Makis

Seriously, MC11's obsession with Mirallas is borderline psychotic. If I knew him, I'd be worried when Mirallas leaves. Either in the "jumps off a bridge" kind of way or Nathan Gale kind of way.

So that's a no to his suggestions then?

Has MC11 only been following Everton since about 2010 if he thinks anyone else would consider McCarthy to be in the top 5? I don't know he'd be in that even since 2010 (yet at least).

If that's the reason he's on a sulk he can fuck right off. And there are other players who are just as good, not just Baines. Coleman and Jagielka are that good easily.

If McGeady goes he, too, needs replacement. We'd effectively have ZERO right sided midfielders. He might be quite useless but I'd still rather see him play there than Naismith.

We should have a transfer kitty for once provided Billy isn't stashing everything into the new stadium fund. Selling Mirallas should net 12-15 million (there should be no shortage of suitors) and a few fringe players should bring in some money. So what do we need? My first priority would be a playmaker. Even Gibson, being quite limited as a playmaker, has made a big impact, as has Osman he isn't quite a playmaker either. As it's pretty certain Martinez is not going to switch to route one football, we need someone who can dictate the play. This should be priority and a position where loaning a players is completely pointless (you'd need to replace you most important player again next summer). We have been linked with Sergi Roberto, but I have no idea how good he actually is. After that it definitely looks like we need a decent CB. Distin will leave and I certainly hope so does Alcaraz. That would leave us with just Jagielka and Stones. Depending on how Galloway and Browning come along, a short-term fourth choice CB might also be needed (three is too risky). A new goalkeeper would be more than nice but it depends on who's available and at what price. Howard seems adamant he's not going anywhere which could be a problem. After these the rest of the transfer money can be spent on wingers and a forward. Couple of loans are also on the agenda. It's hard to figure out how much money there is and of course selling some of the deadwood could add to the pot. McGeady is one who should be gone if someone offers decent money (anything north of five million). Pienaar and Gibson could be sold on the basis they don't seem to stay fit. Kone, I very much doubt anyone would pay anything for him. Barry likewise. If there are good targets to be had and money needs to be raised I would consider selling Baines or Coleman. Baines is one of my all-time favourite players but his value will drop rapidly from now on so if someone desperate for a good left back offers silly money then it would probably be for the best. Assuming Martinez gets Garbutt to sign a new contract first. Coleman is someone we might get more money out than he realistically is worth for the club (the money could be invested on making the team stronger). I don't want to loose him either but it's clear the team needs rebuilding. Of course part of the problem would be that he'd need replacing. Oviedo is probably also on sale for the right price especially if Garbutt signs. Lennon is worth considering, especially if we could negotiate the price down a little bit. We need a new left winger on a permanent deal and maybe loan someone who can play that position (Adama Traore for instance). Ayew on a free sounds a good idea. A permanent deal for a player who can play up front and on either wing would be nice. I would also expect another cheap midfielder who can pass the ball (Cleverley?). It's not a good idea to let go of too many players at once. Too many changes will disrupt the team. That's why I would keep Osman and Naismith and not sell everyone I listed (it all depends on what the offer is). So, to recap 1. A playmaker 2. A third-choice CB + possibly a fourth-choice (depending on Galloway/Browning). 3. A left winger. 4. A right winger. 5. A forward, preferrably one who can also play in the wings. 6. Two loanees who can play in the wings or upfront. This could potentially leave us with (just to use some examples, not saying we should sign these, from the rumours section): GK: X (we haven't been linked with any keepers?), Howard, Robles (one of the two would leave in this case) RB: Coleman, Hibbert, Browning LB: Baines, Garbutt CB: Jagielka, Stones, Stefan Reinartz (, Corluka/Galloway) Mid: McCarthy, Barry, Besic, Barkley, Gibson, Osman, Sergi Roberto, Tom Cleverley RW: Lennon, McGeady LW: Andre Ayew, Adama Traore (Traore can play either wing) ST: Lukaku, Martial (Martial can also play LW), Kone, Naismith Out: Distin (free), Alcaraz (free), Mirallas (12 million), Pienaar (free), Atsu (loan end), Oviedo (4 million) Out if someone offers something: Gibson, Kone, Naismith, Barry, Howard or Robles. Reinartz, Ayew and Cleverley are on free transfers so money would be needed for the keeper, "Roberto", "Lennon" and "Martial". Might be a bit of a stretch, unfortunately so "Martial" might be replaced by "El-Haddadi" on loan.

But we don't have a single one if Mirallas leaves! I don't have anything against Lennon, but if we effectively just swap Mirallas with Lennon the team weakens.

Do you realise you proved my point with your list? Hardly proves yours when you have to include three fullbacks and a decent midfielder.

What sort of team do you end up if all you have are hard workers? A team Allardyce or Pulis likes? You'll never be anywhere near top 4 with a team of grafters, you also need guile. There's a reason why the latter tend to cost more than the former.

Lennon very rarely scores and wins games while that's what Mirallas does (did). And that feat in a player is expensive. Lennon doesn't have flair, Mirallas has. Mirallas is not my favourite player, but he brings something that the team lacks.

Trouble is, Lennon does not replace Mirallas and we 4 million doesn't help in finding one. So if the choices are Lennon + 4m or, say, 10 million straight cash for Mirallas, I'd go with the second option.

4m + Lennon, what? More like 8m + Lennon exactly because Lennon only has a year left on his contract, because he's not part of their plans & Mirallas is better.

So Sergi it is then.

Frank de Boer, Slaven Bilic, Thomas Tuchel, Eddie Howe and a long shot, Jurgen Klopp (since I don't believe he would come). Those would probably be my favourites. Lucien Favre maybe. Bielsa went to Marseille last summer, too bad.

I understood it's a full contract, but starts in the summer. Pre-contract would suggest they still need to sign something. He just finishes the season with his current team. This also leaves time to do the move properly and get things sorted out.

Oh, and to save the bother I also signed Subotic, Ings and Poulsen.

The club must be spying on my FIFA 15 game, because I signed this guy for 3 million from PSG on the first summer.

Yep, one of the other two will play CL football I believe and can afford bigger wages.

Funny coincidence. I started a new FIFA 15 career mode with Everton on Friday and plan to sign this guy on a free during the first January transfer window (the game is a bit stupid that you have to get the players you want for free during the January window, otherwise they sign a new contract before you get a chance in July). Before that I hadn't even heard of the guy. But he's primarly a defensive midfielder, not a defender.

Grant is working at Blackburn as a coach.

Against Feyenoord he thought he was Maradona and tried to dribble* near our penalty area and lost the ball. Feyenoord duly scored the goal that settled the tie. http://toffeeweb.com/season/95-96/reports/feyen_away.html * My recollection is a bit hazy by now.

I always remember him as the guy who cost us a European tie.

He's another pipedream. He has scored over 20 goals in Ligue 1 this season so there'll be a host of interested clubs.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/02/football-transfer-rumours Not going to happen but it's nice to dream.

Indykaila? Please, he doesn't even do rumours, he just invents shite.