The Echo examines possible move for Matt O’Riley

Matt O'Reily from Brighton, I have just read.

O'Reily's at Finch Farm right now!

News imminent.

Not sure why Brighton would sell.

He had a decent end to an injury hit season so I'm guessing they'd want to keep him on for next season at least.

A nice skilful player who had a bad injury just after signing, and finding it hard to reclaim his place in his preferred position.

I can't see them selling after just one season.

Brian # 2 excellent news.

Should be a great addition to the squad. 👍👍👍

O Really? Brian #2

Nooooooo O'Riley. 🤣🤣🤣

I like the cut of his jib, defo. A year or so ago, I posted on a YouTube highlights video "He'd look good in blue". That was when he was at Celtic with a move to the Premier League mooted.

He went to Brighton, obviously, but if we have a chance to get him now at a decent price, then I say we should do it.

ps: West Brom's Fellows to follow. Calling it now!

A Denmark international born in Hounslow with an Irish name.

Mind, wasn't St Kevin of Sheedy proper Welsh, look you?

If it happens, it might well be a loan rather than a permanent deal. Brighton now have a gigantic squad. Otherwise presumably Brighton take a haircut on the €25M they spent on him last summer.

O'Riley fits the profile for a traditional Moyes signing:

1. He's under 26 and has 100 senior games under his belt (so can hit the first team immediately and occupy a position for more than 5 years).

2. He's good enough for Europa League but not for Champions League.

Ferguson or Enciso would be more exciting but he could be a good signing.

I watched a lot of O'Riley at Celtic.

He's got a lot of ability on the ball.

Does he fit our new succesful standards?

They seem to be looking at the type of players that I want to see at Everton, young and hard running, possibly underperforming now with scope to develop. No silly sums and wages.

I think that we've done well in the last few years with Thelwell's buys but we wasted some money in the Moshiri - Kenwright Dark Ages.

The rumor mill will abound now so no point expecting a move inwards until it's written in stone.

There will be movements no doubt about it but money is the big stumbling block for the Blues as we all know too well.

I think Moyes has gotten this squad into a better frame of mind and some of the end of season results were amazing so we can only hope this carries over to next season.

New improved acquisitions will always be welcome so lets keep our fingers crossed.

He does fit the Moyes profile. I’m happy we’re not chasing superstars anymore but still regret Thelwell’s departure. He got us Ndiaye, Alcatraz and O’Brien for relative buttons and got rid of most of the dead wood. I would have loved to have seen what he would have achieved under this regime.

Liam 18. Great to connect with you (briefly).

My thoughts on AI being used for write ups... Lazy journalism.

Stay safe and up the blues.

Some quotes reported from Matt O'Riley:

“I'm just giving my opinion. It makes it difficult to show off when you play a position you're not completely happy with. I can play better for the team if I play the No 8 position, but I can play well in other positions. You can say it in a way that is not aggressive. If you are honest with another person, you don't lose anything. The coach can always say he doesn't agree.

“I've become better at defending myself, being more aggressive and intense in duels. My coach said I should work on my defensive attitude so that I could defend better and help the team in that way. I think that will also help on the national team. I'm best at the No 8 position, where I can go box-to-box. I've only played two games there; otherwise, I've been used as a winger, false No 9, or something else.”

Sounds like trouble, thinking for yourself. Whatever next?

Thing is, what even is "a number 8"? For me, it's always gonna be Alan Ball, but I try to keep up with 21st century football if and when I can...

Does he mean a box-to-box midfielder? Think so, but he could also mean a creative attacking midfielder, what we sometimes think of as a number 10. Depends on the set up.

I admire his skills (as I said @9) but I'd want him to be flexible if he comes to us. Good to have your own ideas on things, but it's a team game at the end of the day, Still, he sounds disgruntled with life at Brighton and I think this transfer rumour has legs.

I'd like to see him at Everton. Fact: the number 8 shirt is available!

Interesting insight those quotes Michael.

I know that different players have different levels of intensity and aggression. But all players have to have that in them. A desire, because your ability alone won't cut it.

Not everyone can be the best, but even the best had it.

Mark, look at us two. Merseyside born with Irish names. I could have represented Northern Ireland through my Grandfather. I later discovered I would have been eligible for the Republic as he was born before the partition. It's also a reason I could still claim an Irish passport, but I've never pursued it.

He can play number 8 for us. I like him.

Me and you me both, Ian!

Danny, although I have an English surname, three of my grandparents were Irish. I could have played for the Republic of Ireland... er, if I'd been good enough. I wasn't though. Not even close.