the club in the forward positions; and his history suggests he'll be good for a decent number of goals himself as well. Almost a one in two goals/games PL record so far.

David Barks
7 Posted 17/08/2017 at 00:53:19
In Benteke I see a very limited player that we should have moved on from. He's fine in a Sam Allardyce side. I would have hoped we've moved past that and should be trying to play like the six sides above us, with skilled strikers who thrive with the ball at their feet and also have no problem getting on the end of crosses. That's why Giroud and Benteke are night and day from each other. Unfortunately Giroud isn't coming.
Brendan Fox
8 Posted 17/08/2017 at 01:03:58
They don't call him Ronald No S**t Sherlock Koeman for nothing! He even stated it himself in his presser that the club knew Lukaku was not going to be here so why leave it until the last two weeks of the transfer window to state the obvious that he'd need a new No 9 is baffling.

I'd say for Sherlock he'd prefer someone with good experience of the league, a proven goalscorer, good target man and good in the air with the right character whose surplus to requirements or available for sale without the opposing club wishing to pull our pants down over the fee.

I don't think there's many players readily available that would fit that criteria. I'll probably get shot down for this but why not go for Wilfried Bony whose game our new Iceman knows well and is surplus to requirements at Man City likely for a semi reasonable fee.

Mike Gaynes
9 Posted 17/08/2017 at 01:08:03
Costa's not coming, folks. He only wants Atleti.

I'm neutral on Benteke. He's an unplayable beast in the air, but that's his entire game. He'll score some goals, but he'll also drive us up the wall with frustration.

I'll be interested to see what other names float up in the rumour pool in the next few days.

David Barks
10 Posted 17/08/2017 at 01:10:12
Mike,

But Atletico can't sign him. Conte won't have him. Hence, the possibility of a loan move. Nobody is saying he'd sign on for five years. But a season on loan, then he gets his move to Spain, Chelsea get their money, and we can identify and get the striker who is the answer to our needs up top.

John Mckay
11 Posted 17/08/2017 at 01:21:28
Benteke would be decent was a beast at villa. Red shite ruined him.

If it's a big target man we need who will win headers from crossed then there are not many better around.

He'd cost about 25-30m tho maybe more. Can t see it happening anyway.

I'd take zaha from CP tho..

I'd love Dembele from Celtic know it's a risk but he could be perfect.

Harsh to say we have left it until the last minute I think Girould was the 1 we been tracking since we signed them flurry of players in July but looks dead in the water. Kalinic as well but he off to Milan I think and didn't want him anyway.

Don't know who we would get. Be nice throwing a cheeky bid in for Aguero but it's very unlikely.

Don't want costa he is too temperamental I think Rooney would probably end up butting the c**t mid game.
If he wasn't such a idiot he'd be Great!

Choice choices choices... There isn't a lot
Bas dost looks like the type we'd need but he would come with a massive price tag and would also be a risk.

Going to be hard to break into the top 6 never mind top 4 unless we buy a beast of a striker.

Brendan Fox
12 Posted 17/08/2017 at 01:21:51
For those that are calling for Costa they need to understand that Costa hates the weather in Blighty and London is generally that much milder on average than Merseyside hence the reason he wants to return to Atletico.

Not only this Costa wages would be circa £150k+ per week, an astronomical loan fee that Chelski would want and the fact he's put on a lot of timber and is nowhere near match fit since going on strike in Brazil. Forget Costa unless it's a Costa coffee you're talking about!

Andrew Keatley
13 Posted 17/08/2017 at 01:50:35
If we're looking for an old fashioned number nine that might be surplus to requirements at his current club, and wouldn't obliterate the bank, then maybe Slimani at Leicester might be a realistic (if not totally awe-inspiring) target.

He was linked with us before, has a 1 in 2 record in Internationals, and his Premier League experience thus far has been slightly hamstrung by the difficult season Leicester had last season. He's also very strong in the air.

The very top names are not coming here (yet), while young jewels like Dolberg, Dembele and Schick are going to be hard to get (and might not be the right choice anyway), so underachieving players at decent clubs - like Welbeck and Slimani - might be the most likely acquisitions. Benteke is undisputed first choice for Palace, and might take a Herculean effort (and huge fee) to shift.

Ian Linn
14 Posted 17/08/2017 at 02:37:27
Benteke, no thanks, we don't need a big target man otherwise it will just dictate us to lump it up to him. The team we are building is better than that.
Michael Penley
15 Posted 17/08/2017 at 03:30:16
The shouts for Costa are ridiculous. Can you all not see from who we're signing what kind of character the club is after? Costa is pretty much the opposite from the type that we want. Even if we could sign him, we just wouldn't. Let it go.
Alex Taylor
16 Posted 17/08/2017 at 03:33:07
Realistic Everton 6-ft+ target man wish list:

1. Edin Dzeko
2. Bas Dost
3. Islam Slimani
4. Ciro Immobile
5. Mario Gomez
6. Nicolai Jorgensen
Wildcard - Troy Deeney

They'd cost £15-30M and their clubs could sell...

No chance of Welbeck, Benteke, Costa or Giroud
Any other names guys . also I'd say Schick, Dolberg, Werner & Dembele are also non-starters.

ps: Lacina Traore please NO!

Steve Bingham
17 Posted 17/08/2017 at 04:25:40
Have a go and offer decent money for Dembele from Celtic .
Jay Harris
18 Posted 17/08/2017 at 04:33:15
Im still thinking we should have made an outrageous bid for Vardy or Dzecko but at this stage I would even consider Gabbiadini or Slimani.

There arent many surprises anymore as anyone decent is all over the internet so I just hope we're not disappointed.

Paul Columb
19 Posted 17/08/2017 at 04:48:36
Don't want Costa anywhere near the club. Talk about selling your soul. He's a cheating prick along the same lines as the Rat. And he's not the type of No.9 in RK's mind I'd imagine. Wish Giroud was realistic, but can't see it.
Shaun Wilson
20 Posted 17/08/2017 at 06:31:23
Costa haters - do you think Duncan Ferguson is a legend for polishing his halo? He was the fucking Vinny Jones of center halves!
Costas a proven goal scorer, hateful bastard, but if he's scoring goals for us, who gives a fuck? But unless he loves koeman, can't see him coming here.
Have to agree with Brendan #8, Bony could be the right fit. Both he and siggy prospered at Swansea, so it could work well. Could get him relatively cheap too.
Get Slimani also. I would assume he's cheaper now than he was when we were linked to him last year, and even if he's shite, there will be two contrasting styles of striker for DCL to learn from.
Fucking win win from where I'm sitting COYB
Shaun Wilson
21 Posted 17/08/2017 at 06:37:56
Also, get it done soon please, this glfyi thing took too long
Shaun Wilson
22 Posted 17/08/2017 at 06:52:40
Totally fucked up Gylfi
Mike Green
23 Posted 17/08/2017 at 06:53:53
I would take Costa on a season long loan in a heartbeat. And I think Moshiri, Koeman and Walsh would too.
David Currie
24 Posted 17/08/2017 at 07:01:43
We don't need the 2 big lumps like Bony and Benteke who are average and far too static, both not good enough to play for a top team. We need pace, mobility and strikers who can beat defenders 1v1. We need to be patient and not dive in and buy crap, wait for the right type to come. Martial at United might be one if he is not getting many games as a starter, Batshuya or Dembele.
Sam Barrett
26 Posted 17/08/2017 at 07:21:58
Love Costa and think he is exactly what we need. No more Mr Nice Guy Everton, love to see him in an Everton shirt at his best, even on a season long loan. Snarling, biting, fighting, and most importantly, winning.
Sam Hoare
27 Posted 17/08/2017 at 07:33:43
Benteke cost Palace £30m and is their first choice striker. Don't see him coming for less than £40-50m.

I wrote an article a few months back saying Steve Mounie might be worth a shot. Think he was a great value buy in this market. I also think Iheanacho would have made sense.

I wonder who our top targets are and why we haven't made a move already?

Perez from Arsenal is available for £15m and I think he'd do a decent job if given a prominent role. Chris Wood from Leeds could be interesting.

Dembele or Dolberg would be the exciting (if risky) moves.

James Watts
28 Posted 17/08/2017 at 07:46:26
Can't see us getting Benteke. Dolberg isn't leaving this year (been quoted several times in various sources).

Iheanacho, Perez, etc are not the type of player Koeman / Walsh are looking for. They want a target man. They wouldnt fit.

Costa? I think would clash with Koeman. Might be funny though. Would love it to happen but can't see it.

Giroud would have been ideal, but that ship has sailed.

It's going to be interesting that's for sure who ever we get. Wonder if Straq is still around?

Ian Burns
29 Posted 17/08/2017 at 08:06:12
For weeks I have been championing Dembele at Celtic but then posts come in complaining he is playing in a second rate league. He is a natural goalscorer and would also succeed in the right PL team - ie EFC. The key is speed of thought in front of goal and they are the same size in the PL as they are in Scotland.
James Watts
30 Posted 17/08/2017 at 08:14:01
I'll be honest I know very little about Dembele. All those people who are shouting for him, could anyone explain the type of player he is? Is he good at holding up the ball? Good in the air? Is he the target man type player koeman wants? Or is he just a new TW fad? Just curious.
Sam Hoare
31 Posted 17/08/2017 at 08:17:21
James@28 Iheanacho is 6ft2 I'm told, capable of playing a mobile target man role surely?

I hope we'll be looking for someone who can move well and score and not just a big lump; otherwise why not give Crouchy the call...

Colin Glassar
32 Posted 17/08/2017 at 08:19:45
He's good at everything James. The complete player if you like. He can score with both feet, is quick, strong and good in the air. But he plays in Scotland and, for some, that is like having the mark of Cain.
James Watts
33 Posted 17/08/2017 at 08:22:52
Sam. I don't know much about him either but from the little I've seen of him I was under the impression he was more of a poacher type player. But like I say, don't know alot about him and was based on a few matxg of tge day highlights! Unfortunately like Giroud that ship has also sailed.

I agree but I don't believe there are too many strikers around who could fit both. I suspect it will be someone similar to Pelle who Koeman has at Southampton rather than a more mobile striker. Just my gut feeling though.

Mike Davies
34 Posted 17/08/2017 at 08:25:05
I can't see anything other than a target man being signed. Koeman has always used the big man with his back to goal, bringing the midfield players into play, approach. I think this is why we don't appear to be looking at signing quick wingers (which I personally think we need) as this method doesn't rely on pace, more movement and vision.

DCL has done well and I'm excited to see his development over the next few years. However he's still too young/inexperienced to play a whole season.

The one player, who ironically is quite quick, that I think we are still interested in is Niang. For me he would be a good option as I think with the right handling he could be very good. Also I just don't see us spending more than 20 million on another player in this window - hope I'm wrong but for the time being I think the big spending is now over. COYB

James Watts
35 Posted 17/08/2017 at 08:28:25
Thanks Colin. Sounds decent. Hang on, you're not his agent are you and in the process of compling his you tube video? 😉
John Mckay
36 Posted 17/08/2017 at 08:36:02
Dembele looks class up in Scotland, like Lukaku in a way but with a decent first touch.

Should give niasse a game or 2...

Colin Glassar
37 Posted 17/08/2017 at 08:38:40
I'll be happy getting my 1% commission James. I really rate this kid but I don't think Everton are adventurous enough to buy him, sadly.
Tony Abrahams
38 Posted 17/08/2017 at 08:46:33
How did Celtic, get on last night Colin? I personally think that loads of clubs, would be in for Dembelle, if he was available, and it's possible that Celtic, have told would be suitors that they are waiting to see if they qualify for the champions Lge proper, before a decision is made?
Sam Hoare
39 Posted 17/08/2017 at 08:49:41
James@33 I think he was more of a poacher at City because of the way they play but has the strength and speed to play either role. Which is why I'm surprised we weren't in for him.

In fact I'm a bit jealous of Leicester's striking options. Vardy, Slimani, Okasaki, Iheanacho, Gray (more of a winger admittedly). If we had that lot I'd be more confident of top 6 and some decent cup runs.

Steavey Buckley
40 Posted 17/08/2017 at 09:03:55
The first signing should have been a striker to replace Lukaku, who is virtually unreplaceable, especially, now, as the end of the transfer window looms.
Anthony Dwyer
41 Posted 17/08/2017 at 09:12:27
Dzeko for me if we can't get Giroud in.

Benteke isn't a goer due to the fact palace gave £30+m and you really couldn't pay more than that.

Iheanacho was the one that got away imo, and Costa is probably in the same file as Messi, Ronaldo, Augero and Neymar . Never happening.

Brendan Fox
42 Posted 17/08/2017 at 09:23:58
Colin @ 37 good shout for Dembele who is a very good player who I think could easily cut it in the Premier League.

The biggest problems I forsee ig getting Dembele would be the fee given Celtic have one foot in the door for the Champions League they'd likely want mega bucks £60m+ for him. If we were to bid I think we'd be involved in a bidding war with a number of other clubs who if involved in the Champions League would be likely favourites as a new destination.

Given there's less than two weeks of the window open we would want to get a deal done and quickly which I think would be extremely difficult or not even possible.

John Mckay
43 Posted 17/08/2017 at 09:48:01
Celtic won their first leg 5-0 at home so it's a safe bet they are through to the group stages..
Dembele is injured anyway I heard until September.
French club was after him. £20-25m was being banded around.
James Ebden
44 Posted 17/08/2017 at 09:48:28
Given the time left in this window, and the availability of suitable players, I can't see us signing a real world class number 9. Not because we won't spend the £50-60m (we may have it, who knows!) but because no leading teams will want to sell their main goal source so close to the deadline.

That leaves us with the second tier players who are likely out of favour and wanting a move, especially in world cup year. I think Koeman would prefer premier league experience, as we have a few new players from overseas who may take a while to settle.
So the only typical number 9's who are surplus would be Bony or Slimani. We don't need a super mobile player in that role, we already have Sandro, DCL etc that will play off of him, along with Rooney, Klasson and Sig supporting. We need someone big, strong, that can hold a ball up and feed a pass, while also chipping in with 12-15 goals of their own.

I wouldn't say no to Bony. Did well before going to City, but never really given a good run there.

Tony Abrahams
45 Posted 17/08/2017 at 09:56:18
Can't see Dembelle, leaving Celtic, now they will be getting a big champions Lge, pay check?
Mike Davies
46 Posted 17/08/2017 at 10:10:20
Admittedly I haven't seen much of Dembele but is he able to play with his back to goal, holding up the ball, and bringing others into play? I thought he was more of an 'in behind' type of player (more Sandro type).
Fran Mitchell
47 Posted 17/08/2017 at 10:22:55
Dembele is gonna be a top player, we should go for him. 20-30 million in this market os worth it. Also like to see Luan from Gremio, also 25-30 million. Can play accross the front three, is creative and scores. We should make a move before Liverpool (possible replacement for Coutinho)
Matt Muzi
48 Posted 17/08/2017 at 10:25:25
I can't understand why we haven't got a number 9 in earlier. In fact I'd go as far as to say 2 target men.

I can only think the club had planned for Giroud, but that isn't going to happen.

For me Bony, it's a no brainer at this very late stage.
Benteke, will cost far too much.
Costa on loan? discipline, he'd clash big time with Koeman, I can't see them loaning him to us & he is way off match fitness.
Slimani? A possibility.
Dzeko? Depends on the price.
We missed out on Iheanacho IMO.
King from Bournemouth? Can't see them selling him & if they did it would be for silly money.
Deeney as a second striker signing? Remy also as a second striker signing?

James Newcombe
49 Posted 17/08/2017 at 10:27:55
Bony was absolute toss at Stoke last season. There must be other options out there. I see Carlos Bacca just moved to Villareal on loan for a year, he'd have been a cracking signing.
Brian Williams
50 Posted 17/08/2017 at 10:36:03
jeez some of the names being bandied about.
Deeney, Bony ffs.
Ask yourselves if any of the teams just above us would have the likes of them.
No, is the obvious answer and if we have any sort of ambition neither should we.
Tony Hill
51 Posted 17/08/2017 at 10:38:18
Matt (48), it does seem that we are without a clear plan now Giroud is ruled out. I hope that is not, in fact, the case given that we knew Lukaku was going, and I trust that we have other options. If not, we will be obviously and significantly weakened.

I fear that we are going to end up with a makeweight.

Shane Corcoran
52 Posted 17/08/2017 at 10:41:04
Brian, that's all well and good but if you leave yourself a fortnight to get a good striker in then you're left with the scraps.

Any suggestions?

Kevin Turner
53 Posted 17/08/2017 at 10:52:15
Costa on a half-/full-season loan? Even if he'd come to Goodison (and he wouldn't), it'd take half a season to get him fit. He's missed pre-season and has been partying like no-one's business in Brazil to rub Conte's nose in it.

No, we need Walsh and his scouts to come up with the goods. They've done alright up to now but I'd be even more impressed if they came up with someone less bleedingly obvious than the suspects mentioned so far (Benteke and Giroud).

Mike Davies
54 Posted 17/08/2017 at 10:55:53
I have a feeling our new No.9 will either come from Italy or Holland. As per James @44 there are limited options in EPL and I would be amazed if the incoming player isn't a target man of sorts.

Walsh obviously spent sometime in Italy earlier on in the window and we were subsequently quite heavily linked with M'Baye Niang, Kalinic (Milan bound?), Dzeko, to name a few.

Holland due to the fact Koeman knows the market so well. Pelle was a buy from the Eredivisie when at Southampton and If I remember rightly we were linked with Nicolai Jørgensen who was the top scorer in the league last season.

For me, I would like to see Niang given a chance as a No.9

Chris Watts
55 Posted 17/08/2017 at 10:55:55
Just imagine if Lukaku had stayed and had Sigurdsson, Rooney, Sandro, and Klaassen supplying him. We'd have been title contenders.

Anyway, I think a left-back is almost as important. Teams use their full backs as attacking outlets now and Baines is finished going forwards.

On the striker front, I wouldn't want Bony, Benteke, Welbeck, or Deeney, they are all second rate. Either go large with Dembele or Dolberg or let's work with what we have. Calvert-Lewin seems to be coming along if played in that position and Sandro will score goals.

Chris Leyland
56 Posted 17/08/2017 at 10:58:39
Shame - not necessarily. There have been some very late moves in the past transfer windows:

To name but 3:
Lukaku to Everton initial loan
Suarez to Liverpool
Bale to Real Madrid

Not exactly 'the scraps' are they?

Ciaran O'Brien
57 Posted 17/08/2017 at 11:03:40
Now that we finally have Sigurdsson, the deadwood need to be shipped out such as Niasse, Garbutt, McCarthy or Besic and possibly Lennon or Mirallas. Barkley looks like he's staying for now.

As for a new striker I would consider these targets if I were Koeman/Walsh:

Giroud, Arsenal 20m
Mitrovic, Newcastle 15m
Wilson, Bournemouth 10m
Rondon, West Brom, 25m
Hernandez, Hull 15m
Icardi, Inter 30-60m
Dembele, Celtic 25m
Bakambu, Villarreal 25m
Aboubakar, Porto 15m
Mandzukic, Juventus 15-30m

Mike Allison
59 Posted 17/08/2017 at 11:48:22
Mandzukic!

Oh go on then.

Colin Grierson
60 Posted 17/08/2017 at 11:50:29
As far as Dembele is concerned, it could come down to Celtic's place in the Champion's League as to whether he wants to go elsewhere at the moment. He would definitely be my preferred choice from your list though Ciaran # 57.
Simon Bates
61 Posted 17/08/2017 at 12:03:32
Koeman is supposedly open to Costa on loan, even until January it makes total sense at this point .
Give Giroud time to realise sitting on Arsenal's bench and being an impact sub is as good as it's going to get there .

If not identify and get a deal in place for Dembele/ Dolberg/ Dzeko/ Benteke or Bony, maybe 2.
That is if Costa doesn't fall in love with EFC and stays of course
Frank Wade
62 Posted 17/08/2017 at 12:15:41
Mike at #9. I had a chuckle when I read your take on Belgian striker Benteke "He'll score some goals, but he'll also drive us up the wall with frustration."

Like David #5, I'm in the Costa 6 month loan camp. He was a huge part of Chelsea success last season. They are missing him already. Agree re character - remember issue with Seamus, but he's the sort of player we need up top. Constantly working the centre backs, running off the ball to make himself available and also room for others, strong in the air, good finisher, clever but also the down side of that mean streak that went way over the top. How many times did you read "A goal for Chelsea for Costa, who is lucky to be still on the pitch".

I have to admit I haven't seen much of the others apart from brief CL highlights. Agree Iheanacho would have been a good buy.

I like movement from the striker. There was little or no mention of Klaassen's part in the Rooney goal v Stoke. He was in a central position in the box as Dominic shaped to cross with Zouma in close attendance. His run to the near post took Zouma out of position and created the space for the free header for Rooney. That's an assist for Klaassen in my book.

Stephen Davies
63 Posted 17/08/2017 at 12:19:35
Costa is a very good CF...no doubt about that.
However hes been in Brazil having cook outs and on the piss since the end of the season.
It will take 4/6 weeks to even get match fit.
Paul Withe
64 Posted 17/08/2017 at 12:20:59
Can't believe players like Rondon and Abel Hernandez have been mentioned here (sorry Ciaran)! Awful! Hernandez out for a while anyway. And Mitrovic is just a liability booking wise.

King at Bournemouth would be a good shout, otherwise I'd take Dembele (first choice), Giroud (unlikely now), Icardi (unlikely), possibly Dzeko (but unlikely again).

Another short term option would have been Bacca but he's now joined Villareal on loan...

Steavey Buckley
65 Posted 17/08/2017 at 12:32:08
Going into another season without a recognised striker (S) is a bad idea. When Everton were successful in the 1960s they had Roy Vernon, Alex Young and Joe Royle. In the 1980's Everton had Graham Sharpe throughout.
Martin Mason
66 Posted 17/08/2017 at 12:52:55
Why do people believe that the Club has left sourcing a number 9 to the last week of the transfer window? My money is on them having been looking for a replacement for Lukaku since they knew he was going but haven't been able to finalise a deal yet. Replacements for a player of the calibre of Lukaku just aren't available and the club are probably scouring the football world for a forward who could at least partially fill Rom's boots. The idea that they have just started looking is not credible and he definitely doesn't say or intimate that. What he says is that the final bit of business has to be to find a number 9.
Andrew Keatley
67 Posted 17/08/2017 at 12:58:17
Wish we had gone after Jean-Kevin Augustin. Only 20, surplus to requirements at PSG, one of the stars of the French Under 20s and Under 21s teams. Quick, strong, not massively tall but a bit of a battering ram. He signed for RB Leipzig for 13 million euros at the beginning of July; reckon he'll be worth four times that in a couple of years.
Derek Knox
68 Posted 17/08/2017 at 13:04:38
Haven't we signed anyone today?

We went for Siggurdson, he was here the next day ...?..... a year later. :-)

Think Martin is probably right, why did Walsh go to Italy?

Maybe, any potential deal has since collapsed, but I don't think for one minute, that they would have put all the eggs in one basket, without a couple of alternatives, and as he suggests, more likely than not from abroad.

Jon Withey
69 Posted 17/08/2017 at 13:09:56
Shame we didnt get Defoe for a plan B really.

If we want to have a focal point for every game we'll be lucky to find somebody - we just sold that person for a lot of money.

Suspect we'll have to take a risk at this point - in that case I'd prefer a promising youngster like Dembele.

Neil Thomas
70 Posted 17/08/2017 at 13:21:56
Can't understand why everyone is shouting about Dembele, because there is no chance at this stage with Celtics result last night that he's going anywhere. If he is the player we want which as split opinion on here then it's more likely to be January when Celtic have crashed out. The Costa option would be great but that would depend on certain factors. Is he prepared to come to us, would Chelsea be prepared to pay some of his wages, and is he physically fit at the moment? If so then ideal stop gap for the time being until the right player comes available
Trevor Lynes
71 Posted 17/08/2017 at 13:31:35
Siggurdson is good at providing chances from dead ball situations.Perhaps he would be able to get the best out of Benteke who is really good in the air and may be a perfect foil for Sandro and Calvert Lewin.With Giroud out of the picture I cannot see anyone else.

Welbeck is talented but a bit injury prone.The rest are foreign players who are untested in the Premier League.

Maybe this is a situation for Walsh to find us all a hidden gem ?

Dan Nulty
72 Posted 17/08/2017 at 13:36:46
I'm not a fan of Niang, I don't like what I've read about his attitude.

I'm not sure why people are saying Giroud deal is dead, because Wenger says he wants to stay? Wouldn't believe anything he says. With a world cup next year Giroud will want to play. Another game on the bench and if Sanchez commits then he has no chance of starting.

I still think we need pace but looking at various people's lists Giroud looks the best option. I think the key to getting a quality big name in though, if we want that, is what happens to Mbappe.

I'd put a big bid in for Martial personally. Through the middle nailed on to score 15 plus

Dave Abrahams
73 Posted 17/08/2017 at 13:37:20
Martin. (66), good sensible post.
Paul Withe
74 Posted 17/08/2017 at 13:37:36
Neil #70

I actually think Celtic getting through to CL group stages makes Dembele more gettable, as they've met their objective financially. However whether he'd be willing to give up CL football is another matter.

Mike Berry
75 Posted 17/08/2017 at 14:02:09
Some you posters mentioning Dembelle, Dolberg,Perez etc, you don't get it that Sigurdsson was so effective at Swansea because he was supplying to a big target man last season-Lorente, these players do not fit the bill !. The reason Siggy has been bought is to work in tandem with a target man !

Benteke will cost a fortune, Dzeko is a possibility and would love him, Bony will not come as Ron knows him very well and was not even interested when he went to Stoke, so he is not going to bother now, as the impression is that he does not put it all in.

As for Costa, are you out of your minds ? the blokes insane and would cause no end of disruption, sooner he leaves these shores the better.

I have been championing Chris Wood from Leeds, young, tough, strong and will cost nowhere near as much as some strikers mentioned !

I very interesting and exciting situation.

Steve Ferns
76 Posted 17/08/2017 at 14:08:30
Chris Wood is an unknown quantity, just as those foreign based players would be.

I wouldn't say Dolberg cannot do what Llorente did. Perhaps he lacks the experience and maybe the power, but he certainly does not lack the height. He's 187cm. A tall striker like that, under the tutelage of a certain former number 9 (no not Jeffers!) and maybe he can develop into a Llorente.

Benteke is the safest bet. But I would like to gamble on Dolberg.

Paul Kossoff
77 Posted 17/08/2017 at 14:08:44
He should have had a replacement for Lukaku as soon as he knew he was off. Real bad management from Koeman that may bite us in the backside this season.
Steve Ferns
78 Posted 17/08/2017 at 14:12:03
How did you know they didn't? Perhaps Giroud has led us on a merry dance all summer?

Or would you prefer we didn't try for Giroud and went for someone we could sign easily? For me, this was the most important position. It should be our most expensive signing. We need to make sure it is done right and so signing someone late is ok, as long as they are the right man for the job and we did everything possible to sign the players we missed out on like Giroud.

Paul Kossoff
79 Posted 17/08/2017 at 14:14:17
Derek 68, apparently Walsh went to Italy to get the Pope to bless his mythical magic wand, because so far it aint workin!
Steve Jenkins
80 Posted 17/08/2017 at 14:31:16
Signing Dembele would just round up a fantastic transfer window.

He's got everything needed and that we are missing up top.

Size, power, pace, touch can finish.

I'm surprised nobody has gone for him.

I also like King of Bournemouth and are surprised we didn't go off him.

Signing another striker of quality is vital, Sig is great from deadballs but you need a no:9 to get his head on them (which we don't have).

Sig value and contribution is halved without that.

Getting a striker forms could really be the difference between top 4 certainly top 6 or top 10.

Dont get me wrong I like Rooney & like v much what I've seen of Sandro so far, but we need more options and definitely size and pace.

Dendonker I'd love but we have enough midfielders and can't see Koeman able to pursuade - Moshri, Kenwright to outlay for him.

Love to be wrong on this though.

Derek Knox
81 Posted 17/08/2017 at 14:32:33
Thanks Paul, as long as he didn't kiss his ring!
Brent Stephens
82 Posted 17/08/2017 at 14:33:53
Martin #66 - can't disagree with your post.
John Davies
83 Posted 17/08/2017 at 14:48:15
Paul #77, It's not bad management from Koeman. How was he going to get in a top striker as his first signing? Who do you think we could have gone out and replaced Rom with until we had lined up the other signings to convince a top class striker to join us? No-one would have looked at Everton until we had done our other business and showed our intent. And even after that, there really aren't any out there who will get us 25+ goals a season. Koeman was between a rock and a hard place mate, no matter which way you look at it.
James Morgan
84 Posted 17/08/2017 at 14:50:18
Ishak Belfodil, anybody?
Sam Hoare
85 Posted 17/08/2017 at 14:50:32
One player Walsh was talking about in Italy apparently was Duvan Zapata. Napoli priced him out of a move at that time but no-one else has come in for him and he's not first choice for them. Could still be mileage in that on later in the window for £15-20m.

He'd be a decent replacement for Lukaku; big, strong and with a decent turn of pace. Not sure his goal return matches the Belgian though. Yet

John G Davies
86 Posted 17/08/2017 at 15:00:12
New no 9?

Wont happen . Koeman is crap.. Walsh is crap... We need to sell to buy Zzzzzz

Geoff Lambert
87 Posted 17/08/2017 at 15:09:04
I would love to see Costa and Rooney running out on to the pitch at the Anfield. That would put the shits up them big time.
Gary Edwards
88 Posted 17/08/2017 at 15:15:23
Teodorczyk of Anderlecht impressed in last season's Europa Cup and fits the tall #9 criteria, bit of pace too. You'd think that knowing that Lukaku was off, offering them Henry on a season's loan we'd have put a marker in there.

Offer Anderlecht 50m for Teodorczyk and Dendoncker . offload Schneiderlin to recover outlay.

Otherwise I'd like to see Dzeko, PL proven, found good form in Italy big # 9

Brendan Fox
89 Posted 17/08/2017 at 15:15:47
Mike Berry @ 75 with you on Chris Wood though the Leeds chairman is very unpredictable so no guarantees we'd get a deal done unless Woods forced the issue with a transfer request but this would have to happen very soon.

Another shout which could be a distinct possibility what about a swap deal with Vincent Janssen from Spuds with Barkley going in the opposite direction and £20m cash? Janssen hasn't set the world alight at Spurs but he's not got a look in with Kane and Son ahead of him in the pecking order. His scoring record for previous Dutch clubs and at international level is fantastic.

Shane Corcoran
90 Posted 17/08/2017 at 15:19:25
Chris #56, fair enough but Lukaku was unwanted, Bale was very much pro-tracted and I don't recall Suarez.

The point is that it's difficult to get a very good striker unless you're a very good team.

Everton finished seventh last year and might be in the Europa League so they'll not be queuing up unless they're a relatively unknown.

Geoff Lambert
91 Posted 17/08/2017 at 15:20:45
Youtube usualy makes players look fantastic if Teodorczyks youtube best bits are anything to go by I would'nt want to see his worst bits.

A bit unfair maybe as I have not watched him in the real world.

Richard Reeves
92 Posted 17/08/2017 at 15:28:41
Dembele all day long with Doldberg a close second choice. I would love it if we signed both but it was reported that Ajax want to keep Doldberg for another season so he could be a target for the following season.

I also think it is important from a business point of view that the club identify a young forward with potential to increase his sell on value especially after spending so much on a player with very little.
Martin Mason
93 Posted 17/08/2017 at 15:38:12
My guess is that Finding a good striker will mean breaking the club's transfer record again and it has to be done very carefully. It is probably correct that this is at the end of the window when all of the other transfer dominos have fallen into place. Who could it be? I'll leave that to the professionals at the club who know far more about it than I do. If we can't get the right player then it may be that we don't buy this window or get a loan player to fill in. It won't be because we left it too late, it'll be because we couldn't find the right player.

I'd really like it if we could even find a lazy get with no first touch and zero interplay skills like that waste of space Lukaku :-)

John Pierce
94 Posted 17/08/2017 at 15:41:52
This position potentially will be most difficult, a number of reasons.

We are known to be players in the market, prices are adjusted accordingly and quickly.

Time is against us so we are in no position to reciprocate with hard bargaining. Swansea showed us that..

Everton's reach or reputation is so skewed in our eyes it's impossible to understand why Messi won't just jump on a plane and slip on a shirt.

We are not anywhere as 'well known' or a big as a draw as we believe.

This leaves us at a cross roads, a premier league player who is aware of the Everton project, will cost boat loads and well is used to the premier league.

Or the relative unknown from abroad, cost maybe reasonable record more than handy in a league nowhere near comparable to England.

Then maybe one last option, the scorned, the disgruntled. The chap who is ' effed off with his manager or club, and might take loan to get him out of dodge. The caveat that is is a big risk for a no9.

So Rondon from WBA, Dzeko from Roma and Costa seem candidates.

But this one looks like a filler intil January .blimey

Steve Jenkins
95 Posted 17/08/2017 at 16:05:54
Not a first team skriker which is a priority, but another striker we've previously put a bid in for (one for the future if we could get him & would go into Un 23s) is George Hirst.

He looks to have great potential - 6"3 - I think, looks great in the air, comfortable on the ball, quick & looks to be able to score all types of goals.

I'd like us to try & get him in before the window closes, long-term I think he could be a great striker.

On the note of young strikers with potential - anyone know what happened with Zirkzee?

Kristian Boyce
96 Posted 17/08/2017 at 16:11:58
Koeman still looking for a No.9"

Are Koeman and Sandro playing a game of Hide and Seek?,"Koeman still looking for a No.9"

Are Koeman and Sandro playing a game of Hide and Seek?,,,1,16:09:34,,69.88.160.1,ok,1459,08/17/2017 16:09:34,Boycey,reader,, 840870,35350,toffeeweb,17/08/2017,Charlie Lloyd,cclloyd@live.co.uk,James @ 52.

No membership or anything. Just search for Everton FC. You need to change your perception of YouTube have a search through there's lots on there. When I pine for the glory days I can even relive them via YouTube!,James @ 52.

No membership or anything. Just search for Everton FC. You need to change your perception of YouTube have a search through there's lots on there. When I pine for the glory days I can even relive them via YouTube!,,,1,16:09:39,,95.146.141.180,ok,18460,08/17/2017 16:09:39,CCL,reader,, 840871,35348,toffeeweb,17/08/2017,Gary Edwards,garyed64@yahoo.com,Geoff (#91) . I based my suggestion merely on his performances against Spurs in last season's Europa Cup where he acquitted himself well against the PL's best CB pairing.,Geoff (#91) . I based my suggestion merely on his performances against Spurs in last season's Europa Cup where he acquitted himself well against the PL's best CB pairing.,,,1,16:10:41,,79.70.245.223,ok,11288,08/17/2017 16:10:41,Sportbillyblue,reader,, 840872,35344,toffeeweb,17/08/2017,Roberto Birquet,robert.birkett@informa.com,"Arsenal vulnerable? Their third choice striker has just turned us down becoming our first choice striker. Now we are linked with their 4th choice striker.

We are still some way off. Another CB and a striker, then the return of some pace: Coleman and Bolaise, and we'll be quite close. But even that and I would look at 6th this season as good progress and fifth as excellent progress

Gary Edwards
97 Posted 17/08/2017 at 16:10:41
Geoff (#91) . I based my suggestion merely on his performances against Spurs in last season's Europa Cup where he acquitted himself well against the PL's best CB pairing.
Derek Knox
98 Posted 17/08/2017 at 16:19:59
Kristian, you made me laugh there, keep them coming, hope we are still laughing after 90 mins tonight.

COYB

Mike Davies
99 Posted 17/08/2017 at 16:21:25
Great shout Sam @ 85. I think we were quoted €30M at the time which even in todays market is way too high. Don't know him at all but appears to be a strong target man who was relatively successful on loan last year. Maybe if they lower their demands then it could be a possibility.

As I said previously, I would be very surprised if we pay more than €20M for a forward - which would wipe out a lot of the player suggestions being made.

I just don't see our NET spending being pushed to such a high level.

Martin Mason
100 Posted 17/08/2017 at 17:07:20
Mike

If you read some of the very good posts on the subject you'll see that net spending isn't a key metric

John Wilson
101 Posted 17/08/2017 at 18:51:44
if Everton wanted just any striker, they'd let Niasse play. The fact is they don't and won't. They want someone in their view who is decent to replace Lukaku I think that says it all. So it wouldn't surprise me if they would pay 50-60 million.
Ciarán McGlone
102 Posted 17/08/2017 at 18:58:53
If we have any ambition and/or money we should put a 60 million bid in for draxler.

Get Rooney to tap him up.

Shaun Wilson
103 Posted 17/08/2017 at 20:43:12
Oh yes Ciaran, what an addition Draxler would be
Mike Davies
104 Posted 17/08/2017 at 22:24:12
Thanks Martin, I will take a look.
Trevor Lynes
105 Posted 17/08/2017 at 22:34:49
A terrific all around player who can play anywhere in the attack is Stevan Jovetic who is at Sevilla.He is great on the ball, scores regularly and is strong and good in the air. He has dribbling skills, is strong and really intelligent.He scored two against Liverpool (so good enough for me) when he was at Man City. He is quick too and I am sure he would fit in with the present squad Koeman is amassing.I reckon we could get him for under £20 million and compared to what is out there he would be a snip.
Chris James
106 Posted 18/08/2017 at 11:32:55
Dembele seems the obvious option and like the posters above I'm slightly mystified by the lack of interest from the PL teams.

That said, the rumour of Costa on loan is VERY interesting. He's a divisive player I get that and there is a risk of upsetting the squad morale - but I think Koeman is big enough and has enough of his own earned respect to deal with egos plus we'd all know it's just one season before a transfer to Atletico.
We'd have a genuine top quality player without having to shell out the megabucks transfer fee and you'd feel he'd be fired up to prove a point to his previous employers and say farewell to the premier league in style.
Chelsea obviously won't let him go to anyone they consider title/CL challengers, but we come in nicely just under that radar.

Tom Bowers
107 Posted 18/08/2017 at 17:40:13
One would hope that now the Gylfi deal is done that their will be all haste to get that extra striker. Sandro and Calvert-Lewinare not yet impressive enough for Everton to sit back until January and I still don't think Rooney has what it takes to be front-runner these days.

Yes, with luck Bolasie could be back sooner than expected and may be the answer with some new team mates around but that is still a while away. There are some decent guys out there Beckford of Bury and Vaughan of Sunderland. (Okay, just kidding.)

However, it is pretty obvious that Everton lack that incisiveness in the final third which will be a problem soon enough. Everton are trying to use a lot of one/two's down the middle through Rooney, almost like Barca but without the right personnel.
Hopefully it will be put right before the deadline.

Brian Williams
108 Posted 18/08/2017 at 17:58:09
There's no foundation to the so called Costa "rumour."

Again a lazy journo has voiced the fact that Everton need a centre forward and Costa is refusing to go back to Chelsea. Social media has done the rest.

I can't believe anyone could actually think this a viable possibility.

John Smith
109 Posted 18/08/2017 at 20:55:53
"Costa's not coming, folks. He only wants Atleti."

And

"But Atletico can't sign him".

They can sign him next January. That explains Koeman's "six month" reference.

Trevor Powell
111 Posted 19/08/2017 at 20:32:20
I am non-plussed why we are only now really looking for a go-to strike? We have known for many a month that Lukaku was sulking his way out of the club.

Last year we were linked with Gabbiardini who then signs for a smaller fee to Saints in january. Where were we?

Goal scoring is the name of the game and here we are seemingly up a dead end. Whatever happened to the great expedition by Walsh to Italy? Zilch!

John Otway
112 Posted 19/08/2017 at 21:18:56
Trevor Powell (#111). If only Messrs Moshiri, Walsh and Koeman had your insight!
Julian Wait
114 Posted 20/08/2017 at 00:05:42
Draxler on loan? Seems like a great option but he's not a #9 is he?
Dennis Ng
115 Posted 20/08/2017 at 00:55:38
Julian, I was VERY pissed last year when he went to PSG before we even had a chance to think. Given he lead Germany team B to the confeds cup against Chile A, a team I rate really highly, I doubt we can even get 5s on the phone.
Trevor Powell
116 Posted 20/08/2017 at 12:44:12
John @112, do you really believe that the top echelons did not know that they had little or no chance of keeping Lukaku?

Regarding Gabbiardini, where was the grapevine that tips the world of football about potential sales?

This is not crystal ball gazing or some magical foresight. It was being played out in the press and Lukaku's attitude and body language were something of a clue once champions league became a no-go!

I wish I had the powers you allude to no, just seeing the b****y obvious!

Jay Harris
117 Posted 20/08/2017 at 13:23:00
Spot on Trevor.

We have seen the likes Hernandes, Gabbiadini, Solanke, Andre Gray, Defoe etc all snapped up while we hold a feint hope out for Giroud who all along inferred that he wanted to stay at Arsenal..

I still don't know why we didnt make a big offer for Vardy or Dzecko which is the standard we should be aiming for.

Maybe we did or there is a surprise on the horizon but it doesnt seem like it.

David Ellis
118 Posted 20/08/2017 at 14:31:57
Trevor and Jay
We were linked with Gabbiadini last summer but didn't go in for him in January. We thought he wasn't good enough. As it happens he probably is .but that's only known now.
As for the others mentioned - Solanke, Hernandes, Andre Gray, Vardy, Defoe etc none of them are either good enough (Gray/Solanke) or really what we are looking for in a hit man (Defoe, Vardy etc).

We have not done nothing - lest we forget we have signed both Rooney and Sandro. It's not enough of course. But I don't think a failure to sign a new "big" central striker shows a lack of ambition...quite the opposite, because we have been holding out for higher quality we have had to wait. There's still time and I do expect something to happen before the window closes.

Jay Harris
121 Posted 20/08/2017 at 18:33:25
I hope you're right David because for me the quality and importance of this signing will define our season.
Steavey Buckley
122 Posted 21/08/2017 at 14:18:45
Another No 9 going: "Everton striker Oumar Niasse is set for a move to Fenerbahce, according to reports from Fotospor in Turkey."
Steavey Buckley
123 Posted 25/08/2017 at 16:16:16
"Everton manager Ronald Koeman said he would welcome a loan deal with Chelsea outcast Diego Costa.Costa, 28, has not returned to Stamford Bridge this summer as he hopes to force through a move to Atletico Madrid, who have been drawn in Chelsea's Champions League group."I said always a warm welcome for every good player and he's a good player," said Koeman."We are still looking to bring a striker in." - BBC football 9 mins ago.
Sam Hoare
124 Posted 25/08/2017 at 16:35:09
All very quiet on this front!! Hope our much needed frontline striker signing does not go a bit Sissoko...What would the striker version be? Bony for £20m? Sakho for £25m?

Part of me hopes that if Giroud finds himself benched again this weekend he might yet decide on a move in the WC year. Not sure what other plausible options there are .

Brian Harrison
125 Posted 25/08/2017 at 16:36:32
Yes he has been enjoying himself in Brazil, but it would take him 3 weeks to get back to match fitness. These guys these days keep themselves in shape even when not playing, Sigurdsson hadn't kicked a ball till last night and lasted 90 minutes.

Costa is the class centre forward that we wouldn't be able to attract but you tell him come here till Jan and then you can join Athletico when their transfer embargo ends. Obviously by his comments in the press conference his name was mentioned to Koeman who said we always like good players here and with a smile said and Costa is a good player.

So if its remotely possible go for it, yes he is horrible and nasty but he scores goals is quite quick for a big man and his link up play with Hazard was brilliant. So for me a win win situation for both player and us, he gets fit and shows the manager of Spain he will be ready for the World Cup and He knows he can leave for Athletico in Jan. Also by then players who may not be available in this window might be in Jan depending where we are in the league.

Sam Hoare
126 Posted 25/08/2017 at 16:42:44
Would Costa require Athletico to buy him first and then loan him out to us? Is that even legally possible?

Can't imagine Chelsea want to loan him to us. Helping out a player they probably feel ill-disposed towards now and a potential rival

Brian Harrison
127 Posted 25/08/2017 at 17:18:59
Sam

Dont know all the legalities and your right I don't think Chelsea are in any mood to do him any favours. But I am sure for Koeman to even mention this I guess someone at our club will have looked at the possibilities of getting him on loan.

Maybe it wont happen, but other than Dzeko I really don't want to contemplate Benteke or Bony definitely a massive step backwards even considering these 2.


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