Reports: Rodriguez and Allan transfers are almost done

Can't let myself get to excited, It always comes back to bite you on the arse.

Breathe and breathe.

Wow, can't believe it! Exciting!

I wonder how many times Moshiri has had the thought "If only I'd gone balls out in the beginning and got in Brands and Carlo, instead of that ham mannequin Koeman and Steve "goofball" Walsh?

Hopefully D-day tomorrow, and Doucouré to follow.

Hopefully we can offload Sigurdsson to DC United, and get Ramirez and Bernard off our books, and give Delph to science.

Steve, I’ve heard that Moshiri did want Brands. Or Monchi. But Monchi said no and Brands said not yet.

It doesn't matter who we sign. Not getting my hopes up again. Done it to many times, just to be let down.

I’ll get my hopes up when we’re sitting in the the top 6 come January. Too many false dawns, hopefully this one is for real!

I cannot see the Toffees signing Doucoure now with both these players signing & we haven't moved any of deadwood out...yet!!!

We should have offered both Yannick and Besic and a bit of cash as part of deal to get deal over the line.

If you read post on Sigurdsson, it says after his deal is complete so no transfer fee applied & toffees will not re-sign him so it's a free transfer & his wages will be off the books!

Blue tide is rising. Just need a goalie a winger and a proper chairman. Coyb

Makes a real change for our business to be done early. Brands now has until 5 October to move out the crud. They know who they are.

Paul, we all know but hope lives forever. But there'll always be another season, who knows who, who knows where...

Allan seems to be a great player.

James, you won't know. If Carlo can boost his ego and the man back to where it was, he might turn up to be the capture of the year.

Christy, lol.

I was just thinking of all our surplus midfielders and forgot Delph even existed.

After all the talk, these two really need to be part of the squad by the end of the week. They'd then have just one week to get up to speed with the squad. By 'speed' I mean 1st gear for these two. Wouldn't it be a nice change to get a result away at Spurs on the 1st day & to be in the top 6 after half-a-dozen games?

James averages a goal every 3/4 games whereas Gomes, Tom, Bernard and Bolasie average a goal every 3/4 years — between them. Quite an improvement.

Great, next Doucouré. It's shocking that we are signing players who really want to play for us, Okay the Don, but same thing.

I will be super excited if this is completed tomorrow. James will be tomorrow, hopefully Allan by end of the week. It will help us to compete against the top teams, and play the style the coach expects.

I don't see Gylfi going to DC this year - the article states "after his contract is run at Everton". Still lots to do only two weeks to go before the season opens.

Fingers crossed with Rodríguez and the medical.

Geoff, me too. Gotta remind myself to exhale once in a while.

LMAO Christy#3 Delph, you’re assuming he has residual value! :)

I’m holding my breath and trying not to get too excited over the prospect of landing these two. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Since Delph has come up on this thread, it wouldn't surprise me if he went to Leeds. Newly promoted side, want experience in the team to blend with the youth. Personally, I don't believe he's that bad of a player but his injury record whilst he has been with us has been abysmal.

Generally, newly promoted teams don't want to spend big in their first season, in case things don't go to plan and they find the Premier League is a different kettle of fish.

Of course, there are always the exceptions, Villa last season spent big, and for the most part struggled, and narrowly avoided going back down again.

Christy#3
Nearly choked on the granola. One leg would be a life's work.

Doucouré won't happen now, I don't think.

Is today the day we confirm two of our new modern day Holy Trinity?

If we get Allan, Rodriguez and Doucouré along with Gomes, we go from the worst midfield in the league to one of the best, instantly.

No longer can we allow Davies, Delph, Iwobi, Sigurdsson to face off against the beasts in this league. We've got our own pit bull in Allan and a sprinkle of star dust with Rodriguez,

I just hope we can shift Besic, Sandro, Bolasie, Tosun And loan out Davies, so we can free up the finances to complete Doucouré. A proper box to box beast.

I'm greedy now, I'll be slightly disappointed if they don't come as a three. I've already decided they're a three and must arrive as a three!!! 😂😂 COYB!!

Should be home in time to see these two holding up their shirts on Sky Sports News at 6pm. Doucouré, Timore (loan) and Arias and we're done for now.

Time now to enjoy watching the flotsam float down the Mersey...

Amidst all the excitement comes the realisation that it's a squad game nowadays.

I expect Leeds are waiting patiently for Delph, Derek, someone posted how good he was looking in training, and most probably because he can't wait to get back to Leeds, to hit the ground running!

I expect Sandro out the door; not sure about Bolasie, (who although never impressing me, might as a last resort be useful as an impact sub).

Besic, he's took the piss for years, and I would be very surprised if we got rid of him for a fee because he seems a greedy person, and has been running his contract down for a long time now. I'd take the hit and banish him, no more shop window, Mo, leave or see what happens maybe?

Bernard, Sigurdsson have both got talent, (honestly) and why send Davies out on loan, when he's finally getting some proper players to learn off!

Let's see what the next few weeks bring, but finally we have a man with a plan, it's just a massive shame we aren't allowed in the stadium.

Excellent news. Instantly improves our first eleven. I'm really hoping we get Dacoure signed as well. Greedy I know but he knows the league and has got the legs you need to be box-to-box in the Premier League.

I think they're looking at giving Pickford ‘online last season' to improve but in an ideal works where mo eh is no object he leaves. He hosts us points. Imagine James getting an 80th minute ‘winner' at old Trafford only for Pickford to let something approaching a scuffed shot under his body in injury time!!

I've said it on here before but we could get Messi and everything would be great up top but we will always concede freak, cheap goals with Pickford. Pains me to say it as I wanted him to be a huge success.

If we do all of this business then Brands will be very busy trying to offload some of our unwanted players. So we might have to wait till next term for Pickford to be switched.

Also, if Jordan can get his act together, he might keep his England place and his value may increase, as at present everyone knows he has serious flaws in his game.

Next season, I would love to see Pope.

Two down, one to go, hopefully, another we acquire another midfield improvement but will settle for the Man Utd goalkeeper or a young right back to take over from Coleman in due course.

The difficult part will be the offloading of the deadwood!

With a competitive midfield we should hope to hit the 60-points mark in the season ahead.

As expected, Carlo knew all along that he wanted these two in first because it was business with non-UK clubs.

As for Doucouré, he will be next and the mention that this deal won't happen because we have signed the other two will have no bearing.

I expect all three to be in by the end of the week. I think there will be other additions too, a right-back and possibly a back-up striker.

Si, I caught the end of the 1979 FA Cup Final on ITV4 last weekend, and Pat Jennings was in goal. Reminded me of Nev and Nigel Martyn.

Sadly the £30 million paid for Pickford is not on the same planet as these guys.

Christopher Timmins post 28, listen if it's true and we going to offload Sandro well the rest should be easy peasy to get shut. Even the daft goalie who struts around like Conor McGregor will be on his way as soon as Carlo gets the Man Utd fella or someone of his ilk who is commanding will be an upgrade.

I think we are all hoping that the Doucouré deal also comes off, but unfortunately it seems that Monaco are also making overtures towards him.

Let's hope that the player wants to stay in the Premier League and so decides to come to us.

Google the Sheff Wed v Arsenal FA up game during the same season Joe. Watch how football used to be a game played by men in almost any conditions, as the second half got delayed because Jennings couldn't get his hands to all the snowballs coming his way!

I am assuming we will sign Allan and Rodriguez. If we also sign Doucouré, any idea what formation Ancelotti wants to play? 4-3-3?

It's a striker that we need the most: a goalscorer.

hat cover do we have up front with any experience if Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison gets injured? Only Kean and then we are in the the U23s. We so need an experienced striker to complement the revamp in midfield.

Looks like Allan and Rodriguez are on there way. I disagree that this mean we will not sign Doucouré, if anything I think it makes it more likeley. The stumbling block is how much Watford want for him and are asking for what we offered last year. There logic being the price is the price; our logic, you need the money now and Doucouré doesn't want to play in the Championship so here is the lower offer.

I've heard that Monaco are challenging us, but they are not in the same financial league as us so won't be able to offer more. With the new players coming in its going to make Doucouré come more.

As for formations 4-4-2 was a means to an end to get more goals by getting Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison closer to each other, it worked for a while but post lockdown teams just figured out that they outnumbered us in midfield and swamped us. Our midfield looked, and was, terrible but it was usually 2 v 3 in the middle of the park.

I expect all three midfielders to come in, Tom, Gomes, Sigurdsson on the bench. I think those three lambasted players would look very different if one of them was on with 2 of the three new ones.

Whilst I think most would be made up if we could attract a “goal scorer” as well, I don't think it's “what we need most”.

In zcalvert-Lewin, Kean and Richarlison we have good choices here. Simms will come through this year as well I feel, and we still have Tosun on the books (and even Walcott to step in perhaps if desperately unlucky with injuries).

For me, it's a goalscoring winger, particularly on the right that we need. Someone who can beat a man and cross too. This would give us an option of 4-2-3-1 (with Gomes and Allan in the middle, and Richarlison, James, and ‘new guy' as the attacking 3).

If we got Doucouré as well as James and Allan, it gives us a quality 4-3-3 option as well as a potential 4-4-2 diamond option too. I think this is what Carlo wants – a flexible team who can change up regularly. 🤞

I'm confused as to why we are offering James a permanent 3 year deal when Real Madrid would happily agree to a year loan, contribute to his wages and we can assess how he fits in to our team and league over the next several months.

James has missed preseason so he's already a month behind everyone else and I suspect in our desperation to land a 'name' we have overlooked other options too.

I'm happy to have him and hope for the best but taking a step back I wouldn't be surprised if he's injured, lacks motivation, and we are digging our financial hole deeper on a dream instead of assessing all available options.

Sorry, I should be happy and I'll keep thinking positive. It will all work out brilliantly!

Gary, you forgot Sandro. Another non "goal scoring" backup!!!

Doucouré would be an Everton player by now if he wanted to come.

There's no way Monaco will offer £30+ M so Watford can chew on that.

We need to move on; hopefully we already have.

Doucouré agreed terms and Watford rumoured to have lowered their price to nearer £20M. No word on a player going to Watford yet though.

Sounds like Doucouré has his heart set on coming here and playing for Carlo, so I am not too concerned about Monaco. As Gary#36 above says this signing will give Carlo options, all quality ones. Imagine that, teams fearing ‘our' midfield.

A new striker will come in only if Kean goes back to Italy which is a distinct possibility, if the terms suit us. I am sure Brands and Ancelotti will have one or two names they are considering should it be necessary. They are keeping the cards very close to their chest on that one.

It might be a controversial view, but I'd keep Delph over Davies. I think Tom, unfortunately offers us nothing. If Delph could stay fit, then he's a better player than Davies. I'd even rather see Besic given a game than Davies. In fact, I thought Schneiderlin offered us more than Tom.

The question marks I'd have over Allan and Rodriguez is whether they can adjust to the Premier League. We've seen it before with the likes of Klaassen where a quality player for a top European side just cannot adjust to the rigours and pace of the English game. I agree with other posters that Doucouré has experience in this league and would make a good signing.

Said it before but, even with these additions in midfield, I still think we need a top goalkeeper, a right-back and a reliable goal threat.

Would I be greedy asking for one of the pacey wingers that we have been linked with over the summer too?

This will be an odd experience for Rodriguez. It's been a while since he was the stand-out player at his club, or has the potential to be. It will interesting to see if or how that affects his performance.

And Sigurdsson to DC United? The perfect day if I read that someone has come in with a big bid for Pickford.

With Allan and Rodriguez due to sign tomorrow, and we are still trying to agree a deal with Watford for Doucouré, well that's midfield sorted.

So now it's over to Marcel to persuade Walcott, Bernard, Tosun, Bolasie, Delph, that their futures lie away from Everton. Problem being all these players still have time left on their contracts and unless they fancy a move, which would have to be as financially rewarding as the one they are on here they won't be in any hurry to leave.

So with the new players coming in on good salaries if we can't get any of the players surplus to requirements, then where that puts us regarding FFP I don't know. Maybe 1 or 2 could be part of the deal to bring Doucouré from Watford but again how could Watford possibly afford the wages of any of our likely makeweights.

I think we have done the right thing get the players you want in first then hopefully sell the players you don't want. It also sends a clear message to these players that they will get little or no game time if they choose to stay. Let's hope that's the motivation for them to move.

Justin @37 & 39 - Regarding Rodriguez, how come you know that Real Madrid would ' happily agree to a year loan and contribute to his wages'??

Also, how do you work out that 'If Doucouré wanted to be an Everton player, he'd be here by now'??

Just curious how you can make these statements when re Rodriguez, I'm quite sure the club would have looked at all available options and also would imagine Real would prefer a fee and no contribution to wages rather than your suggestion.

Also, the issue with Doucouré is the two clubs haggling over price, where he wants to go is irrelevant until that happens. Two crazy statements!

On a positive note, delighted with Allan & Rodriguez, particularly Allan as I think he fills the gap Gueye left except is a better all-round player! Good times, keep the signings coming!!

Steve, #44, it's not that perfect. Sigurdsson is still with us for two more years until his contract is up.

Why don't we just ring Levy and bid £20m to take Ndombele off his hands?

Jose doesn't want the lad.

And Brian #45 - patience my friend. Walcott, Bolasie and Tosun will all be gone this time next year if we don't give them new contracts. It will all be done before your next summer holiday.

Mark Pringle,

I don't know his secret sources but, when Silva was here, I recall Doucouré's agent mouthing off that, if he left Watford, he'd join a better club than Everton.

Phil,

Better yet, sign Ndombele from Levy Pienaar style. Get him on the cheap then sell him back for profit. Jose loves those kind of deals, eg. Matic.

Gonzalo Higuaín & Diego Costa, Both got less than a year left on their contract, both be around £8-10 million mark. One of them would give us what we need up-front.

Phil ( Kelsall) Roberts

I hope you are right, Phil, regarding the 3 players mentioned.

So you are guaranteeing me that quarantine not being in place, that when I fly to the Algarve next summer for my holidays, these 3 won't be on Evertons books?

Can't wait for us to “win the Transfer Window” again and then see them all either get injured or turn into Davy Klaassen. It's the hope that kills you.

Brian@47 (And others)

There's no likelihood of Tosun going anywhere yet. Sadly, the poor lad's still suffering from the bad injury he picked up whilst at Palace, so no-one will come in for him until he's recovered and fit again.

And Bolasie showed more effort, interest, imagination and desire in his time on the pitch versus Blackpool than most who got a run out that day. I'd sooner see him get a start than Walcott.

I for one am very excited about the possible signing of Allan and James. Even if we can get James playing to 75% of his potential, he'll already be more creative than the entire squad combined.

Also, I know our current crop of players have been mostly shite and maybe most should be moved on. However, there is always the chance that with better quality around them that some of these misfits may find some form and surprise us all.

After all we have to remember that most of these players, like us, have had to endure the Koeman, Fat Sam and Silva debacle. I reckon that magic trio would manage to make Ronaldo and Messi play rubbish given the time

When Jesus said to Thomas "Happy are those who believe without seeing," he hadn't met an Evertonian!

An older midfielder and a washed-up forward coming in to save us – I've heard that before somewhere.

Don't see why we'd want to keep Besic, Bolasie, Sandro, Tosun – let them pad somebody else's squad.

Delph is a half decent player – just. injuries – for that reason, it might be safer to keep Davies.

Sandro will be going. There's interest in him from Spain. Besic will move to the Championship I'd think. Tosun will probably get a January move. Bolasie might just get another shot here.

Delph and Sigurdsson are the tricky ones. And indeed Bernard. That's about £300k per week of wages there that will be mainly sat on our bench if Rodriguez, Doucouré and Allan arrive.

Personally I'd keep Delph, who has the lowest wages of the 3 as he is quite versatile and could cover at left-back where we are a little short. If we could find any takers for Bernard and Siggy then that would do wonders for the wage bill and help may allow us to get a good right-back on loan.

Doucouré is the signing I'm most looking forward to. He's a big powerful unit box to box and will give our powder-puff midfield some genuine menace.

I think Bernard and Gylfi will look a lot better with Allan and Doucoure doing the grunt work. if we can have more possession, I believe the quality players we have will shine. I realise both Gylfi and Bernard will play less, but Rodriguez won't be able to play every game.

Have we got enough lockers?

Two great signings, so it's a start. I think we need 4 more to challenge for top 6. We need another midfielder, a striker, a right-back, a keeper, and possibly a left-back for cover.

I know that's 5, but think we could get away with left-back. We still need to get shut of the deadwood, but am very happy with these two.

Daniel, I am looking forward to all three. As you say, Doucouré and Allan will give our midfield presence and menace, they're the central midfielders that we have been crying out for.

Rodriguez will give us the world-class creativity we are lacking. I am looking forward to see if him and Richarlison can form an understanding.

Allan arrives at Liverpool Airport by private jet with his wife. Photos in Daily Mail...

Please just sign lads, the same ‘nearly there now’ message seems to come out every day. Sometimes I think the DFS sale will end before we sign anyone.

Geoff #53, Edinson Cavani, 33 and available on a free. Carlo might even have coached him at PSG for a short time.

Fingers crossed, and for the Man Utd Keeper. Just hope wives don't change their minds at blustery North England weather.

Another couple of quality signings and watch out Burnley, Sheff Utd, Wolves and Southampton. We are after you.

I really want to sign Doucouré. He is really different. A powerhouse and a handful box to box in the mould of Yaya Toure. With Allan, Rodriguez and Gomes, we would have great midfield options for various formations.

I also think that Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin would look way better with this service behind them. In addition, Doucouré and James would both look to get into the box often and that gives space to the two forwards. We should hold off on another forward, particularly as we also have Moise Kean, until we see how this works.

This is similar to the Liverpool formation with the full backs predominantly providing the width.

Lol Geoff, depressing isn't it.

Allan having his medical at 18:30. Rodriguez having his tomorrow at 11:45.

Brian, sounds like a joint press conference tomorrow evening then.

On a separate note, I have just read that Gerry Young of Sheffield Wednesday 1966 has passed away today.

A fine player, but he will always be remembered by Evertonians for one fateful moment. Respect and condolences to his family.

Yeh, possibly.

Kenwright contacted my mate as my mate owes him a favour. Asked if he'd do both checkups on the cheap tonight.

My mate explained he could only do one this evening as he's doing a horse castration out in Chester so Bill agreed one this evening and one tomorrow.

You'd think they'd wait for a human doctor but Bill's happy for a vet to do 'em and he's a stickler for calling in his favours. The joys of being a vet, eh?

(Sorry Andrew.)

Great, Brian!

If anyone is concerned about James's fitness, have you ever seen his girlfriend/partner, Shannon Del Lima? I bet he's in the best shape of his life!

You'd hope with all incoming midfielders that Carlo has found a way to rid us of the dross we currently have. They should realize that, all things being equal, they won't be playing in the first team. That should trigger them in to actively looking for a way out.

Geoff, why would I include Sandro in my post. Your argument is akin to saying Man Utd have a shit attack cos they have D'Mani Mellor in reserves. It's a bizarre point.

Unconfirmed reports of Doucouré deal done. Fee around £22 million plus add-ons.

The fact someone says they'd rather keep an aging, always injured crock (Delph) over a 22-year-old local lad with plenty of experience and space to get better (Davies) just tells you how bizarre some views are on here.

Why are so many obsessed with getting Bernard off our books? Is that really the most pressing priority?

He's a decent player isn't he? Certainly good enough for the squad, a guy who can come off the bench and provide something at the very least.

There's about 12 players we need to get rid of before we think about whether we need to remove Bernard from our squad.

I forgot to say, very pleased we've bought three good players, who seem they will compliment each other nicely as a midfield trio. Hope to God they stay fit and it works out for them.

I like Bernard. He always gives 100% which is more than I can say for some other players. He's just been in a poor side. At the end of the day we need a squad so we should keep the players who can offer something different and Bernard can certainly do that. Moise Keane the same.

Who stays and who goes will really be dependent on what sort of set up Carlo intends to use. With the squad options he has now, it could be anything.

There's a footballer in Bernard, always was just needs confidence.

Colin, it's amazing the power of money. I'm thinking of Morgan Schneiderlin's wife and not to mention John W Henry's wife, he's in his 70s and she's certainly not.

When Peter Crouch was asked what would he have been if he hadn't made it as a footballer, he said "a virgin".

Kim Vivian #63,

A lorry load of bin bags delivered to Finch Farm today.

Andrew @85,

I totally agree, Bernard played in a piss-poor midfield last season who couldn't keep hold of the ball and was played out of position on the right. We could see the best of him with more possession and better players around him; we saw glimpses of it in his first season.

Brian (77),

Why don't you get off Bill's back, there's always one of you having a go at poor Bill on here, he's got feelings you know!!!

Sorry Dave. 😋

This is why we're paying Carlo. If players can't play for him, or with these new additions, get rid; if they can, fantastic. Think this has to be last chance saloon though, as we can't carry this level of investment any further.

Brian (92), should bloody think so, apology accepted.

Oh and Brian, I’ve knocked another Desperado off my bill!!

Hopefully, soon some genuine hope and optimism in the form of the new players for the new season will be announced.

It's seemed like some of the longest transfer sagas on record but hopefully all will prove that they are up to the task this season.

Let's hope so, and we get off to a strong start, and get some consistency.

If we can't get a new goalkeeper in, I'd start with Lössl, but let's see what happens and how Carlo picks his squad.

Dave, you'll be down to single figures soon! 😂

I'm sure there's nothing personal about Bill and in his cack-handed way he cares about the club. It's just that his actions have impacted us big time. Not his love for us.

Gary #82,

You want to try Walcott, Tosun or Simms up-front??

Give your head a wobble, lad.

Brian (96), got me laughing there, cheeky bloody monkey!

Bernard:

61 appearances. 4 goals. 6 assists.

Basically one goal every 15 games, and one assist every 10. Precisely why he needs replacing.

Danny, he was our second highest goalscorer last season.

Premier League stats: Bernard was third top scorer with 3 goals, and seventh for assists, with 2 over the season.

Nagging feeling in my head that the Rodriguez deal may not be signed and sealed.

Why would you stop in London for a meal in a restaurant owned by two arsenal players who you have never played with? Hope I am wrong but it is gnawing away at me.

Sort of Tony. as I said he was "second highest goal scorer". Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin 13 each; Bernard 3. That stat alone makes your blood boil.

Does anyone know what a “medical” actually entails? We’ve signed many players who have successfully passed the medical but have quickly broken down, once signed!

And I don’t mean temporarily broken down. Quite a few have been long term and ultimately never contributed to the cause.

Paul Johnson @104 I’m with you. He should be in Liverpool but it seems the bright lights of London Town have turned him?

Bobby, The Colombian community and family members are saying it's a done deal with Everton.

Paul, Bobby's just pulling puds on this one. Cheeky fellah!

Paul Johnson, who is Ramirez?

I also wondered about that one Brian?

I grew up in Halewood and would highly recommend “The Leather Bottle“ boozer for an after-training pint. James will find it a cultural delight in itself.

Personally, I think this could be wonderful for Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies.

If James Rodríguez can get anywhere near his best form for us we will see an unrivalled creative player. He can score goals himself but his creativity is his greatest asset.

Not since Landon Donovan have we had a forward player capable of creating chance after chance in a game. Since Donovan we relied much on our full-backs.

As for Davies. Putting him into a side full of better players will instantly make his job better and free him of the shackles of pressure and expectation.

It's amazing what confidence can do for any young man and a football player. I expect Davies to make a position for himself in the midfield when the opportunity presents itself. He won't be a world beater, but he'll be a reliable and dependable midfield player, homegrown, and will take the spirit of the club onto the field with him.

I think Paul @ 104 is referring to Sandro Ramirez. Maybe Mikel Arteta is keen on signing him!!

Paul, # 111. I think you would get "leathered" if you had the "bottle" to go in there. It's one of those pubs where you get evil daggers if you are a complete stranger when you go in for the first time.

By the way, I was being sarcastic about Sandro Ramirez. It's clearly an error by Paul.

Tommy, do not rule out Moise Kean, he is talent.

You're probably right about the auto spell. Hate it. It's got me in to difficulty occasionally lol.

BBC Reporting:

Everton have agreed a £25m deal with Napoli for combative Brazil midfield man Allan, 29, who was an important figure in Ancelotti's side in Italy before he was sacked in December.

They clearly have a soft spot for all things Everton….

Sorry about the 'Ramirez' guys – it should have been 'Rodriguez'. It's all Spanish to me. Too many vino tinto last night.

Maybe there is a level of paranoia in what I was saying; however, as a lifelong Evertonian, I have been left disappointed so many times – particularly since the formation of the Premier League. Hope I have egg all over my face by close of play today

If it wasn't for Ancelotti I would have serious doubts this would happen. Particularly at the prices being quoted.

Still waiting for the official photo, Allan had his medical done yesterday and Rodriguez is due today, wonder if the club want to show both players together signing their contracts today with Ancelotti. Wish they would hurry up and get these deals over the line.

Bill, they might be looking to have a new player announcement on three consecutive days?

Brent, rather have the first 2 out training with the team, than waiting for another signing to have a medical that is not beyond reality that may have a minor problem that delays it.

Agree completely, Bill.

Allan just seen arriving at Finch Farm on crutches – he fell over the scanner and is out for the season.

Paul #111,

The Bottle closed quite a few years ago now I think.

If he likes a rough house, The Grenadier would be his best bet or alternatively The Eagle and Child in Hale Village.

While out driving, I happened to switch to Talksport, and I didn't hear the beginning of the conversation, but Andy Jacobs said "Despite them spending all this money does anybody see them finishing better than 8th" meaning Everton.

Funny how a Chelsea fan who didn't compete for hardly anything till Abramovich ploughed millions into them, now talks disparagingly of another club trying to do the same.

Obviously he has already forgotten what Ancelotti won with them while spending money, but he couldn't possibly achieve the same with little old Everton.

What are the odds on either player getting game time on Saturday vs Preston or will they now be waiting on Covid-19 tests before they can join in with the squad?

I'm eagerly awaiting to see what nickname Rodríguez is given as it's going to be funny to hear his first name being butchered every 5 mins.

Also, living over in the States, I'm interested to see the reaction of the huge Colombian population over here. I've got a bunch of friends who are of Colombian descent and treat him with god-like adoration. I'm expecting to see a huge increase in random Everton shirts when I'm out and about.

Kristian, did Donovan and particularly Tim Howard not help with any visible Everton shirts?

We're not signing James Rodriguez, we're getting Jay Rodriguez from Burnley.

Kristian #126, good luck with that. Everton shirts aren't available here unless you order 'em off the club website or one of the knockoff sites. No store carries them. The club has never bothered with the US market.

I see the Liverpool Echo is saying that Shalke want to take Kenny on another loan deal. They have had him on loan, so they know what they would be getting so we should reject another loan deal.

Not as if the German clubs are short of cash, and as they have shown with Jadon Sanchez they want megabucks when they sell.

I don't know how long Kenny has got left on his contract, but another year's loan means by the end of the loan Shalke will offer peanuts because of what's left on his contract.

I wish the club would come out and give a statement of where we are at with these transfers.

Mike, I assume Man Utd and Liverpool shirts are. I feel we always missed the opportunity with pre-season tours. Well hopefully a new era of Everton is emerging with Carlo.

No, Dermot [128].... we're getting Bobby Rodriguez from the Farmers Arms!!

Mike

Everton may have tried the American market but not being 1 of the top 6 regularly for years with constant media coverage, there isn't a profitable market for them to do it. It may change if Everton become a successful club, finishing in the top 6 regularly and winning trophies at home and in Europe

Commercial interests are in successful enterprises, and Everton can only go on their History. We may see some better efforts for sales if we are more successful with the influx of the South American players.

In defence of Bernard, I think he is a quality player with lots of talent, the problem is where is his best position and how do you get the best out of him for the team?

The club missed the trick when Tim Howard was probably the most famous person in the country after Obama during the World Cup. You can find the shirt in the odd Football specific stores, but they are few and far between.

Other than spending a small fortune on getting something shipped from home, you can sometimes get stuff off the Fanatic's website and pick it up from their mall stores.

The one thing I'm expecting is to see are knockoff shirts at the local flea markets. I was there Saturday and saw both a Colombian and Madrid with his name on the back.

I also saw a very attractive young lady wearing a Colombia one walking around the Mall the same day, which bodes well for our potential fan base.

Bobby @ 131

They're probably spending hours editing some stupid video introduction to them.

Just ask them to put the shirt on and take a damned photo FFS!

It looks increasingly that Brands is now no more than the Sales Manager with Carlo identifying his targets and expecting that the administrators sew up the deals.

Perhaps that's as it should be?

Can't you buy Everton shirts on Amazon in the USA or Canada? Not sure if they are up to date.

Never tried it as I get mine sent by family if I want one. Last ones I had sent were for my great-grandson.

Hi Derek @138 I think that's exactly what is happening and is exactly how it should be.

Why hire one of the best and most experienced managers in the world and not trust him to identify the players he wants. Brands job should be to go after who Carlo wants and get them within budget. Hopefully the first of many Carlo signings.

Derek #138. Think that is always how it was going to be.

Don't know why people think Brands would buy a bunch of players and then say to the manager, "Now, get them to work together." If you run a bakers, the buyer doesn't say "I have bought lots of flour, a pound of butter and some burgers - now make cakes and sell them."

I think Brands is also identifying the young talent and bringing them in. Three years from now, Allan and Rodriguez will be gone, as will Coleman and we either spend another £100m on replacements or promote 3 kids who have cost us nothing but means we lose nothing in terms of team performance or our regular place in the final stages of the Champions League.

How do these deals work in relation to self-isolation?

Are they having medicals in their current country, then coming to the UK, then spending 14 days in self-isolation?

Unfortunate that it will take so long for them to join their teammates on the training ground (and the pitch).

Fran,

I believe all the Premier League clubs have testing facilities and if the players test negative they are available immediately and then tested on a daily basis.

If anyone knows more perhaps they can correct me.

However, it was reported that Rodriguez was in a restaurant in London last night so maybe its one rule for footballers and one rule for the rest of us.

Joe #132, yes they are, along with Arsenal and Man City shirts and occasionally Spurs. You can find 'em in the sports outfitter stores. Very little Chelsea available, to my surprise. They must focus all their marketing on Russia.

Bill Gall, Everton has never even tried the US market. Not in the 30+ years I've been supporting 'em. You can get knockoff shirts on US and Chinese websites, but no certified kit anywhere in America.

Kristian, Ross Dress For Less sometimes has great football shirts to be found. I once bought a licensed Argentina international jersey for 75% off, and I've purchased some great Barca gear in there as well. And Man Utd and Bayern are often well represented on the sale racks, especially for kids.

Haha, Nicholas,

When I heard of Jay playing for Southampton or someone a few years ago, I would think "How the fuck did THEY get him??" 🙂

Mike/Kristian

TJ Maxx also has random England, Mexico, Barcelona, Bayern Munich shirts. There used to be an Umbro store near where I lived in the States about 20 years ago. It only sold English football gear. Even then when Umbro made our shirts, you couldn't get an Everton shirt, sock or even a wristband.

7 years ago I was on business in a town in California, not far from San Jose, called Los Gatos. There was one sports shop in town. I went to buy my daughters shirts for the Los Gatos Wildcats basically because they were pink and pretty.

The owner of the store was a mad EFC fan and had bought 25 Tim Howard shirts and 20 blue shirts (the le coq sportif with the collar). The club had given him 10%. He had a whole display in his window, pictures of Goodison, Dixie. It was amazing.

How long without confirmation before we start to worry?

My girlfriend is going to smash the laptop if I don't stop checking ToffeeWeb every 15 minutes. What's going on????

Anyone remember when we "signed" Manny Fernandes? Or Kyle Walker? That said, since Brands has been here, for good or bad I don't recall us getting Mo Johnstoned by anyone. But we always seem to take a few weeks to dot the last i.

I'm kinda hoping that Everton are wanting to give us some extra joy by announcing the signings in the middle of the night. That way, it will be like the feeling of opening the curtains on Christmas day to see the streets covered in snow.

Geoff, Kenwright's probably lost his pen again! Get the man a pen!!

Colin,

I can see Bill Kenwright: "Now where did I put that pen? It was ring-fenced right here on my desk where I used to keep the Arteta kitty."

Stephen @148, they are probably still there!

Colin, I hope it's not the lack of paper in the fax machine again.

The check will be in the bank tomorrow.

Steve 149,

If you've got to ask the question, you're already worrying!

Dead right, lads, Kenwright's turned off the lights in Finch Farm so they can't see. “Oooooh, the lecky's been cut off!”

Okay, guys, news just in... this is from the horse's mouth. At last...

Silver Neighing

Geoff #150, she just doesn't believe you're checking TW that often.

Come to think of it, neither do we.

You should be ashamed of yourself.

Mike, if they all sign soon, she will think I am on bouncing babes. hahaha

Have we signed anyone yet? I need to get an early night tonight.

Yes, Colin, we got Gordon on a five-year deal. Sleep tight.

Messi’s dad is hogging the Burofax so we can’t get our messages through.

So I hear.

Stay calm, everyone, they are getting all three medicals done so they can have a ‘Super Friday' and present the three musketeers all at once, and once for all.

Phew, cheers, Mike. I thought Gordon McQueen had retired but he's better than nothing I suppose.

Announcing all three together is so Kenwrighty...

Anyone else feel like Rodríguez is Real Madrid's deadwood? like Bolasie or all the others we could name.

Inconsistent, often injured, 29, on big wages, long contract...

Feels like we are adding to the pile.

Nope, Jeff. He is better than anything on our books. One man's meat is another man's fish and all that.

Did we really just find a way to compare James Rodriguez to Yannick Bolasie?

The flipping silence is deafening... done deal or not???

Are they in the building?

Paul #137, I HATE those videos!

On another note, I hope to god this rumor is true. Quote:

"Everton are evaluating the names of Jasper Cillessen of Valencia and Geronimo Rulli of Real Sociedad as a replacement to Jordan Pickford"

End of quote.

Soren #122,

According to one of the Sky reporters, only Allan so far has emerged at Finch Farm today. Rodriquez is supposed to be in a hotel and Doucouré's whereabouts are unknown.

It is Bill Kenwright's 75th Birthday so I imagine all of the board and staff are partying like it's 1999.

Announcing all three together is efficient PR ffs.

All three deals to be announced at 6pm today.

It must be kinda weird in training today as a midfielder doing drills knowing three people have been signed to replace you. If Schneiderlin and Mirallas were still here, they'd take the day off!

Alex Gray

Only on ToffeeWeb! In recent weeks I've seen people saying we should sign Ryan Fraser and Jeff Hendricks. Now we get James, Allan and Doucouré and people complain!

Jeff,

Yeah but everything is relative. If you were dating Susan Boyle and dumped her then Selma Hayek asked you out, you could say, “She's just her ex's unwanted 50-year-old ex. I may as well stay with Susan Boyle.”

Way to go, Rob!!

Is that a guess Rob or do you have some info?

Happy Birthday, Bill!

Kieran @ 177, it was me who said Jeff Hendricks and it was a wind-up!

Making the point that there were posters who said we should have gone for Dyche over Don Carlo. 😄

Must be really weird moving clubs at this time. Pre-covid, Allan would have been surrounded by well-wishers and would be granted a hero's welcome on his first appearance at Goodison. Might even have had his own song by October, if he played well and became a fan favourite.

As it is, there'll be little point in Big Dunc telling him about the passionate supporters, or the songs, or the traditions of the club, as his experience of Everton will be the same as it would have been at any more anonymous club. Shame.

Anyway, welcome Allan, and I like the look of your missus.

Nice optimistic piece in the Times by James Gheerbrant today regarding James Rodriguez and the chances of Carlo re-igniting his potential one more time.

Jeff Hendrick might actually be a better option off the bench than some of our current squad. But he's Newcastle's man now.

Also, he's just coming up to the magic 29 and one more might just have pushed ToffeeWeb into a final meltdown.

Patrick #173,

No-one knows what has happened to Allan either after leaving for Finch Farm! And that was hours ago.. lol. Am I missing something?

Soren, I heard he was picked up and driven away by Rooney in a Volkswagen.

ITK has just informed me the reveal will be absolutely cringeworthy to some!

Seemingly all three signings are to burst out of a huge Everton themed birthday cake at Finch Farm as part of everyone's favourite chairman's birthday celebrations, live on Sky!

Brands is livid and said it was totally unprofessional and refused to take part in it.

Duncan #180. Some of our recent signings have all been announced at 6pm, so I'm just guessing that's when they will be announced!

Hope the cake's ready by six.

Brian, let's just hope it's not an Everton themed custard pie.

We'll just have to wait and see.

‘The proof of the pudding‘ and all that.

Rob, it's now 6:03. Time for you to head over there and straighten 'em out.

Ah, Rob, but 6pm what day?

That's it, Jay. I didn't say which day. 😟😟😟

Brian #188, I assume all 3 will be singing "Happy Birthday, Mr President" to Bill. 😁!!!

Yes, Mike #187. Heard the same thing from multiple sources.😁😁😁

Kenwright is waiting on the arrival of Christopher Biggins and Craig Devil-Hardwood who will all be dressed as pantomime dames to walk the 3 new arrivals to the press conference. The three will look at the state of the Judies and immediately ask for a transfer.

Allan: "But Bill Sir, sorry I've never heard of Z-Cars."

Rob, you let us all down mate. In truth, I was expecting an official announcement today but this is Everton after all.

James Rodriguez pictured in Liverpool restaurant ahead of Everton transfer

Just seen the pics of Rodriguez outside Soy Carlo in town. Apparently, he feasted on a fish finger buttie and said it was the best bit of scoff he’d ever eaten. Welcome to Scouseland, James. Lose the dodgy trainers, please.