Evertonians await confirmation of Rodriguez move

To be clear, I don't know if James's knee is fully healthy. I don't know what his attitude is like after his career setbacks at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. I don't know what kind of shape he's in (although his recent Cristiano-like gym photos show a carved physique). I don't know how long it will take for him to fit into the side, the Everton culture, and the Premier League pace.

What I do know is that he is now playing for the manager he loves, in a side that will feature him, and that he is desperate to resurrect his career before Qatar – and that, even at less than his best, he makes us better. Over the past three seasons, even with all the injuries and uncertainty and being in and out of line-ups, Rodriguez has played about 5,000 minutes in 81 games for Madrid and Bayern, compiling 16 goals and 22 assists. That means he has been involved in a goal, either scoring or creating, every 133 minutes, or every game and a half. That is massively better than anyone we have.

And that's been while off-form.

But if Carlo can help him regain his best, or something close to it, look out. He will change the whole world's perceptions of slow, boring Everton. The fans at Goodison, whose butts will be lifted off the seats by his touches. Opposing defenders, who have had little to fear from our attack until now. The supporters and kids, who (as Bobby Mallon posted last week) will be ordering "James" Everton shirts. The world football press, which now has reason to pay more attention to our side of Stanley Park. And Richarlison, who will become a 20-goal scorer with James's slicing passes to put him through on goal.

Finally, there's no downside here. Even if James can't regain his previous heights, he's still gonna score a couple of 25-yard screamers and chip some elegant crosses onto Calvert-Lewin's eager forehead and get roars from the Park End with his one-touch, left-foot magic. And he's costing us a hell of a lot less than some of our previous ill-fated signings.

So relax and enjoy, boys and girls. One way or another, this will be SO much fun.

However, of the 3 big signings, I think Doucouré might be the best. I've seen him a few times and he is just what we need, imo.

I expect him to play more as a striker than a midfielder, with Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin (and Kean if he can progress) making a front 3.

It is an exciting signing, and if anyone can't admit that excitement and only 'pragmatism', then you've lost your love for football.

At 29, he is far from the days we signed Eto'o, or even Rooney. And compared to any other signing we've made in the last 30 years, this guy is on another level.

There are reasons he's coming here, let's not be mistaken. But if he can rekindle his magic, then we are in for a treat.

And in terms of pragmatism, there is more chances of a fit and regularly playing James being one of the Premier League's standout performers than there is of us signing an unknown 20-year-old turning out to be the next Cryuff.

He has undoubted ability I just hope he still has that fire in his belly.

Will Ancelotti build his team around him or will he fit into a system?

Carlo gave players a chance last season to prove themselves and has not hesitated in addressing our disjointed midfield. Credit where it is due to him, Brands and Moshiri.

The biggest problem is not age – it's adapting – and this is something having more experience should help them with?

Faster football is more exhilarating to play, just as long as they can adapt!

My sauce informs me they are currently at Keele Services having a bit of scran and wagering a couple of bob on Ladbrokes slots.

Keep your eyes peeled for a Dacia Duster with 5 occupants exiting the M62 and calling off at Picton Clock on the way to lay a wreath in memory of the unknown Ostler.

I had never heard of this wonder-kid – not properly anyway – except for the 2014 World Cup. With the caveat aside that we could remotely as a fan base believe Niasse was good (thou YouTube, thou causeth to sin), just watch YouTube – many YouTubes to see how he pirouettes across the pitch so gracefully. It as though the laws of gravity and the 3-dimensional world does not apply, or his 96 million followers around the world for support on his many social media platforms. Goodison will have seen nothing like it.

Rodriguez – assuming Lyndon et al are right and he is ours – will be our Liverpool version of Messi & Ronaldo rolled into one. He is the type of player who needs the right type of manager, such as Ancelloti for Rodriguez's functionality, maintenance and repairs.

Some of the red lot and mainstream sports media laughed when it was said 'The Ev' could get an Ancelloti type – or Ancelloti himself; laughed even more when we were linked with a Rodriguez type – even the said media then began to denigrate this superstar simply because it was not a signing linked with the Premier League elite.

The red lot not least are no longer laughing. When Gomes was on form working that midfield like a conductor to his Viennese orchestra, that day at Anfield, the same red lot were clearly panicking. Even Klopp ran onto the Anfield pitch after just winning that game like he had won the Premier League already.

Now we have two of these; but I conclude that Rodriguez is not just on another level to Gomes – he is on another trajectory... or in another galaxy.

We had a player in the 80s who could do that, fella by the name of Sheedy, you might remember him.

Pavel #16, have you seen the photos of Allan? Might be the best looking of the bunch. Davies definitely appeals to the younger female fans. And my wife thinks Bernard is adorable. So we've definitely upped our game since guys like Beardsley, Jeffers and The Strac were scaring the Goodison pigeons.

Welcome to Goodison, Shannon. Oh, and you James.

Great post to start the day, it definitely whets the appetite for a player who can be sublime.

Let's hope he adapts and stays free of injury... God knows we deserve some luck with not only signings but horrific or debilitating injuries to so many players.

I just want the kids and the big kids like us to be entertained, just to see a bit (or lots actually) of magic on the pitch.

We need signings like this to keep us relevant to a young fanbase living in the shadow (again) of LFC. Someone for fans to idolise; it is after all why we follow the game – for the entertainment and hopefully the glory.
Len @6, brilliant but you lost me at the Picton clock, mate, I only live about 3 miles away but can't say I know of the Ostler?

Not John Oster then?

I think it is hugely exciting Rodriguez is coming in, he will bring not only his top-class talent but also a different mentality. He knows how good he is and will be a big ingredient towards giving the whole team inspiration a new confidence. A player who can light up a tight dour battle of a game with a goal, assist or even an incisive pass can mean the difference between a draw and a win. With a player like Rodriguez, the battles are always worth fighting.

I don't doubt his commitment as I think he will be happy to have a stability and be playing for his manager that understands him best.

Ultimately, his success will be down to his fitness and luck with injuries. His effectiveness will be down to us converting the chances his inclusion will create. (Top 4 challengers with a lethal finisher like Aubameyang.)

Can we find anything like that level of finishing? Not at the moment, but we have enough to get us really competitive and in the mix for top 6 and a cup.

Finally, it just feels liberating to be ‘back in the game' again. A big thanks to Mr Moshiri for backing the manager and giving us some hope with these 3 signings.

I still think we need an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin as much as I love what he offers, we need a clinical finisher in front of goal. He is far better than Championship; he should not be a starting 11 if we want to reach the heights.

"A man employed to look after the horses of people staying at an inn"

Wreaths are laid around Picton clock every Remembrance Day, so maybe Len knows something we don't?

Thanks for the info, good old TW, even amongst what seems like Sunday morning hangover ramblings we learn something new!!

Len was not on the "sauce", Dan @9 (very good) after all!!

I hope this all translates for our overseas blues. Did the Ostler shout "Eh mister, mind ye horse for a... erm, thripenny bit???

I ave not seen Rodriguez play since the World Cup 6 years ago but reading posts like Mike's is fantastic and we all hope we have a genuine superstar, that would be brill!

That's what happens when you don't pay the Ostler!!

James Rodriguez best skills and goals

Can't get the link in my phone for some reason.

It's just my way of having a bit of a laugh – my days as my wife's carer aren't very amusing. But hopefully these three amigos may give me something to get excited about for a change.

Oh, just remembered – the Arteta money... Bill was casting for Fagin in Oliver Twist and Wenger picked his pocket while he was saying a teary farewell to Mickel... no Arsene about with him.

https://youtu.be/cQpDwQNEcrg

Oh and thanks for clarifying the Arteta money fiasco, optimism has returned that James has not done one after all.

I know that's going to pop up in a pub quiz one day!!

Let's hope that all 3 signings give Evertonians something to smile about eh, fingers crossed.

"Laugh out loud, snorted my coffee out my nose" post goes to Pat. Great stuff and probably true. Thanks, lads.

Most outlets claim it's already done anyway.

A year younger than James, not injury prone, knows the league, can equally supply the kind of worldie crosses and passes into the path of Calvert-Lewin & Richarlison. Just wish one more time, the Gunners steal James under our noses and we end up getting Eriksen!!!! Wishful thinking...

I am genuinely concerned about his health I have to say. He's very often injured. I'm praying he stays healthy.

I can't wait for the season to start now. I'm also praying the CV19 numbers are such that the crowds are allowed to return in full by Boxing Day, there or thereabouts. Time will tell on that, but I really, really miss seeing the crowds and the players reacting to the "will" of the fans.

Short break, three new midfielders of quality, green light, GO!

Eriksen is indeed a fine player.

But James is a complete step above Eriksen. When fit and firing. He's a world class performer.

Eriksen, for all his quality, spent a long time at Spurs failing to impact the big and decisive games.

James showed that the big stage his for him. The ultimate stage, spearheading his country at a World Cup.

Simple question: What did he do at the 2018 World Cup?

How frustrating when you sign a new player (Gbamin) and almost the same month he's got a horrible long-term injury.

If we can keep Allan, James and Doucouré on the pitch, then instantly that area becomes so much more combative for this club.

Last season's meek surrender jobs need to be far far less and more identity needs to be shown and character from Everton this time around.

As long as the Mercedes doesn't break down.

“When are they going to get to the fireworks factory?!?”

Allan and Doucouré doing the graft with Rodriguez firing in many, like the goal he got v Uruguay at the World Cup. It's good to be excited for The Toffees again.

We tried to sign James back in 2010-11 by some accounts, but lack of international experience made him ineligible.

We finally have our man.

What makes me laugh is all this hysteria over these 3 signings when one we've already made weeks ago looks set to steal the limelight this coming season: Nkounkou.

Allan seems to tick a lot of the boxes in what we are missing. Fingers crossed on him.

To me, getting Doucouré onboard is critical, and he is the one I'm most optimistic about. He knows the demands of the Premier League; with the right-coaching, he could be great for us.

Nowadays, I'd have one over a Mercedes.

Everyone knows James is step above Eriksen. But I'm just genuinely concerned if our terrible luck with injuries continues to haunt us. The last thing we need is another so-called "Star" made of glass, plundering our club of £100k per week for next 3 years.

Already, Holgate has inaugurated the list for the season. Branthwaite also supposedly carrying a knock... I don't know why this happens only to us!!! Hopefully they don't become another McCarthy... perennially injured!!

This is the only reason why I prefer Eriksen to James!!

ps: I'm also hearing Mount is unhappy at the arrival of Havertz. Why not make a cheeky bid for a season-long loan?

Come on you Gunners... Please help us one more time.

These signings have been imminent for a few days. 'Immediate' means straight away. 'About to happen' is probably the wrong word to use unless the signings happen relatively quick.

This is a World Cup golden boot winner. With the odd exception, the golden boot winner tends to be a very good player.

Plus his wonder goal in 2014 is possibly one of the greatest I have ever seen.

Chelsea perhaps?

UTFT, and then some!

I meant Gunners could help us by stealing James from right under our noses, à la Lucas Perez, Sead Kolasinac, Gabriel etc etc... so that we can move for Eriksen or Mount!!!

However, l'm thinking Doucouré will be our most influential signing with his Premier League experience. It took Ancelotti to come in, shake Brands and say we need players that can make an immediate impact. Could be another 3 years before Kean is even close.

We will have the other players confirmed along with Allan and the three of them will be formidable. I understand Santa's view but don't agree with it.

We should expect success, not start analysing why they might fail. That mentality has poisoned us for far too long.

I also express my opinion that Kean is going to emerge significantly for us. People whose views I respect think otherwise, but I believe this young man has a lot of talent and I think Ancelotti believes so too.

John @74, Will @77, make me happy. Imagine any RS site, or any other site in the world, having that sort of exchange.

Also there's a need for a fast centre-back to cope with opposition playing the ball in our backs.

If we get two quality players to fill those needs, at the level of current expected signings, get a decent season out of Pickford and James, I honestly think Champions League qualification is possible.

Back 4 with Allan, Gomes and Doucouré in front (not forgetting we also have Gbamin). Richarlison & Rodriguez ahead of them in roaming roles with either Calvert-Lewin or Kean as point man of the front 3.

We are progressing nicely, midfield and attack hopefully sorted with our new recruits.

We expect a few windows before Carlo can readdress every position but, for his first bit of business, we are already looking so much stronger than a few seasons ago.

Kick-off seven days away. Let's see the photos of two new players in an Everton shirt.

4-3-3 ain't suited for James. Real Madrid played that and he was out most of the time. Those 3 upfront have to be forwards, and he is an attacking midfielder. Just look at the front 3 at Arsenal: Pepe, Aubameyang, Lacazette, look at the 3 from... you know there are no attacking midfielders there.

He can (and should) play in a 4-2-3-1, I think, because of his injury record, he will not be a starter with Carlo. But I also believe he will be Carlo's go-to man in a Plan B (4-2-3-1), so Carlo will be very aware when picking him.

But that's just my opinion, or what I would do; we will have to see... maybe Professor Ancelotti can shoehorn him in a 4-3-3, playing deeper, to use his vision and cherry-pick passing to open up the opposition. We will have to wait and see.

Even if it goes 4-3-3, I see a very loose front 3 of James, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin or Kean. Clearly the latter will be more point man with the other 2 confusing the hell out of the opposition defence.

Tommy #56, spot on.

Michael #57, he was MotM in a dominating 3-0 win over a tough, physical Polish side, assisting on two of the goals (Yerry scored in that game). Then unfortunately in the next game he aggravated a calf injury he had first suffered in pre-tournament training, and came off in the first half. So, fortunately for England, he was unable to play in the round of 16 game when Yerry's goal took it to pens.

Jamie #60, Pintos catch fire. Eriksen hasn't done that in a while.

Karl #67, there will be goals, yes, but it's the assists you should be waiting for. Once Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison adjust to him, it's gonna feel like Christmas every day to them.

David #84, at least initially I'd say you're right about Doucouré. The adjustment curve for Allan and especially James could be a long one.

Julian #68, didn't know you lived there. Great info. The Mexicans here feel exactly the same way. James is pretty much a Latin American legend.

Brian #90, I remember that line-up. It gave me stomach cramps.

Pat #41, if I send you some cash in the mail, will you pass it on to Burnley to help the effort?

Rodriguez can play right side of a front three and drift in behind, looking for through balls on his left boot. Granted he won't be getting chalk on his boots anytime soon, perhaps Richarlison will be asked to play on the left with more width looking to cut in as well.

If I were Calvert-Lewin and Kean I would be licking my lips right now. (Cue inevitable comments that Calvert-Lewin will need it because of how many chances he needs to score etc... yawn.)

If you are old enough, you should remember Redondo, Karembeau and Seedorf in midfield, Panuci, Roberto Carlos, Hierro and Sanchis and the goalie was a German chap called Illgner. Awesome team that has been replicated time and time again over the years.

It really amazes me how some managers just copy & paste and make former tactics and formations of their own and steal a living out of it.

If James pulls deep out of the 3 we would only have 2 passing options. All can be a nail on the ground, and the 3 opposition players, centre-backs and defensive midfielder will chew him up, and with the right-back marking Richarlison, we would struggle.

Coleman can't run that deep to chip the crosses; Kenny can but not too sure he would deliver consistently good crosses. James marked by another central midfielder and the opposition would have it sorted out, if Richarlison goes right is the same with their left-back.

Numbers do matter.

Someone in the mould of Sarr or Boga, who offer a goal threat, pace and assists.

That would make the team work better, in a 4-3-3 formation, but I agree with you.

They were supposed to broadcast on Friday but couldn't get it going until the second half of the Preston game and even then they had persistent sound problems.

They're still trying to dig Logie Baird up so he can fix it for them.

Personally, I think both Jeffers and the Strac made Beardsley look like Hugh Grant. With those ears Franny looked like a cab going down the street with its doors open. And the Strac... geez. We all loved the guy, but he had clearly not quite completed the transition from whatever he was in his previous life.

Small OCD linguistic point: it's James, pronounced 'Hamez' but spelt James.

Everton have got a few less – 2 millon on twitter and 1.7 million on instagram. Hopefully, he'll boost the marketing revenue.

My Dad was dyslexic. If he heard us swearing he'd wash our mouths out with soup.

I propose we call him Jimmy – or should that be 'Himmy'? – as long as we're not calling him 'Championship at best' after a few games... that's if he actually signs for Everton like.

Probably be getting booed once the fans are back in the stadium.

Doesn't work hard enough. Doesn't look like he loves the club enough.

Probably like Rom when he was putting 25 a season away for us.

Read that one out loud to my wife. Too good.

I also agree with Rob's assessment, if we are for sure purchasing said three midfielders, it would appear we will be adopting a variety of Rob's mentioned formations, somewhat negating such an urgent need for a right-midfielder.

You are right also in that, if James cuts in to find space behind the strikers, we will need pace and strength from an extremely fit right-back, that is why I believe we will not sign a winger but will instead spend the money there.

Of course, that will likely be determined by us getting a decent offer for either Seamus or Kenny.

When I asked her who we were probably signing, she jokingly said Messi. I said no, better! Then she guessed James. And she confirmed the pronunciation is 'ham-ezz'.

And Ray's finished me off.

I couldn't believe my arse.

Only 8 last season for Real Madrid and 20 for Bayern Munich the year before. And most of those were not starting. Pedantics I know, but I wouldn't be sorry if we don't get him.

I understand your point for a flying right-back, but I would argue "my winger" would hold the full-back, with Richarlison on the left, and Calvert-Lewin in the middle, the opposition would hold their lines deep.

We would start defending in the opposition box, only by having players there.

Come on. It's strange that some people with such an interest in football really know so little about it.

James is word class. He is at an age that, if he can stay fit, he will be a world-class performer.

Lineker and Alan Ball are probably the last 2 world-class players we had at our club.

The opportunity to get hold of a player like this does not arise often.

I mean, I wouldn't be excited if he was presented as our marquee signing (à la Tom Cleverley), but as one piece of the transfer window's overall equation, sure.

Surely Southall was world class in any era?

Ray. My mistake. Of course he was.

Ball, Southall, Lineker.

Samuel Eto'o and Gazza. Both true blue leg ends.

None of them ever in contention for a Ballon d'Or. Reidy voted 21st in 1985. Behind the likes of Rafael Gordillo, Hans Peter Briegel and others who hardly left a huge mark on world football in the way that Rodríguez has.

We are talking about a player who could improve the starting XI of any club in world football.

Rooney was potentially world class at one point. But not with us. Same for Eto'o and Gascoigne.

We over-use the term "world class", which should be reserved for those who are – not just incredibly good as you rightly call it.

It's fair to say that you don't need a team of World class players just maybe one or two who can play every week with consistency and can raise the confidence level of all around them.

Lukaku is as good a target man as you will find and I would have him back in an instant to pave the way for Richarlison.

In midfield, we are hoping that the improvements are coming with Sigurdsson probably moving although he would probably have stuck it to Southgate's mob with the penalty. Well done, Gomes, by the way.

With Holgate out, I do hope Keane doesn't play against Denmark.

Not to be confused with leg end, which could allude to an unfortunate victim of amputation, or someone who is a heel!

A bell-end, apart from being an extremity, or a large summoning device in a church tower, which is operated by campanologists, by way of ropes and generally in unison.

Not to be confused with the other allusive allegory, relating to a male reproductive organ, which to merit the proper title, must be from an owner of such, that has undergone circumcision!

That's no skin off my nose, by the way, but could also apply to every Liverpool supporter, regardless of their religion, and also unfortunately, some contributors on TW!

No names and no pack drill! :-)

Just to extend your point, it's not about individual player brilliance imho, it is about team fit.

Footy is a team sport. A Lee Carsley is as important as a Ronaldo in the right circumstances. (And Carsley was the first player on the team sheet for me in his time with us.)

I hope that is the type of bigger picture that Carlo is bringing to Everton. By addressing our midfield issues as a starting point, the signs are positive.

In our glory days (1984-87 for me) we had no stars but we had a fantastic team. And a winner's attitude (instilled by leaders like Reid and Gray).

The real time is soon, and at no time in my view is this season so important to Everton FC.

A rapidly changing world, because of Covid-19 & Brexit, is a crap storm that no-one could have predicted 13 months ago.

A good start is massive this season, and I have a sense of a turn around to the last game at Spurs.

Hopefully so...

I disagree. We didn't recruit them as stars. They became stars during their time with us. Big difference.

(Hope you're well, mate.)

I agree entirely. I am as guilty as the next ageing fan for waxing lyrical on past glories. But I have to say that I'm so blessed, as is every Evertonian of my generation, to have witnessed three glorious eras: the '63 Champions ('66 Cup winners included), the 1970 Champions, and – best of all – the magnificent mid-eighties team.

An absolute travesty that Trevor Steven was kept out of the England team by the likes of Platt, Waddle and Wilkins. (Their names alone sound like the firemen out of 'Trumpton'!)

Southall was the rock-solid foundation of the '80s team. But never underestimate the quality of Gordon West in the '60s. Ramsey wanted him for the Mexico World Cup in 1970. His missus at the time, I'm reliably informed, put the blocks on him going. Who knows, had 'Westy' played instead of Peter Bonetti, it could have been us going all the way, even against Pele & Co.

But you are quite correct, Paul, in your assessment. Younger 'Blues' must be fed up to their teeth with old fossils like me going on about former players, with as much relevance to them, as stars such as Cresswell and Dean from the '30s that my Dad used to rave about to me.

The only difference, of course, is that I only got to see snippets of grainy black-and-white film of his heroes, whereas there is a wealth of YouTube documentation of mine.

Nonetheless, it is the present and the immediate future that counts. For every Evertonian, but especially the younger ones... Come on Carlo, deliver us into the 'Promised Land'!

I've luckily been to bigger stadiums previously, but that was genuine English football, and the night, rain and way Everton won was pure magic for me. I'm a sports journalist down here.

Presentations apart, I'm really excited about this transfer window... but a bit worried only Allan's been presented officially until now. And don't want to sound pessimistic but, as someone said previously, the important thing would be the new players staying injury-free for the first couple of months of the season. I believe that would be a key thing.

I began following Everton from the days Arteta played with the Number 6 and this time I believe we have a squad that can get those good old days back.

Originally, I thought Ancelotti was going to go for a centre-back because ours are a bit too naive and injury-prone, in my opinion, but anyway we have Branthwaite to help as well if needed, so I can't wait the season to begin.

I would love to see Richarlison on the left and James on the right with Gomes behind Calvert-Lewin or Kean. And I wouldn't let any players go, if we want Europe, we need the whole squad. Bar Sandro, Besic and Bolasie, of course. COYB!!

I agree completely with what you say. But the addition of a world class player would've made the great Everton team, full of great players even better. Surely?

In 1988 we signed Cottee. The Ballon d'Or player that year was Marco van Basten. Undoubtedly world class. Signing the Dutchman would've been an improvement surely?

When we signed Ian Wilson as Champions, Liverpool signed John Barnes. One was world class. The other was Ian Wilson.

Currently, we don't have a team full of incredibly good players. So it makes even less sense to pass up signing a player of James's quality.

To apply the same theory, at our lowest points, in the 1994 close season, had we signed Ballon d'Or winner, Hristro Stoichkov, I think he would've improved our team. In 1998, Zidane would've been a better choice than Peter Degn.

Let's not forget that four of the starting eleven in the '86 World Cup Quarter-final were Everton players. Only beaten by the “Hand of God“.

There are always going to be players who are head and shoulders above others but, if they don't fit into a system, then they don't guarantee success. Everton in '85 and '87 in particular were living proof of that. However, I think James's signing will add to our team as he has the ability to unlock doors and we haven't had that since Kevin Sheedy.

You can keep us up to speed on South American football, along with Jay (Brz) who writes some interesting and insightful pieces on Brazil.

Welcome to ToffeeWeb! 👍🏻

Nicolas, your first assignment: any decent right-backs from your homeland?

Too slow and too injury prone. It's a big gamble.

On the subject of injured midfielders earning a fortune at Everton, I only found out yesterday that Darren Gibson is now at Salford.

Getting nervous now, come on Everton pull your fingers out ant get them holding the shirt.

Sunday's team??? 4-2-3-1 ? Assuming Gomes and Holgate injured.(and Doucoure actually has signed by then!)

Pickford
JJK Keane Mina Digne
Allan Doucoure
Richarlison Sigurdsson Bernard
Calvert-Lewin

Does this mean James will make his first start against the mighty Salford?

I agree with comments above, that posts 106 and 107 are not for this website, these posts are offensive.

Although the amount was agreed the spread of the payment wasnt.

I guess we're not used to shopping at Harrods and Bill is trying his penny pinching antics again.

PSG and Bayern reported in for him now.

At least 50% of transfers fail and in my lifetime our % has always been infuriatingly higher. We need at least 4 players hitting the ground running to make an impact ergo we needed 8 incoming.

Another false dawn in the offing.

Yes both Kyles. Naughton didn't turn out as well for Spurs

But 8 top 4 quality players would cost circa £200 to £400m. I don't think any club is spending that sort of money.

What we've done should make us very competitive for the best of the rest slot (7th) with a chance of sneaking 6th.

If the immediate expectation is higher than that, then yes it's going to be a false dawn.

Competing for honours would take something remarkable like Kean scoring 30 goals, Gordon scoring 15, Rodriguez staying fit, Keane running fast and Pickford being a good goalkeeper.

But I'm happy to take the marked improvement that the 3 signings should bring - and hopefully we're now on an upward trajectory more generally.

Wasn't the original deal £5m for the pair?

But you're right, there's a difference between buying a ready made star and having one become one as a result of their time with us.

Read better stuff Rob!

It doesn't make you an ITK, just a WUM.

MissyB.

https://twitter.com/Toffeegirl13?s=20

I think Rob Halligan's source must have meant 6pm and 9pm tomorrow.

Seems to me Rob is playing it a bit fast and loose with how he is characterising his info, as if he wouldn't mind appearing as an ITK if (when) the transfers are completed.

I find that pointless and a bit annoying though I guess it gets classed as banter these days.

Amazing set of melons you have...

Like most people, I'm looking at other websites who are saying these things. The only thing I've said which is not said on other websites is "They're deffo happening" — which I think they will.

Should read “nailed-on”!

I took him seriously, Brent and deferred something I could have had done at 6 pm. Waste of my time.

Maybe he didn't like the cuisine there and is having second thoughts. Didn't he turn Bayern down because it was too cold?

Lighten up, Victor!

Martin Atkinson announced as our ref on Sunday.

I'd like to express an interest in a ticket for the Rob lynching event.

Will it count as a credit for away games?

Can you confirm which day it will be or will I have to log into TW every hour?

Rodriguez didn't like the food.

I don't know where common sense is supposed to get you when people post unambiguous statements and back it up with 100% guarantees.

I actually think concluding these transfers with the minimum of fuss is pretty important for the future of the club. Has no-one seen the high profile nature of Ancelottti in the BT advert?

He is recognised as a draw for players and I don't want the club to look like second-raters if the biggest signing of them all ends up saying ‘Changed my mind.'

We'll be hanging Rob from the banks of the royal blue Mersey. Accompanying song being penned as I type (ambidextrous).

Rob, thinking of going fishing tomorrow. How's the weather looking?

Rob, I've got a spare room at the beach if things get too hot for you Merseyside. And it's only 11:30am here, so my faith in your clairvoyance is still intact!

David, we've heard who you play golf with.

Messes up my search for actual knowledge. I have no issue with opinions, predictions, wishes, etc but sometimes they do need signposting because people do post stuff that transcends that level.

Perhaps James will pull out and his agent will claim he thought his salary was netto...

It's not a windup is it?

My math is Rodriguez will be on 140,000 a week approx. Did that in my head so might have made a mistake. No surprises but highest earner now. Some dough TWs. Allegedly, was on 200k for Real Madrid.

Pipe Sierra
@PipeSierraR
· 45mins
Blue circle✍🏼 Firmado / Signed Flag of Colombia

Contrato de James Rodríguez en el #Everton:

3 años.
7M£ por temporada + bonos.
25M€ para #RealMadrid.
—
Contract of James Rodríguez (29) in #Everton:

3 years.
£7M per season + bonuses.
€25M for #RealMadrid.

Ah wait one though, shit, I've accidentally hit the +24 hours button on the planner.

I've been watching tomorrow's Sky Sports News.

Fuck!

I do think there is an element of wanting to be seen as well informed or particularly positive when some people post which I just don't understand. If that makes me more susceptible to being taken in then maybe that is what my problem is.

I've explained why I am taking this transfer seriously. If it gets to the stage where I can't read any other TWebbers posts without having to automatically dismiss it as likely to be nonsense, I may as well go back to the tabloids.

Re pulling out, James was seen today getting off at Edge Hill Station. What a mess.

Brent, can I have a ticket please, I'll pay whatever the rate is.

Rob use sources, mate, or it's just hearsay in about the Third-hand account, ha ha!

Si, that's for real, honestly.

I just asked for people not to post stuff any of us could get simply by trawling the internet without mentioning that and now I'm openly insulted by Brian multiple times.

This site is not what it used to be.

And, as a point of order I believe YOU started with the personal insults, check the thread.

Having said that, all good here mate. No problems here mate, no grudges held.

Neither Brian nor anyone else runs anything beyond their fingers over a keyboard.

Even if there is a clique of some sort amongst a few, fuck em.

Two, and only two, people run the show in here. Lyndon and Michael.

Also Rob was over an hour late, so should be whipped to within an inch of his life.

May I suggest anyone desperately wanting news become an official member of Everton. They release news when it is news.

Mind you, I waste loads of time refreshing Newsnow Everton every 15 seconds, and listening to Rob!!

As Oddball said in Kelly's heroes, "let's stop making with the negative waves people!"

Glad we're good, mate. I can be guilty of taking a joke too far, I know, but I'd never want to intentionally offend a fellow Blue.👍

ps: Messi announced Wednesday!

Someone that could play in as many as 8 games per season (between injuries) and create a number of chances for Dom to fudge up. Hallelujah

I like the terms of this deal (two years with option for another) and I think if he doesn't adapt to the Premier League, we would recoup everything if he moved to China or MLS (don't want to be rude to our mates across the pond but I do see that as a bit of an early retirement option).