Everton 'in talks' with Lazio over Correa

I've read that the deal could be paid in installments and it's now more about convincing him to come.
From what I've read and seen he could be a good signing as he's in a similar mould to Richarlison in being able to play anywhere across a front 3 or even as a 10.

Don't know enough about this guy to really comment, but we do need another forward for sure.

One that's hard working, aspires to be our #9 (challenge DCL basically) but is patient.

Personally, I'd rather go for a more unknown priced under £10mil who could turn out great.

At 27 he's a risk when he's not played in the Premier league, and would be potentially 30/31 when he cones to neat the end of his contract.

Our transfer strategy has been hampered by signing players with little sell on value on big wages. Players of 28 to 30 in their prime have not delivered.

I'd prefer a 23/24 year old who is hungry to prove themselves with us. And if that means losing them for 3 or 4 times the fee to a bigger club, that is fine by me. More Richarlison's please 🙏.

Ian Bennett - 3 - an inspiring post. I think you should head up our recruitment department. Forget past experience, you are the man for the job.

I would LOVE this to be true but alas fear it's nonsense.

He looks like the real deal. So why would he come to us? A mid table team going nowhere??? 1 reason: money. And if that's the case then it's not a good enough motivator for him to be successful.

If he's coming to prove himself in the EPL then great. But even the story makes no sense….we're 7m apart as we're negotiating the 15% sell on gap. Well 15% of 30 = 4.5 not 7

I'd LOVE this but I just can't see it happening sadly. Happy to be proven wrong

Steve #4….brilliant post! Ian is a genius. Why doesn't every club recruit like this????

For that sum of money not exactly a goal scoring machine is he - 5 goals in 47 games for Seville and 22 goals in 92 games for Lazio, not convinced on this one, sounds like another Iwobi signing and lets spend 30 million

I never like this "young and hungry" argument.

I'm repetitive yet consistent in my view, but respect that of others, and can understand where the likes of Ian and Steve are coming from.

I believe in a balance of recruiting young potential alongside experience & established players. Are people going to tell me a 27 year old isn't hungry? Good teams are a balance of both and the recruitment policy should reflect that.

And right now, I'd rather Everton bought to do something here and now. Worry about building once we're on the map again.

In 1983, Howard Kendall bought in a seemingly injury prone 27 year old forward close to his 28th birthday to compliment a younger up and coming Grahame Sharpe.

Game changer. His presence helped shape and push us onto win stuff. And then replace him 2 years later with the most coveted striker in English football because we had the platform to attract the best. But you have to get there first. Sadly retaining him was partly taken out of our hands.

Despite everyone's understandable feelings about Ancelotti, last summer's transfer window was a good one and the best we've had in recent seasons. Established & experienced players like Allan & James. Doucoure who still has room to grow. And young potential like Godfrey and Nkounkou. It just sadly could have as big an impact as we hoped due to the misgivings of previous years and the lack of depth and quality in the squad.

Talented and with a good showreel but the end product is limited. As Ian says, at 27 he's not going to improve and will likely deteriorate in value while with us - leaving us nothing to reinvest in his replacement. So exactly the sort of signing that's led to our decline on the pitch and difficult financial position.

There are plenty of similar quality players of the same or lesser price who are on an upward trajectory. If we actually do have any money to spend then hopefully we turn our attention in their direction.

Interesting player with skill and pace who can play wide or as a second striker. He's been linked with some very good clubs like PSG and Inter Milan having scored around 20 and assisted around 10 in 50 or so games over last two seasons at Lazio which is pretty good for a player in those positions.

But Lazio fans seem to see him as an inconsistent player with a few question marks over his temperament and attitude; no idea if these claims are valid but not ideal if so.

He's only just turned 27 a fortnight ago but as Ian said it's a risk to buy a player from foreign leagues in his later 20's for a big fee; if it goes badly for two seasons then it's hard to shift a 29 year old on the downwards curve.

Also it would be frustrating to spend £30m on a 27 year now when we could have got Leon Bailey, who's arguably done more at 24 years old, for £25m a few weeks ago.

Think I'd rather target the likes of Antony, Faivre, Diaby, Thuram, Dani Olmo, Mattheus Cuna etc

I don't know anything about this player to comment by the way. I'm just talking about not turning my nose up at a player because of age.

We've had plenty of bad experiences splashing our money on young players who never give return of investment either on the pitch or in terms of sell on fee.

We have young strikers. I don't think a bit of experience alongside them, both on the pitch and in training, would be a bad thing.

Danny, I think having a good blend of ages/experience in the squad is important but I'd prefer to bring in someone like Rondon on a free and then if we are gonna spend big do so on a younger player with a shot at becoming world class.

For me, if there's a frugal spend policy, then hopefully Everton will have done their homework, but my lad says he's average, but frankly I don't know enough about the player.

Unearth a modern version of Wayne Clarke, and it would be a decent player.

That's fair Sam. I'm just equally conscious of spending on potential only to never see it materialise. I suppose either way every transfer is a gamble & risk, whatever way you look at it.

Looking through the rumours and if we are looking for a 28-year-old striker, I see Lingard could leave Man Utd if not given assurances of playing time. I'd give that one a go. I know his career has been characterised by unfulfilled potential and inconsistency, but he had a cracking loan spell at West Ham last season and is a North-West lad, so Everton could be a good fit.

In other news, we are linked with a Barcelona centre-back (the centre-back rumours won't go away) and Small to Southampton?

Danny, if you already have a young and hungry squad, then it makes total sense to add a bit of experience to help them grow. Like Gareth Barry a few years ago.

However, if you already have a squad packed full of average experienced players, then it doesn't really help. Unless it's a low-cost temporary fix like Rondon or Townsend.

Because of our financial position and current status as a club, we can't bring in experienced players who are better than the ones we already have. It just perpetuates our mediocrity and kills our spending power. That's the lesson of the past 5 years.

As Sam's list demonstrates – there are some really excellent players out there who are gettable and on an upward curve. Many of them are not short of experience either despite being in their early 20s.

Which is why I'd like to see more windows like last summer, Robert, and why regardless of manager, the scattergun non-strategy of the past several years was always going to take time to un-f...

I won't swear.

Given that this is a rumour section there does seem to be quite a lot of credible gossip that isn't even covered.

I don't want to seem ungrateful and obviously it's a free site and has lots of great content but, from a purely selfish perspective, I'd have thought that transfer rumours are an easy traffic driver?

Eg, without too much digging, I've seen these listed on BBC's gossip page in last week alone – do we think any of them are likely?

> Latest story about our interest in Hoppe (which with price involves sounds credible - 4 kippers?)
https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/fussball/schalke-04-drei-holland-klubs-sind-scharf-auf-matthew-hoppe-77411394.bild.html

> Somewhat wild Umtiti story but, considering our history with Barcelona (Del, Digne, Mina, Gomes...) I could see this happening (2 kippers)

https://www.goodisonnews.com/2021/08/19/everton-make-enquiry-for-barcelona-centre-back-samuel-umtiti/

> Less credible, but interesting nonetheless (single kipper only)

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/15775299/harry-kane-bernardo-silva-messi-mbappe-chelsea-transfer-news-live/
Everton have joined the race to sign Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne, 30, following his performances for Euro 2020 winners Italy.

Correia in and James out wouldn't be a bad move. After watching last week's second half, he'd fit the bill a lot more and could maybe play in 2 or 3 different formations. And he knows where the goal is.

Chris (16), genuine question, were you once a reporter?

I don't think that Everton's future strategy in recruitment is going to be based on the "Moneyball" approach.

It seems clear, following the appointment of his nephew to the Everton Board, that Uzmanov, is very much behind Everton FC, as well as his business partner, Moshiri. What is stopping us spending big this summer is FFP and not a lack of cash.

Furthermore, it is the Premier League "sustainabilty" rule of FFP that is hampering us, not the UEFA one, which has been relaxed due to the effects of Covid-19.

If, the Premier League were to announce a similar relaxation, I believe that we would, once again, see some bigger money signings arrive at Everton but, with only 11 days to go to the closure of the window, it is too late really for the Premier League to do anything meaningful as far as relaxing FFP rules for this window is concerned.

Last year's transfer window was a complete shambles. Brands rescued it to a large degree by securing the services of Godfrey, but my toes still make an involuntary curling motion when I think about the Ancelotti's "pulling power".

He signed a couple of old mates. Mates nobody else wanted or were prepared to do battle for their signatures. Mates who didn't have a hope in hell of coming here and improving their own game. Mates who were never going to improve us enough to challenge for Europe. Mates who only came because they were promised game time.

James is a blindingly talented individual, but he is now at the stage where if the opposition a serious about stopping him, they will probably succeed. Allan is a tackling machine with a wayward Sat-Nav. Sure he's good enough for the Premier League, but good enough to consistently trouble the big boys? When the Brazilian Peter Reid (as he was daubed by many on here) is replaced by the much-maligned Tom Davies. People will look back on this window in the same light as they view all the other windows. Ordinary players arriving to a fanfare of whoops and cheers only to ultimately disappoint.

The fact that we are skint means this transfer window is already better. When a drunken sailor has blown his dosh. He tends to give a little more thought to his actions.

As a fanbase, we have got to stop embarrassing ourselves by happy clapping the arrival of players who have no hope at all of improving our chances of getting us back up with the big boys.

If we can't find a manager capable of attracting winners who will make a difference. Then let's at least be guided by other clubs. When nobody else is prepared to pay anywhere near as much for players as we have been doing ...there is usually a very good reason for that.

I blame John Ebbrell, Bainsey, and all the other junior coaches.

Hoppe would be an interesting signing, Chris. Looks like a very confident lad who's not afraid to try something different. Good physical attributes too. Could end up a bit of a McFadden (more vision and personality than ability) but worth a shot at the reported low cost.

Umtiti would be a bad signing. Too short to partner Godfrey in a back 4 and very bad injury record. Might make some sense in a back 3 alongside Godfrey and Mina but (assuming he's ever fit) would block the path of Branthwaite to the first team.

If Inter Milan are hovering, they will easily outbid us. We should definitely be “moving at least one more player on before the transfer deadline” whatever happens...

Intrigued by Hoppe, Robert, having watched him a bit at Schalke. He certainly has an eye for goal.

If last season's window was a shambles, then it puts perspective on what went before it. Shambles of a goal and performance from Doucouré last weekend.

Darren, I'm in a similar place about last summer. We spent a lot of money upgrading the midfield in particular and yet approach the coming season with grave reservations about our midfield – and plenty of concerns about Allan.

It doesn't need to be a Moneyball strategy as such, it just needs to be about value and the longer-term goal to be genuinely competitive.

Younger, cheaper signings make that easier to achieve. But it's not the only way. Moyes assembled a squad by signing 23-, 24- & 25-year-olds with something to prove, like Howard, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines, Arteta, Cahill and Pienaar.

What is his average distance covered and average number of sprints per game?

I am sure the scouts know the answer to this question.

If the numbers are lower than the existing forwards, it won't happen with Rafa the pragmatist in charge, which may be for the best.

We've certainly had far worse windows than last summer. Getting Rodriguez, Godfrey, Allan and Doucouré for around £60M was decent value, though a slightly younger and faster version of Allan would have been preferable. As Robert says, we seem to have spent a small fortune on central midfielders without really getting it right.

Can't see us spending £25m to £30m on this guy. He's not exactly a goal machine. Rafa seems to have signed a couple of decent players for next to nothing and I'd expect more of the same given our financial position.

I'm mixed about last season's window, to be honest. On one hand, I think Doucouré and Godfrey improved us massively despite Doucouré probably not having a sell-on value.

Allan and James both disappointed me for different reasons. Allan's early injury really disrupted his season for me and, now another year older, I do worry he's not mobile enough. James is an amazing footballer who just doesn't have the desire to play (at least for us anyway!).

I'm happy with Gray and Townsend as they're low risk but I honestly don't understand how Brands got a new deal. There's been so many big-money blunders and, in reality, we've not progressed... just as we hadn't with Walsh. I was under the impression this guy had an eye for young South American talent and so far very few young talents have been signed and the higher profile signings have been a disaster.

Hopefully Sam, with Davies and hopefully Gbamin to add to Doucoure and Allan, we have good options there and a good mix. And that's not to forget the enigma that is Gomes, depending on where you sit on that fence. Personally, not a bad 5 to choose a 2 or 3 from.

In his own words, Tom has benefited from having the likes of Allan around. And he certainly improved his game and proved his doubters wrong last season in my opinion. Myself admittedly included.

How about we wait and see what a settled formation will do as it was swapped and changed constantly last season.

And on Allan. He/we have played 1 game. Fernandinho is still going for Man City and he is 5 years older.

We need a consistent line up and shape and to stay away from injuries. Then we can better judge where we are going. I don't know if this has been mentioned before but l recon we could also do with another right back...

It's all rumour and guesswork but a few weeks ago his agent said he prefers Inter. Inter are cool on the move. So as Ben says above @5 the warning sirens should be going off that he would be coming here for the fat contract as his second choice (at best) club. Not a good motivational start point. I hope Mr Brands has studied his temperament and desire for the harsh physical challenges of the PL. At the £25-30m mark there must be a few interesting options out there, (Sam, Robert, who's still left ?) , but any of them will likely depend on Kean being sold.

As usual, the perception on here is that anything a player you like does badly is ignored. The slightest mistake by someone for whom the knives are out is a vindication of the slagging off.

I can't blame a player for his injury record (Delph, comes to mind). I can blame a player for an inability to find a colleague with a 10-yard pass (most of them).

But I can also see that opinions tend to be rigid. Iwobi is a waste of money so little said about his contribution at the weekend and he is still heading the queue on the TW plank.

Back to the point. It seems that rumours of incoming players are just, well, rumours, until we can create space in the financial mish mash of FFP. We have brought in 3 good players for the price of a third division regular. (Good business!)

If we have money to spend, or get it, the world and his dog knows we have to prioritise strikers (with pace) and a right-back. Buying more centre-midfielders and centre-backs makes as much sense as Imelda Marcos going on a spending spree in Clarks. Yet we are 'linked' with a plethora of them every week. At least it gets the clicks going, as someone posted earlier.

Let's see who leaves. We can't wish a player away. Nor can we change their contracts. But I believe that next week will see a revolving door at Finch Farm. At least 3 will go. Some will be pushing for moves, others may be approached. Then a couple will come in.

Meanwhile. Keep posting the rumours.

Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin, Kean and may be a couple of promising kids and we might be in for a 27-year-old who would take a seat on the bench and come on for the last half hour or wait for an injury? Possibly one of the three is on his way out but £30M still seems rather a lot for somebody who might not be first choice.

I tend to think this is another one on the same level as a fifth central defender but being Everton would we rule anything out completely?

Martin -come on mate, I read loads of people lauding Iwobi for his display. He is capable but often follows up a good cameo with utter dross let's see if he gets a game against Leeds.

We can't afford to buy a RB. We certainly can't afford this guy.

Never heard of him but a solid 7/10 show reel on youtube showing reasonable control if a little fragile in contact - Kieran Dowell re-incarnated as an Argie

Lingard is into the last year of his contract so there will be a value deal to be done, it would have to be. He did very well for West Ham last season, much better than I expected. I've always saw him as being a bit peripheral.

As James looks likely to go and the ‘Man with no Name ' has to surely be ruled out, Lingard could be a shrewd addition to give us some alternatives and options going forward, he both creates and scores, seems to have a very good character and would strengthen the squad depth.

Back up striker will be bought if/when Kean leaves. I can see us going the Rondon or similar route again for squad depth.

We could end up with Aurelio Buta as RB, Lingard as AM and Rondon as back-up striker. Kean, Rodriguez, Kenny, Delph is it possible! out, and FFP duly worshipped; wage bill reduced and zero net spend for this window.

Chris @16,

You hit on something of a challenge for us. When we first started the Rumour Mill section, we would try to capture most of the rumours doing the rounds and back then they mostly came from reputable media sources. Even so, we hardly signed any of them: perhaps 1 in 20 came true.

As the years have progressed and the clickbait mega-storm has gathered pace, there has become a torrent of these newer trashy sites spouting fresh rumours on a daily basis. Yet we still hardly sign anyone. But the odds are now between 1 in 200 and 1 in 2,000 of any story bearing even a grain of truth.

The theory is that, in our wisdom, we ignore as much of the clickbait as possible, and only give something a Romour Mill article if it appears to carry a bit more weight. But that becomes at best an entirely subjective assessment, however we may justify the selections.

You're right in saying this is a major interest area for our readers. I think the solution might be a weekly transfer thread running through each window, where we simply list or link as many of the new names as they come up, and we press reset each week to keep it fresh.

One problem is the daft repetitive posts we would draw on the lines of "This is crap, I don't believe a word of it, how could you publish such a ridiculous claim?" to "How on earth are Everton being linked with this piece of shit? Brands wants sacking." At least by not mentioning so many links, we are spared much of this reductive discourse.

Michael, you are right there with the amount of trashy sites that have sprung up and also so many rumours its impossible to pick out which ones hold any water.

This window will probably see a busy last couple of days and maybe a couple of bargain loans. Although l'm still looking every hour for news on outgoings.

If true, this could be a 'Correa changing move' sorry guys, couldn't resist !

I've heard he is a decent player, but as a few have mentioned will he adapt to the Premier League (?), hopefully we get one who does quickly, again if this goes ahead. Still think we goofed good style over Dumfries who went for £12M. We still need a couple more in to run a serious challenge on the top six or eight places and maybe qualify for the Europa.

Had to give that a few repeat studious reads Derek, but I've eventually seen what you've done there now!!

Definitely missed out on Dumfries. £12M would have been as good as business as getting our opposite full back for £15M.

Surely something is going to happen in this next week or so?

Derek, it's a move that could go North or South.

Anyone seen the latest training pictures?

Just did, Marc (43), why? Did you notice anything unusual?

I did see the training video, and what struck me was that Gbamin was training, but when Rafa was asked about him, he kind of said he would not be available, which I thought was strange.

Looks like Godfrey, James, Branthwaite, Gomes and 'he who shall not be named' will be unavailable. Rafa said that Kean will be available, but did not see him training.

Also, I thougth that Rafa answered questions related to Kean and James rather bizarrely – he said that they are our players until August 31, which is not very motivating for these guys if they happen to remain in the club if no decent offer comes along.

Personally, I'm getting increasingly nervous of a lack of any rumours linking us with a RB. 11 days to find one. if Seamus has to cover RB this season we're already starting off on the back foot. He can't be expected to play every game.

This is the most pressing position for me, not an attacking mid few people have heard of, for a relatively large amount of money that's yet to play in the PL.

I thought we were going for Gonçalo Guedes from Valencia! At least according to media earlier this summer! He is much better option imo. Younger and costs less.

Ajay#44

Yes he said that only Moise Keane would be available but didn't see him in the pictures, Gbamin was on the pictures and training video yesterday but is ruled out! Also did you notice that DCL was not on the pictures as well

Tony, I can always rely on you to be my Seoul Mate ! :-)

I'm with Robert #8 and Sam #9 on this one. Not a good signing, especially at this price. I've seen Correa play several times against Juve but he was usually anonymous... never did anything of notice until this in March:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsPpNttYn1c

(goal at :30)

A rare flash of productivity, although his skill is undeniable. But one article I read said he has to be "convinced" to come to us. Screw that.

Chris #16, great compilation. I'd like to invite you to join my PR firm. One of our responsibilities is media scanning for our clients. But seriously, I'd be delighted if Hoppe was a target for us. He's completely unproven as a goalscorer (I have no idea if he can even shoot), but he's big, fast and skilled on the ball with a great passing touch. And he has a Cahill-esque attitude that Goodison would love -- he's ferociously, relentlessly competitive and an arrogant, get-up-in-yo-face irritant to the opposition. Terrible Tim reincarnated. Plus he would cost one-tenth of Correa's price.

DK #48, you beat me to all the good puns.

I can't see anything happening until Kean is sold and James off the wage bill. But it maybe too late in this window. Brands needs to step up. We cannot have another season so low on goals.

Had a watch of them last night Marc @43.

Once again, interesting to once again see how hands on Benitez seems to be in terms of the coaching.

Also, nice shot of the South American lads all seeming happy as they made their way onto the training pitch.

I know it depends how they present and market this type of stuff but it all seemed to be about game play scenarios.

The whole concept with rumors is someone in the media simply throwing names out in the hope of one coming true and increasing his non recognizable reputation. The transfer window becomes a lottery in what you believe and basically I only believe in rumors on players for the positions we need.

Benitez either was advised by someone at the club or watched videos that we needed a r/wing r/back and a creative midfielder. He wasted no time in bringing in Townsend and Gray, who at the time I was thinking we should have gone for better, but was unaware of the financial restrictions he was under.

We understand that basically we are going to have to sell to buy, but I would like it to have been done sooner than wait until the last day; that will mean we may not be able to sell, and be left with players not being used sitting on a fat contract.

Let's remember we may agree on a price to sell a player but the player has to agree with the contract he signs to move, and it seems some players may prefer to stay on their contract than to move for less.

Danny #51

Yes maybe it is about game play scenarios. I also liked how animated he was in the touchline last Saturday, always giving out instructions and I do believe it was a major part of us getting back in the game.

I know this is only a rumour thread but I'm a bit worried about Marc's (47) observation that Calvert-Lewin was absent from training. My worry is that, if Man City don't get Kane, how much would they offer for Calvert-Lewin?

Conversely, if they do get Kane, would Spurs throw big money to get Calvert-Lewin as his replacement? Not good thoughts, I'm going for a beer.

Gerard, you've driven me to an early vino with those dark thoughts!

I'm sure you got that story saying Calvert-Lewin has already peaked from one of those trashy sites, Michael?

But, other than his goal last week, I can't remember Dominic doing anything else, and the kid didn't look fit imo, which might be why he's training on his own, because he's maybe having to nurse a toe injury, Gerard?

I've said it before, Mike, but one thing most American sports people are very good at is being ultra-competitive, so I'm also hoping we sign Hoppe!

Tony A, yes I agree at the fee being talked about, he is a big lad who can put it about a bit, and is relatively unknown but deffo worth a punt. Imagine too if we also sign Steppe and Jumpe, what a trio that would be ! :-)

Hoppe has actually got a decent eye for goal Mike Gaynes from what I've seen of him, and that's in a poor Schalke team.

Still only 20, so we'd be adding another young potentially good striker, but I'd take a punt on him.

An American with German heritage and who was picked up by Schalke as a youth player, I still think he'd jump at the chance to play in the Premier League. Especially with Schalke being in Bundesliga 2 this season.

I turned to the complete stranger behind me on Saturday Tony and told him that goal was all about Richarlison. Great header, but the take, the lay off, the run to receive the return pass and then the first time whipped in cross made that goal.

I agree, Dominic looked out of sorts, although in his defence, isolated a lot? Especially in the first half. Maybe this is where we have to remember he is still young. Did we burn him out over the past couple of seasons? Hence the need for competition and / or other options.

I'd be very disappointed if Calvert-Lewin went to Spurs to replace Kane. And it appears that Lewandowski might go to City anyway now, leaving only PSG perhaps with enough money for Kane (and only then if they can sell a few players).

If, say, Kane does go, the fee would be circa £150M. What would Calvert-Lewin command? £80M? Bit more? Bit less? Hard to say.

Personally, I'd rather have Calvert-Lewin than £80M. So I hope it doesn't happen.

Aren't they talking £100M for Lewandowski as well Robert?

To earlier discussions about age. If I had it, I would pay that for a 32 year old Lewandowski in the context of the current market. Old and hungry but sheer quality of the highest order.

I'm not sure he was that isolated Danny, although I definitely thought Richarlison played much better in in the hole than Grey had done, and this definitely helped create more space in the second half. Richarlison's cross for the goal was the highlight of the game for me, (maybe second to Doucoure celebrating with the fans) because not many defenders have an answer to anything done early, and this is definitely what I thought caught Southampton out.

Going back to Lewin being isolated, I think when teams push up, it closes the space, makes the pitch compact, and makes a midfielders job much easier, and that is why I keep saying Michael Keane, is a problem, because Everton can't do this with Michael in the line-up, although this is just my own opinion obviously.

On another note Danny, maybe you will be able to take a drink back to your seat for the Norwich game. This is now under consideration because of how little covid there was at Wimbledon, compared to the football, even though it's got a much more conservative clientele!!

Yeah, don't sign Skipp. That's a Steppe down.

Hi Danny [60] I believe that the game is in dire straits because of the willingness of clubs to throw money about. How many times recently, have you heard or read, of fans saying we should go for player X, he's available for only £20M? – and I stress the word only.

I don't blame the players, it's the fault of the clubs themselves, it's a top four place at a minimum that they crave, and a chance to join the super rich. Finishing 4th every season will suit them, while the fans yearn for a trophy, I'm glad that I was around when football was the working man's game.

I loved the last transfer window, Paul the Esk had told us all we had no money and these players we were linked with were fanciful. He was wrong. We signed them all. I thought this was Everton behaving like a big club, two fingers to FFP, no one can stop us. Incidentally, I also believe that's what Carlo was promised,

This season, The Esk has been proved right, it was a false dawn. We fluffed it, we had let's say £400M to spend at the start. If we'd spent it on youngsters, developed them, sold them on, we could have turned that £400M into £1.2G - that's just signing players for £10M and selling for £30M

Instead the majority of the £400M we are paying to get them off our books. Loaning out and subsidising wages – Walcott, Bolaisse, Tosun,

Realistically, if we're not going to be ‘big balls Everton' and we're going to conform to FFP the best we can do is sign young hungry players and hope that in five years we have made enough money to compete.

I'd love to see Correa, Insigne, etc at Everton, but it's not going to materially move us forward. If Leicester wouldn't sign them, we shouldn't sign them.

Vlasic, Lookman, Onyekuru, all signed on potential, all left for a profit.

In Brands we must trust.

No idea of the fee for Lewandowski but he's asked to leave apparently because he wants a new challenge.

PSG or City would be his best bet of more silverware. Personally I think the food and ambience is better in Paris than Manchester but we'll see.

Posted this for the admin this morning, maybe they can add to it. If you've read or seen the book/movie Moneyball you'll know what it's about. Apparently the other side of the park have been using this model for a few years now.
http://email.ietinfo.org/c/13VGb5ydPDfouHk7FdiJUrmIfv

Danny #58,

Both Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison (especiallly the latter) have played a lot of football in the last 18 months. Sooner or later, one or both of them are likely to fade or burn out (knowing our luck, at the same time) and we have no back-up.

Assuming Kean is off, we need at least 1 or 2 back-up forwards – unless Brands thinks one of our recently acquired ancient goalies can play up front?

Danny #58, Hoppe has scored exactly 7 goals in his entire professional life -- 6 for Schalke (3 in one game) and one for the USA in the Gold Cup. All were on runs in behind, taps or headers. I've never seen him actually crack a shot, so I have no idea if he can do it. Of course, that doesn't stop Calvert-Lewin from scoring, does it?

Ged@ 54. Interesting observation. A friend who has been an Irish season ticket holder at Man City since the Neil Young cup final, and knows the club, told me that Calvert-Lewin was going to be a City player. That was during the Euros. Now, being a season ticket holder means nothing but this guy knows a lot of people at City, always has done back to Lee, Summerbee and Allison.

My honest view is that is nonsense. But... who knows?

As is the negative way of ToffeeWeb a lot of fans are going to panic.

Most clubs are constantly looking for a striker, we have two of the best (maybe three) of the young strikers in the world with Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin. Regardless of whether you think we need a back-up to these two, we are more blessed than most clubs in Europe by having these two.

Kean, who I believe is highly desirable, especially post his PSG goals, will command a fee. I appreciate everyone expected PSG to come in on Day One and snap him up, but in reality, at 8pm on transfer deadline day, Moise Kean will be the most desirable striker available on the market. Be that Lazio, Atletico, Wolves... someone will be willing to gamble on him and that gamble will not come cheap.

I was incredibly excited when we signed Kean but, if he goes, I won't mourn the loss. Rodriguez, however, I can easily see us making £10M profit, but I'll be so sad to lose such a quality player. Alas, it looks certain both will leave.

£40M minimum to spend on very last-minute signings, I really hope they are unknown players, like Godfrey, than big names that have failed at big clubs.

According to the Red Echo, there's a lad, Luca Jovic, around 23 or 24. Scored 27 goals and set some more goals up forFrankfurt, before Real bought him for £50 million. They loaned him back to Franfurt where he scored 4 goals, coming on as sub, in 13 matches.
Maybe, hopefully, there's something in this.

Have to disagree, Andrew. " As is the negative way of ToffeeWeb a lot of fans are going to panic ". Not you, though. Actually, not anyone.
Kean is " highly desirable". Really? Based on what? His PSG goals? Not such a big deal as you seem to imagine. If at 8pm on transfer deadline day Moise Kean is "the most desirable striker on the market", I shall be checking the weather to see if indeed hell has frozen over.
I would love to think that we have three of the best young strikers in the world and truly admire your optimism. However, I think DCL is good and will get much better,same with Richy. Kean? If he is one of the best young strikers in the world I will eat whatever the collective noun for hats is.

I agree Andy (72) He shows some skill and if we can sell him that opens the way for funds to be spent on someone coming in. If we can't sell him, or send him out on loan, then he might become a useful member of the squad.

I think it'll be more "if we have to use him" rather than wanting to keep him, (or rather than him wanting to stay here!) We've got two decent yopung goalscorers in the under 23's who we might need to draft in, if we can't bring in another centre forward. Up to now, there's not exactly been a stampede to sign Moise Kean.
We might just have to make the best of him in the squad and, who knows, he might just become one of the best young footballers in the world.
But I don't think he's one yet.

I believe when Everton signed Kean he was one of the most coveted young strikers in the world, he was 19, playing for Italy, and getting him at Everton was a coup.

1st season in England he failed to adapt, not unusual for foreign players, especially 19 year olds.

He went on loan to PSG, the richest club in the world, they could have taken any striker really (within reason), but they chose Kean. He played and scored a lot more that both Everton or PSG expected. Fair play to him.

But name another striker that has international caps, a goal scoring record of 10+ in a ‘top' league, champions league experience etc and believe he's not desirable?

Sure everyone is playing poker and waiting till the last day, but we're not holding a pair of duces here. Alan Armstong went for £15M, you've got to admit Kean's CV warrants twice the price?

I know he is a fire brand but I like that Alfredo Morelos of Rangers. He knows we're the back of the net is.

Laurie, good shout, this guy has scored goals wherever he has been, and admittedly his temperament is suspect, but he does, as you say, know where the front and the back of the net are!

Andrew B, I would point out that a certain Polish gentleman in Munich has now made himself available for transfer, so Kean might have to settle for being merely the second most desirable striker on the market.

Off topic, I was just watching yesterday the highlights from the day Lewandowski came off the bench at halftime with Bayern trailing Wolfsburg 1-0. The Bayern manager, a doofus named Peppy or Beppo or something, had refused to start him.

He took about five minutes to warm up, and then he scored in the 51st minute. And the 52nd. And the 55th, 57th and 60th, the last on a spectacular side volley. Five goals in nine minutes.

Pep's expression was a mixture of absolute wonder and acute embarrassment. Pretty sure he never left Lewa out again.

Robert (#65) you're evidently a chap who's never had the pleasure of a knee-trembler on the banks of the Irwell whilst eating a meat-and-potato pie. Paris? Qu'est-ce que c'est?

Mike, do not get me wrong, I do not believe Kean to be a great striker our first choice two who I lust over couldn't lace the boots of Levendoski or Kane.

All I'm saying is that strikers cost ££ and teams gamble on them. Everton spent £30M on a gamble on Tosun; Kean is a much safer bet.

I don't care if he goes to Burnley, someone will pony up the cash, on paper… he's just too good an asset.

Andrew (66) - Interesting read. Thanks.

Little bit off regarding the RS use of statistical analysis.

What's known colloquially as MoneyBall is grown from Bill James' Sabermetrics out of the 1980s. One of the first things Henry did after buying Jamie's baseball Red Sox 20 years ago, was hire James.

All Henry is doing with the RS is what he's been doing with his baseball team for around 20 years.

Even Moyes had a geek team conducting performance analytics when he was managing the Club.

In the end, whatever metrics the RS or any club use in scouting and signing players, for most signings it's "fingers crossed" until the players actually prove their worth on the pitch.

Morning Blues.

Tony Abrahams; if they do that for Norwich, I promise not to disrupt everyone too much as long as they provide me with a McDonald's type cup holder so I can stack! And I promise not to be naughty and throw my drinks away!!

John Senior, I know. I try to ignore the cost but it's impossible not to. Back to a lesson we more than most should have learned; its not what you spend, it's how you spend it.

Mikes Gaynes, you have now fuelled my paranoia that Hoppe could be a like for like replacement. Andy Crooks went and poured petrol and threw a match on that.

Dogs. I'm taking the dogs out!!

Derek. Let's skip over that for now. Maybe Dobbin is the answer albeit raw. Something about that lad.

Forgot to touch on point about the defence Tony,

I think we and others have consistently gone on about this. Get a defence that is comfortable coming out with the ball and playing higher up the pitch, it gives the midfielders more freedom to do likewise and get closer to the forwards. Too many times last season, our midfield was either afraid, or under instruction, to not stray too far from our defenders, hence us being camped in our own half too often.

In my opinion / interpretation obviously.

Brian M, I totally agree that promotion from within is most favourable, however hitherto managers seem reluctant to include our proteges, usually accompanied with the excuse " they are not ready yet " but are banging goals in at Under 23's level (as far as I am aware where the goal IS the same size too). They then continue for a while and get loaned out, quite often deflating their confidence and fading into obscurity.

Maybe Rafa with his Financial constraints may decide to 'risk' the likes of Dobbin or Ellis Simms, although the latter is currently injured, why not ? Could save us a few bob and launch a new Superstar. After all said and done the Mbappes, Lewandowskis and Haalands (unbelievably on our books, at one point, and considered not good enough) have all started somewhere !

Heavily linked to Correa again this morning. Its a gamble but most outside the Premier League consistent performers are aren't they. I don't know much about him but if we are in then one would hope Rafa and Marcel are in agreement.

I wonder if this chap and Hoppe are coming in and Kean out? Whatever you think of Kean (haven't seen what all the fuss is about personally) we aren't exactly going to miss him are we? I hope it happens soon along with James.

This rumour seems to be gathering pace, the internet consensus being that if he doesn't get his move to Inter (who may favour Thuram) that he'll come to us.

Can't shake the feeling that we'd be getting a more expensive Kevin Mirallas, magnificent for one game and then mundane for the next three.

Hoped it's just gossip as spending £30m on an inconsistent 27 year old seems like more dodgy business to me. How about Madueke from PSV, would probably cost less but looks like he could be top class? Dani Olmo, Aouar, Cunha, Neto, De La Cruz, Lang, McNeil etc There's a good amount of talented players between 20-24 who are probably as good as Correa now and have the potential to be better.

I think that's the frustrating thing, Sam. There are plenty of players out there who are easily as good as Correa and who haven't yet reached their peak (which could be much higher). There's the lad Hlozek who has looked like a star in the making since he was 16 and, still 19, wouldn't cost as much as Correa. Lots of end product and can play anywhere across the front line. Everyone loved Doku at the Euros and he'd been available for about £20m the season before.

Joe #1

Most transfer fees are paid in instalments.

Sam & Robert,

I think this Correa rumour could be a bit of a smokescreen, unless Benitez is hell-bent on him. He doesn't fit the Brands intended blueprint. He is keeping his cards close to his chest until next week but there's a few clubs that will be doing the same. A lot will depend upon James and Kean leaving the club. When that is a certainty, the expenditure on incomings will be set.

I'd love to see one of the younger players mentioned to be brought in on the up. Doku could be a shrewd signing even at big money and give us fast and fearsome attacking threat. Difficult for any team including Top 6 to defend against, it's this type of addition that gets you into that group. I'd blow the budget on him if we sell Kean and James. An investment as well as a game changing signing. How much though, £40M?

A problem is he will have Champions League suitors lined up for a move next summer (probably the RS), if not this. Then Rondon for free as back-up and Buta maybe for £3M or so for right-back. Central defence won't be altered this season unless there is an unexpected outgoing by way of a big offer for Mina, Keane or Holgate.

Could be a very interesting 9 days ahead...

Tony, yes I'm curious to see how the next 9 days go. Such has been the start that Demirai Gray has made that perhaps a RW/AMC feels less urgent but certainly a RB would be nice and another option in attacking areas (certainly if Kean leaves, though I'm increasingly doubtful we will get the required bid).

As for Doku he looks a very exciting player but at £40m he'd be a big risk for someone whose not really had that many starts in a league beyond Belgium, the same could be said of Madueke. A little bit like Moise Kean perhaps. If we do splash out £30m+ on a player I hope it will be someone aged 21-24 who's proved themselves to a degree over a season or two with room to grow. The likes of Cunha, McNeil, Diaby, Dani Olmo could fit this remit.

Sounds like the player has refused a better offer from Everton, and holding out for Inter, Time for Everton to move on, and look elsewhere.

I still think had the money not as been as tight, Danny Ings would have been the one for me, to come in alongside Calvert-Lewin.

For what we were looking to pay out for Correia, I would go in for Hoppe instead, short outlay so worth the risk, and gives us time to sort out Moise Kean, James, and get something in the kitty for the January window, than panic buy now.

We need the extra offence for sure. Correa is a decent acquisition if they get him but they don't want to pay over the odds. Usually though when the deadline is looming it's a game of cat and mouse who balks first.

Kean could be the key, if he is in Everton's plans or is he going.

Next!