Leverkusen left-back eyed as Baines replacement

Got a couple of goals and assists this past season. He looks fast too, hopefully Silva can attract him to the club. Leverkusen reminds me of Everton around 2007-2010, so I'm happy we're linked with a player from them, looks like we're taking the right step. Either him or Plattenhardt will do.

Don't we already have a replacement? I think his name is Robinson ad he has just broken into the USA national team and has been putting in great performances for them.

Is anyone else nervous about a new left back? We've been spoilt for ten years with Baines, I know hes on his last legs, but he's been so important for so long I for one certainly took him for granted.

Saw this rumour earlier, so did the usual YouTube scout. Some tackling footage as well as forward play which was encouraging.

If Silva likes him I'm in, but also keen to see Robinson in preseason.

Let's see, in terms of outgoing players if any clubs, want to take our deadwood.

As long as he is here, Baines starts each game, as long as he is fit, but we need a natural replacement, as no player, lasts for ever and in the last 11 years, Baines is up there by far as one of our very best players.

It's a total new scheme at Goodison Park and Finch Farm, and patience will be needed. I'm not getting wound up, as lessons of past mistakes in the transfer market, now seem to have been realised.

Hopefully at least the players' physical and mental fitness will improve, this season. >All very quiet over Goodison Park and I sense a long, long road to somewhere, and Bramley-Moore Dock. Hopefully the club will take the right course.

Seems to be highly rated by the Bundesliga community having made team of the season. Over 100 appearances now for Leverkusen at 24. Pacey with good range of passing ability and added to that had 3 MotM performances last season. Thumbs up from me.

I trust Silva to decide but, after so many recent failures and so much wasted cash, I do so with fingers crossed.

With so many top rate yet less fancied sides with their quality players on show, the World Cup is an eye-opener. I continue to wonder at Walsh's and Koeman's poor transfer deals.

He's available for £32 million. That's for someone who isn't [yet] a full international, and is intended as cover. I'm not saying we shouldn't buy him, I'm just saying it's an example of how mad the world has gone!

Where you get the "available for 㿌 million" from? Fees in tabloids can never be trusted, and a club's roumored asking price, or contractual release fee don't mean that is the price.

I could write up a contract and say I have a 㾸 million release fee from my wife, doesn't mean anyone will pay, or that my wife would reject 75p.

Besides, we are not looking for Baines's back-up, we are looking for a Baines's replacement. Baines as a first team player in a Premier League team that aims for top 7 (challenging top 6) is finished, he is back-up at most.

Last paragraph, Fran, that's the reality. Anyone thinking otherwise, no offense, you're nuts. Sure, save Baines for the games when we need his experience, but blood in a new guy, either alternate when necessary but the new guy should be playing at least the same amount if not double. I love Baines but last season proved we need a replacement.

I don't think we will be signing anyone without selling first.

If Everton sign Wendell, Lozano & De Ligt we will literally be the most popular team amongst FIFA Ultimate Team players for FIFA 19

Leighton needs to stay with us as a mentor and example to our young up-and-comers and new recruits, and I believe he can/will be a long-term fixture at Everton in a defensive coaching role. He is a 'proper' Blue and I'm sure will already be thinking ahead along these lines...

I do hope that our current management team will look at the significant assets we already have within our club.

I have had seriously diminished interest in all things football after last season and the World Cup is soporific – but the buzz around our place is fanning the flames so starting to look forward to August and the new season now. Please don't let me down, Everton.

Very quick and sharp this lad. Think his goals were from penalty spot. Like a few modern full backs his attacking game is better than his defensive one and his positioning can be suspect.

I agree that Baines is no longer dynamic enough to be a top class full back. Though. he's still a very decent player I'd hope he's not our first choice by the end of next season.

I'm excited to see Robinson given a shot in pre-season.

Phillip #2 - what's the deal w this Robinson lad then - if he's good enough then we cld really save some dosh ?

... also what about Garbutt?

Martin (15), unfortunately Garbutt's agent will have to work overtime to get him a decent club, and even harder to get him better wages than he is getting off Everton.

Pity – good crosser of the ball. We bring these lads thru from an early age and then cast them off.

Martin (17), yes sometimes we do take lads from a very early age and then release them let them go.

In Garbutt's case, we signed from Leeds Utd when he was around 17 for 𧾦k because he was considered to have great potential. He has, I think, been on very good wages for at least the last 3 years without ever coming close to that potential in many areas of his game.

It is always sad to see young lads released but sometimes it is because the lads have not improved their game.

Yes, agreed – cheers, Dave.

Dave (#18),

I imagine that his wages were pretty decent — I saw him last season getting out of his Range Rover in the players' car park.

Apart from Ossie, I can't recall a single player who came back from a loan spell to walk into our first team.

Regardless of who is manager, these kids only get called up in an emergency and the nonsense of signing Martina when Robinson was screaming out to get a chance merely proved that nobody from the club watches the lads out on loan. Joe Royle was said to have that job but spent most of his time watching the first team, I'm told!

Derek (#21),

Coleman?

Lukaku... kind of.

Derek, I hope we can give you the name Ademola Lookman in a few weeks time!

I don't suppose you considered Seamus Coleman because he didn't go straight into the side and it was a season of establishing himself rather than being first team for him after he re-joined from Blackpool.

There's also the case of Ross Barkley. He didn't play for the dinosaur that is Warnock. He didn't trust Barkley, in the Championship where he was by far the best player a short time later. He then quickly went out to Sheff Weds were he played and showed he was far too good for that league. I have a Sheff Weds supporting mate who thinks his club should put in a cheeky loan bid for Barkley now, as they still hold him in the highest regard.

But I agree with your general sentiments Derek. Loans should be for a short period of time, like for Ossie, Coleman and Barkley. Give them a shot at the right club then bring them back and get them in the team. And as with Barkley, get them to the right team.

Chelsea are the club that loan the most players, and just look at the long list of English players that they have loaned out, like Chalabah and Loftus-Cheek. I think Chelsea have not developed these players. Had Chalabah been at a Championship club to start with and broke through and been playing, I think he'd be at the top level now. Sarri saw a player in him and had him at Napoli. Now he's at Watford.

Loftus-Cheek is doing well for club and country, but it's only now that he's on the cusp of getting into the team of his actual club. I think he'd be a lot further on if he had never joined Chelsea. Their system does not work. It needs to be a short loan of no more than a year to bridge the gap between U23 and Premier League.

Derek, Barkley didn't walk into the first team but was incorporated into the squad.

Robinson has a future, and think could be incorporated into the squad as competition for any new left back. Or he could get further experience on loan, maybe a club like Huddersfield or alike on loan, maybe even a German team given that league's success with youngsters. This is for our management team to assess and decide. Send to a team along with Henry, give them a year to develop a relationship for when they are with us.

Hooefully, come 2019-20, we will be back in Europe and in need of 2 top quality players in each position.

I think if Baines was just a few years younger, then Robinson would be his back up, like Kenny is to Coleman. I think the way forward is to loan Robinson out for 6 months, to sign a new left-back and for that left back to be backed up by Baines himself. if the left back establishes himself in the first team, you let Baines move on in January (to America, where the season will have just ended I think) and let Robinson took over the backup role.

If the belief is that Baines is capable of one more season, then Robinson can stay and be the backup. Who knows he may grasp his chance and do away with the need for a replacement.

Steve Ferns – just move him on in January like he's got no choice in the matter! I think he is in the last year of a contract (might be wrong) and can't imagine he just going to go to the US drop of a hat in January when it's the close season there. If he doesn't get a new contract from us then end of the season I'm sure there will be options for him to choose.

Steve @ 25:

Agreed. A season too early for young Robinson, who – lest we forget – hasn't played a single minute in the Premier League and it would be unfair to heap pressure on him now.

Steve (#25) — what a load of bollox. We may need another left-back and more signings to an already bloated squad is not good, whether needed or not.

BUT, let Baines go in January!! Absolute genius. It is widely acknowledged that it is Christmas before the table takes shape. That the run-in is crucial, yet you propose to let an experienced player go for the run in!?

Behave yourself.

Baines is going to be 34 this year. The fact that we haven't made plans for his replacement already is ridiculous. The sentimentality kills this club, it really does.

Why is left-back a pressing need this window? Robinson has broken into the US XI, Baines can still go... the Squad is in need at other areas on the pitch before backups and replacements should be thought of!!! New players on the wings, maybe another striker to lead the line of attack... perhaps a new centre-back to push Holgate a little harder!!

David Barks (#29),

Robinson is already in house and looks good, why not give him a shot first before spending money on this position? The squad has other pressing needs.

At 34, assumptions have to be made now about Baines.

If he stays fit and healthy, we could get another season out of him. He's a bit slower but he brings quality to our defence. Leighton's build and movement makes me think he can go another season.

I think Silva will see it as too much of a risk not to get a quality experienced left-back in, the man will want to be first choice too. Leighton will be back up.

Robinson will be loaned out to get more experience under his belt. His development will be closely monitored. When Baines finishes next year Antonee hopefully will be back challenging to be No 1 choice.

Remember there was talk of Baines moving infield to a “quarterback” position like Lahm did.

I wouldn't mind seeing this explored.

Having long been considered of the least importance, in the modern game, full-back is an essential position.

Silva wants to play 4-3-3, in this formation, it is all the more important. The full-back needs the engine to run the length of the pitch. Often, it is the full-back who links the midfield with the attack.

Baines just can't be relied upon to do that.

Robinson might, but we can't rely upon him. Kenny provided very decent cover and has potential, but also showed that to play 20+ games he has much to learn and improve.

Look at Liverpool, even with the excellent Alexander-Arnold, they also have Clyne. At left wing back they have the excellent Robertson, and the very decent Moreno.

We have the old, injury prone Baines and a kid who has never played before. Baines needs replacing, and hopefully Robinson can come in and prove himself to be top quality. But we can't risk such an important position being left as it is.

In fact, centre-back and left-back I would say are the two priorities.

Sorry James Hughes, but the cold reality is that Baines cannot be relied upon. He's played just over a seasons worth of games in the last three.

Whether he's good enough or not, he's injured too often, he needs replacing. The injuries get worse with age, not better.

The american interest is there. Why not let Baines get himself one last good contract and sun himself in LA? He's had a great run and can bow out a hero to all blues.

Think Plattenhardt would be a better and cheaper option for us, he has that free kick ability too.

Steve Ferns while I agree he can't be relied on, he's missed 1/2 of last season he played 32 of 38 pl games the season before and missed 1/2 of 15-16 through injury. So let's be fair your making shit up saying “just over a season in the last three”

You seem he'll bent on Sending Baines to the states!

We need a first choice Left Back I agree but why you pushing him out the club and sending him to the states?

He appeared in 72 of the last 114 premier league games. So, sorry that's almost 2/3 of the games.

I don't think it's good enough for a soon to be 34 year old with constant foot problems. They'll only get worse.

He's also slowing up. Quite frankly he's far too slow for someone who needs to get up and down the wing all game long. He's also on a wage worthy of someone who was as good as he once was.

If he's interested in the american link, and it comes from American sources not England, then why not let him go?

I don't want to spend a season cursing Baines' lack of pace, and watching Everton come forward only down the right. I want us firing on all cylinders. There's no room for sentimentality here, we need to improve.

One thing that will give hope for Baines is Jefferson. He was Silva's left back at both Estoril and Sporting. At Estoril he provided all the width as there was no wingers, with the two forwards pulling wide into the channels.

Anyway, Jefferson was slow. But he had a magic left foot and was lethal from deadball situations. Here's a wonder goal for Estoril against Sporting.

Like many ex-Silva players at his previous clubs, he was great under Silva but could not find that level without him. There's a long list of these guys.

Steve agree we need a first choice Left Back, having Baines there to allow someone to settle in will help and give good cover without putting pressure on a young lad to play all those games.

Even if we got 25 - 30 games out of Baines I would hope with cup games we will play nearer 50 games. Lot of games for a young lad

I don't see the need to force a player like Baines to sit on our bench. I don't see how Baines sitting on the bench helps the first choice player or Robinson. If Robinson is going to be a top class fullback, then he needs to be playing already. He's older than Trent Alexander Armstrong who is at the World Cup. He needs games to develop. Being third choice is no good from him. Let him be on the bench and let Baines have first team football.

Baines started off as an attacking full-back but has improved defensively. I wonder whether he will be a left-sided centre-back for the next season? It would mean he doesn't have to bomb up and down the left wing which he clearly can't do anymore but would surely be an improvement on Williams.

Chris, he is too diminutive for it, in the air and physically. It's left back or nowt.

We are crying out for a quality centre-back now, in the mold of Terry, Cahill, an unyielding dominant force, a leader and organiser. It will be the single most important signing of this window. Break the bank for the best.

I haven't a clue who we can get in but maybe Steve or someone could offer a few names of quality central defenders that Silva would be interested in.

Today we are being linked with the Croatian centre-back, Vida. Plays for Besiktas and joined them on a free in January.

Played well against Argentina, the figure the rags are touting is about 㾶M.

And guess what, West Ham are also interested. Seems like a compulsory clause these days.

We need to trim the squad with a large pair of garden shears. One down, more to come. Whats not to like? I have faith in the two new incumbents running the team's affairs. Early days to be flapping like.

Excellent addition to the squad, if true. I think a Champions League club will get him though.

I would go for Aaron Caricol from Espanyol, he isn't on the radar of the big clubs but has had good reviews by the Spanish press (and a lot cheaper).

I think we need to buy well and what we need, IMO: 2 central defenders, a left-back, 2 defensive midfielders, 1 number 10, 2 new wingers (right and left) and a quality striker.

Kim Vivian (#12),

Haven't we had enough of the old pals' act? Why keep another player on as defensive coach? I'm Baines's biggest fan but it's this Kenwright teary-eyed view of our players and ex-players that has made us a laughing stock.

He's made a fabulous living out of the club so, when he does finally finish, I hope he does just that. I'd like to remember him as the great player and great servant he was – not some failed coach trying to eke more money out of the club.

You could run along with Leighton for a time but the biggest problem we got is getting a top class central defender to partner Michael Keane.

Tony (#48),

Fully agree the central defender we sign will be the most important business of the summer. It is one we have to get right if we are to stand any chance of a top 6 challenge. It will be the first really big test for Brands to get the right player in for the club.

I am waiting with enormous interest to see who they will go all out for. I'm not bothered whether he is ٠m, 㿀m or 㿨m as long as it's the right man. It is a signing that will be significant in shaping the next 3 or 4 seasons.

So it's not the friendly vagrant Arrested Development fondly sang about in the 90s?

Tony, someone around 6'-4” and could with the ball at his feet. Pace is an optional extra.

Jérôme Roussillon from Montpelier has been linked today. I would like to see him given a go. Former French youth international and was a left winger when he was younger and had a good goal scoring record.