NYBlue

I was hoping to wake up to some very exciting news about a no10, instead I wake to find out that we have indeed signed someone but for much more money than initially thought. It feels almost like a 'Stones' tax has been applied but that someone actually forgot that he was staying and signed off on the deal.

Does anyone have a link to the Jason Cundy Talksport thing from the other day? I've had a look but can't see it.

A guy in the office just sent this across to me. If you want a laugh read this - http://screamer.deadspin.com/are-everton-really-dumb-enough-to-turn-down-tons-of-mon-1726991842

When I first learnt that we were speaking to Barnsley about buying out the option I thought it was crazy but I guess the logical thought is that we are trying to be buy it out as part of a new contract for John.

I guess it's more of a question whether he would be happy not playing 100% playing time which if he is Pedro's replacement would be a no.

This. The club are in a very difficult position and they are trying to handle it the best way they can while managing games and working on transfer targets. I guess the problem lies in the fact that he said they would reject it in the morning and there hasn't been any official rejection other than the words from RM's interview which have been cut and pasted. For me there was also the dig at the 'authorities' that if they won't do anything then the club will take it upon themselves to protect him.

Seeing the posts regarding RM's post match comments on Stones. I just noticed this on the feed on the OS: Everton says:Roberto Martinez confirms he will reject John Stones's transfer request in the morning. 'Today was a match day, the game was more important'

Take a lead from West Brom and Berhanio, although that does seem to be them pushing for more cash. Whether he has or he hasn't the answer is NO.

Whole heartedly agree. I think he could be the key that really unlocks the potential there is in our team. I think Bobby can use his phenomenal persuasive skills to give us a solid chance though.

That's very shameful article from Sky. I'm wondering if the current Carniero stuff is going to help derail their attempts with Stones. Probably not as they are separate but Chelsea have got them themselves in a right mess right now with Abramovich apparently pretty pissed off with Mourinho. There's more fall out to come from that situation. I find it interesting that Mourinho did what did after signing his new contract.

Didn't he make those comments before the first bid from Chelsea came in? Like MC says they're probably not far off and I wouldn't blame him if he wanted to go but it's on the basis that he won't rock the boat and will only talk to Chelsea if Everton accept a bid.

Over here in the US the feeds are coming directly from the Premier League with default english commentators in position for the standard games which air on the separate channels to maintain the coverage of all games. When it comes to the games that NBC has picked specifically for coverage on NBC Sports etc then they have the english based NBC Sports coverage commentators; Arlo White, Graeme Le Saux, Lee Dixon etc. which then tie back to the NBC Sports studio in CT with Rebecca Lowe, Ekoku and Mustoe. In the case of Lee Dixon and Graeme Le Saux etc they must have secondary contracts to work with other broadcasters. Much like Lineker who fronts the BBC coverage primarily but then does work on the side for NBC Sports and one of the middle east stations. Seeing the financial details hinting at the 1BN that NBC Sports has paid for the next contract. It was inevitable that they paid more with the great job they are doing. Better, quality coverage which improves the brand will only lead to the Premier League charging more and more. They do an amazing job here with their coverage, also helped by the time difference which means their is little sports competition on Saturday/Sunday mornings. I think it all started when the guy in charge of NBC Sports was traveling through NYC and noticed the amount of people wearing club colors that convinced him there was something to pursue which got them their first deal.

I would understand there would be some nervousness around signing him after what happened with Eto'o.

Will take the draw with the opening game. Let's get some players in and move forward.

Same as last season. Emphasises the need to hit the transfer market to give us options.

I expect Lennon to turn up on deadline day on a season long loan (same deal we got Barry for, with a view to signing him permanently when his contract runs out next year). From what I've read he's currently training with the kids, when it gets to deadline day Spurs will want to offload him and get him off the wage bill. While 5M isn't a huge amount for the player it's still 5M plus his wages in the meantime that we would be paying when we know he's not wanted. If we can wait until the end of the month and get the best deal possible then it's the way to go.

Whether the Luiz fee is considered a freak inflated fee or not it sets a bench mark and unfortunately for Chelsea they are the ones that benefitted from that bit of business so it's fair enough for us to turn around and use that as a specific example. I really don't want him to be sold but this has the potential to become an absolute clusterfuck for us. Chelsea get closer and closer to a magic number. Board feels pressure to sell but has in the past made it clear that Martinez has the final say. If they approach the magic number then that's going to be a difficult conversation with Martinez and absolute worst case scenario he says 'you sell, I leave', the sale goes through, Martinez walks. Some of the reports are saying that Stones would like to play for Mourinho but that he is relaxed about the situation that the bids are being turned down. How relaxed he is about the situation could drastically change come the end of August when that clock starts ticking more loudly. On top of Martinez getting pissed off and walking we are then 1 month into a season with a new CB partnership and a new manager.

It had gone really quiet on the Stones front, I guess it's gone too quiet for the papers and so they are moving out with random shite. Haven't seen more of Blackett at United - is he any good?

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/593752/Exclusive-Everton-John-Stones-Chelsea-stamford-bridge-jose-mourinho

That would make sense. I hope that's the case and a stand is being made.

So just out of interest and to see what the response would be I sent an email to the FA regarding Chelsea and their pursuit of Stones. The response was "It is not appropriate for us to comment on this but should any club make a complaint to us about such an issue then we would investigate." Aside from the cop out that is their response I guess the question is why the club hasn't made a complaint to the FA.

Just seeing they've got Cahill making comments now. They're getting desperate.

When Mourinho was playing the managerial game I remember he was quoted as saying he would consider managing Everton. Obviously lip service but then we were a 'fine' club.. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/real-madrid-boss-jose-mourinho-3352953

If he does kick on this year we'll most likely have the same situation happening with Barkley that we currently have with Stones.

A massive sub-plot to this for me is how Martinez handles this situation. With his history with Stones and the fact that he's probably the one young player that Martinez won't want to lose at all how he handles this could potentially define his Everton career for me. I read that Chelsea have ear marked Stones for 30 games this season. I'm not quite sure how they'll accomplish that. Spoke to a mate who is a Chelsea fan and I don't think he quite understands why we will/should fight tooth and nail for him. He said 25M should be the limit. Nothing to say to that.