Everton in for Colombia international Barrios

Well if he nutted that tosser that's a great start!

Can somebody tell Silva we need a striker, FFS.

A defensive midfielder is not needed.

We need a leader, a provider and a striker. Hopefully all in the same player, but I guess that's hoping for too much.

I would not say no to Fellaini in a loan deal, though.

I can only second that Brian @1, my only reservation he didn't nut him hard enough, he's still turning out for the RS.

Like Neil and Gaute have mentioned, another midfielder would not seem to be a priority in this window.

I did like James McCarthy, but I guess the injuries have taken a toll on him, so I would let him go now. Use the money to buy a cheap player who turns out to net us 35 goals a season.

I think despite having plenty that a midfielder is needed. We often seem to lose the battle there. We have a few no midfielders who are genuine athletes and can also pass the ball. Gueye may be the closest thing on a good day but his distribution is mixed.

Barrios is one of the best players in Argentina and covers a lot of ground, winning balls all over the park whilst being a pretty decent passer.

If he can be that all round central midfielder that wins us the crucial battles in the middle then he’ll be a great signing.

Brands knows all about our need for a striker, but consistent young goalscorers are VERY hard to find.

A striker who can hold the ball up link the play and put the ball in the bloody back of the net before any other signing please!

If he is a class act then yes get him but I hope he can start immediately unlike Mina.
Anyone who can defend good is welcome at Goodison.

I agree a class striker is also a necessity right now but what's the point if there is a lack of creativity ?

Being creative is not keeping possession whilst passing the ball sideways and backwards then giving it up tamely.

Hallelujah, I've been mentioning this guys name to anybody that's willing to listen (and some that aren't), ever since his World Cup displays. Anybody saying he's not the type of player we need, needs to go and follow another sport, because they clearly cannot register the blatently obvious. Playing with two attacking Fullbacks, it's imperative that you have a DM who's only interest is being in position whenever we lose the ball. Barrios rarely leaves that pocket in front of the CB's, is aggressive but neat and tidy on the ball and although he's only about 5'7, is as strong as an ox. Sound familiar? No, that's because we don't have anybody that resembles that role. The likes of Gana and McCarthy when fit, are more of a pressing midfielder, they follow the ball intently, trying to win it back, with next to no interest in providing that shield for the two CB's, which is why our CB's have been so shocking this season, as they are completely isolated on the counter attack. It's also been blatently obvious, that we can be easily bullied by the opposition, something I've witnessed 3/4 times this season, but Barrios and Mina in the same team should put a stop to that. The only draw back, is that he's been continually linked with Spurs and they're equally as in need for a player of his Ilk and a much more attractive proposition

If we are having a midfield clear out fair enough, but adding to a squad that is all ready chockablock is stupid.
I thought that Brands was brought in to earmark players to improve the squad. Moshri, Silva and Brands need to sit down together and discuss, what is needed, and who they can let go.

Judging from that video he seems to be an aggressive slide tackler. Fond of a good dribble, and manoeuvres like Gomes on the ball. Interesting combination.

Standard disclaimer regarding highlights videos, blah blah

Maybe this lad is a leader and a shouter, which we need
just as much as a striker. Can he speak English for the shouting.

Good post Phil@8, with my only reservation being that you are going off the World Cup, which is only a very short tournament, even if it does have most of the best players in the world, involved in it.

I like the way you describe a very important position, that we have nobody good enough to play just yet, and this makes me think that this rumour could have legs?

If the rumours about Idrissa Gueye being wanted by PSG, then yes if he shores up and protects the defence!

True? No one knows. It's one in, one out so it'll only happen if the likes of Schniederlin, McCarthy, Niasse are sold.

Yes, If the Gana/PSG rumours have legs then there could be some mileage in it.

Anyone else read about Anichebe wanting to come back and play for free? If he frickin PAID to play, I would refuse him...

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/01/07/victor-anichebe-says-hed-return-to-everton-and-play-for-free/

Dave #11, it's not English we need, it's a combative, cussed attitude. Looked to me like he had it in the World Cup.

Of course we need a striker, but we also need a combative centre mid, who can add a bit of steel, protect the back four and perhaps turn the narrow defeats & draws into wins.

People keep talking about getting rid of Schneiderlin, McCarthy, Davies out on loan, etc. No point doing that unless we bring someone in who is better.

Gerry #16,

You know at half-time, when the forkers come on and replace the divots... well, Anichebe can do it whilst he's on his hands and knees punching the ground after losing yet another ball.

Although, thinking about it... he's a useless forker.

In addition to my previous post, I wonder if there is any substance to this, or it is typical window speculation.

If, and only if, Marcel Brands has plans of shipping a couple out, hopefully Schneiderlin being one, but there has been rumour of interest from PSG in Gana too, this would make good sense.

While I would not particularly want to see Gana go, he has proved when injured, how much he is missed.

Having said that, he does have that trait in his game misplacing passes too regularly, but at least he wins the ball back again in most cases.

If we could land Barrios who is more tenacious by all accounts, it could benefit the team as a whole.

Paul (17), whether it's English or any language, as long as they know when you're telling them to “move their arse”, they understand and get on with it.

Gueye's replacement?

The way he tackles looks great though I fear he could end up with a few red cards. The quicker pace of the Premier League could mean he ends up being a fraction late which many refs don't like, especially with sliding tackles.

Would be a great addition. But still an awful lot of players to offload. Will Joe Williams make it?? I also see Vlasic commenting on Lookman's Instagram, I'd love to see him kick on with us next season.

It will all depend on Ganas situation. PSG want him... but will offer around €25M. We want more, around €40/45M. The difference may be split and us getting around €35M.

We could get Barios for approx €20M.

Good player but his position is not a priority.

Slightly strange we aren't in for Abraham. Surely we could get him over Wolves? Better than Calvert-Lewin, Tosun and Niasse and lots of potential.

The midfield is always an indication of how strong a team is. Always need to be open to strengthen any position.

I think most fans know which players need moving on. Its like finding the elusive striker. Easier said than done.

I think this sort of move makes sense, to be honest. Gana is superb at winning the ball, but is appalling on it. I think Silva is more than aware that we need someone who can do Gana's job and turn defence into attack effectively as we look our best when counter-attacking. We don't have the personnel at the minute for slow build-up play like some of the better teams.

I agree with everyone regarding needing a striker but don't know of any who fit the way we play who are currently available or would actually come to us. There seems to be a lot of names being thrown about but we don't want to end up with another dud and more wasted money. We're not going to finish top six this season I think we'll have more luck in the summer.

Just opinions!

Good defenders make for a good defence and that is a priority!

When you can't get a goal, at least get a point.

It seems a similar position to that of the Atalanta defender in as much as we have Gana, McCarthy, Schneidelin and Bainingime. If there is any truth in these rumours then it would appear there will be another major clear out this summer.

It is like renovating your house. Priority might be to re-do the kitchen and get rid of the knackered old oven and the yellow tiles, but if you see some nice wood flooring on sale and you plan to replace the orange shag carpet anyway, then why would you turn your nose up at it if the store is sold out of ovens?

I think the defensive midfield role sitting as a 'pivot' in front of the defence is the key role in the team and we have had no-one able to play this role well for a long time.

Our central defenders get caught out by a simple ball over the top because they are pushing up to release the ball into the midfield rather than having a central midfielder able to drop back, get the ball and link with Gana and Gomes to initiate attacks. Gomes has to drop deeper because of the absence of the 'pivot' role and loses much of his effectiveness.

I don't know if this lad is the answer – and a player like Wanyama may be a better option as he is adjusted to the pace of the Premier League – but I think the role is important to fill.

I've seen Barrios not just in the World Cup but in some of Colombia's qualifiers, and Phil #8 is right, he's a top quality defensive mid. (Actually 5'-10").

Nonetheless, I vote no. He should have been sent off in the World Cup, and he was sent off in extra time of the Copa Libertadores final last month and probably cost Boca the Cup. The guy he'd been marking scored the game-winner.

We need aggression in the side, but we need aggressors who can keep their heads under pressure. This guy blew his cool in the two biggest occasions of his life.

Gerry #16, I saw that on the Echo website.

Did you know that only once in his entire career has the man scored more than three goals in a league season?

Love ya, Vic. Try rugby.

He is class and at this price he is a steal. We have paid silly money for average players (Bolasie - £25mil, Tosun - £27mil...), this one is a bargain, I think.

Not seen much of this kid at all. But Tim Vickery has been talking him up for some time. He joked that if Barrios stood on a rusty nail, the nail would apologise. He’s meant to be a real hard case.

I agree with Phil Head who is 100% correct. We need someone who can HOLD his position and protect the back for. Gueye is a Hunter, not a Holder. He’s also 29. Cash in, buy someone of the Barrios profile, if not Barrios. If we sold Gueye to PSG we’d pocket a few quid to use to buy Gomes or a striker. So it makes sense from different angles.

We need to get a midfielder of the profile Phil Head describes and I’ve gone on at length about this. I haven’t seen enough of Barrios to know if he can pass well enough, but if he can, it’s a no brainer and can transform the whole dynamic of the side.

The first thing Silva on being appointed did was talk about this type of player. Granted he was talking about schneiderlin, but you need to underline the qualities silva thought Schniederlin had. This is essential to how silva wants to play and we quite simply do not have this type of player.

Steve Ferns

You are right, Gueye is a (Norman) Hunter

If PSG come up with the right money then it may be hard for Everton to turn it down for a player who is 29.
A younger version in Barrios is a smart bit of business, added to this we could make a profit on the two deals also.

Steve, that's exactly what I asked Vickery. Can he pass? I saw him in the World Cup and wasn't overly impressed, as Mike spoke of, temperament.

I didn't see how well he could move the ball around. Age is an up-side, and he should settle with Mina about and other Spanish and Portuguese speakers in the squad.

We definitely need the upgrade.

John P, I didn't see much of his passing ability in the World Cup or qualifiers, primarily because in Colombia's system his sole responsibility was to win the ball and get it immediately to James or Quintero, usually less than 10 yards away. We saw very little of him on the ball or distributing.

But I doubt he's any kind of contributor in attack – according to Transfermarkt, in 150 Primera league games in Argentina, he has one goal and two assists.

Mike, if he can shift the ball with one or two touches to Sigurdsson or Gomes, then that’s most of his job done. Ideally, he should be able to hit good balls into the channels too.

I agree, Steve, but if he could do that, I think he would have more than two career assists, because Boca always have fleet forwards. Again, however, I have no idea.

I get that age plays a part in people's ability but talking about shifting a player on because he's 29 is madness, especially someone as super fit, slim and mobile as Gana.

He's got a good 3 or 4 years in him yet and his body is able to cope with the all-action style unlike the rest of the midfielders.

I've seen him on the receiving end of some very poor tackles too but manages to shake them off and carry on. He may not be the best but he's reliable in both his role in the team, fitness and is a near ever present in terms of availability. I'd want serious money and a proven replacement in before even considering letting him go.

Barrios would have a lot to prove to me. I simply don't know enough about him. Can he settle and cope with the Premier league in a freezing cold Jan/Feb period?

Wanyama a good shout but the difference is he misses large chunks of the season through injury and has done for years. It may not be his fault but, if you can't rely on someone always being available, then what's the point of bringing him in as a replacement for such a pivotal role.

Why not just get Kante if he's not wanted by Chelsea?

Surely we'll be stuffed this season without Gana.

Justin, I just don't think Gueye is good enough. He's got great stats, sure. He has a terrific highlight reel. He has some amazing games. He is brilliant, absolutely brilliant at what he does. However, time and time again, the opposition pass the ball around him and he's left badly out of position, and playing with a non-defensive midfielder alongside him (in Gomes) the back four are completely exposed.

Gueye will never, ever be able to sit in and hold position. That's not his game. Making him do so takes away the best part of his game. If you want the best out of Gueye, sit him deep with a supreme passer like Xabi Alonso and he'd look a world beater. We can't sign a world class player like that. It also does not fit the players we have.

Instead we need one player who can sit behind two, who then go box to box. Gomes is certainly one. The other could be Sigurdsson, but I have doubts. Davies, if he finds some form and some improvement to his top line, could be an option. McCarthy as well. But really we need to sign another box-to-box midfielder in the summer, preferably with some pace.

I don't think Gueye, for all his strengths, gives us good enough balance. And whilst he is a supremely fit 29-year-old, there's always a bad injury around the corner, and they suddenly come from nowhere at 29. Just ask Coleman, who looks like he will never recover his best.

Mike Gaynes #32. To play rugby, one needs to be able to do things like commit to bringing down 100kg+ opponents, contribute physically at rucks and mauls, etc. Victor has the heart of a lion (as in the one in The Wizard of Oz).

This smells of Gueye being off to PSG, and we're being introduced to his replacement.

I love Gana. Always have. I've waxed lyrical about him, contested his worth with posters, and it's not worth regurgitating.

I have a hard time letting go of players I like. I'd be an awful GM as my team would be comprised of a bunch of 33 year olds I thought were mint.

I'll be very, very sad to see Gueye go, if he does. But if Barrios is his replacement and we cash in on Gana, then I hope he comes here, is a ball-winning destroyer in the middle, and keeps his head firmly screwed on.

DM is by far my favorite position. If this kid tackles cleanly, is hard as nails, and plays a tough game, I'm sure I'll like him.

Time will tell.

The one wonderful, calming effect on all this for me, is Marcel Brands. I trust him implicitly.

Based on that YouTube video - yes, yes, I know it tells its own story - he looks tough.

The thing that concerns me in that highlight reel, is how many times he leaves his feet to make a tackle. That scares me a bit.

Leaving your feet is getting to be a big, big no-no in the Premier League. He might be carded a lot by really shitty English refs who don't know a good tackle when they see one, especially if the player leaves his feet.

The stories of Gana leaving for PSG aren't going away. If we get around £30-35m and buy this lad for £16.5m it looks good business on paper. But Someone who can also do a bit offensively as well as tackle is what we really need. Step forward Doucoure.

Funny how we see things. This bloke is a hard man while Besic was a card waiting to happen, thin lines.

Barrios is another level than Besic. No quality comparison between the two. It is like comparing Mark van Bommel with Gravesen just because they both were irritable.

Very ironic Gaute Lie #3, seeing as how Fellaini considered himself a defensive midfielder.

Iakovos (#50); the comparison was of the views of supporters not the players. Do you see better players being refereed differently as in the "Sky 6"?