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RM said in yesterday's press conference that Alcaraz will be training with the squad at the end of this week.

I was a little surprised he didn't come on late in yesterday's game but then it was fairly brutal at times and also finely balanced so not the best game to introduce him. I think Wednesday's cup game will be ideal for him.

If we're to sell Fellaini in this window - and I really think it will suit RM's team plans to do so - then I would LUV it if Arsenal come in with a suitable bid and we sell to them rather than Moyes Utd.

Agreed. It'll be like dominos once the first one goes through. I can't recall a transfer window as cagy as this one so far.

Well, sure, ideally he'll go to Ajax in part-ex for Alderweireld but I suspect that's not going to happen. But first team football anywhere has to be better for him than sitting on our bench.

Hopefully he'll have his agent working overtime to get him a move this month to somewhere he'll play regular first team football, and improve his international chances too.

Everton 3-1 WBA Mirallas

The Winslow was shut and boarded up at the Betis game ten days ago. No signs of activity, sadly.

We show up quite well in those stats, with Baines, Jags, Osman and Barkley all in the starting line-up.

Yes, Danny Murphy was a breath of fresh air compared to the tired and stale line-up from the last few years, and he spoke highly of our Ross. I wouldn't be surprised to see Barkley get an England call-up if he continues the way he's started this summer, although that's a big ask for a 19-year-old. Hodgson and Lewington etc trained the U21s last week and were in charge for their fixture, so they've had the chance to work closely with those young lads in training and the match and Barkley and Stones can't have failed to catch the eye.

Sounds like Taudul was very busy and safe in goal for most of the game though, after his long injury layoff, and nice to see Garbutt on the scoresheet.

** APPLAUSE** http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2397076/Manchester-United-boss-David-Moyes-needs-think-Everton-spell-bids-Leighton-Baines-Marouane-Fellaini.html

** APPLAUSE** http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2397076/Manchester-United-boss-David-Moyes-needs-think-Everton-spell-bids-Leighton-Baines-Marouane-Fellaini.html

That was my hope too, but it's now being reported on SSN that Arsenal have bid for Newcastle's Cabaye.

SSN just quoted a statement from the club confirming that the bid was rejected "out of hand". Good.

If we sell Fellaini then I'd rather we looked to the future and signed a couple of players like McCarthy and someone in the mould of Juve's Marrone, who can play in defence as well as DM, but IF the squad stays as it is today then Barry would not be a bad short-term option on loan. He's not one of those players who gets you on the edge of your seat, but he's one of those who provides the foundation for others to do so. He's also a consistent, reliable 'model pro' who doesn't seem to have injury problems so would add to the squad as it stands at present.

If the numbers are right then this is not just insulting to us as a club, it's derogatory to the players involved. In addition, Fellaini already knows he's Moyes 3rd/4th choice for his new midfielder after the other enquiries/bids they've made. Moyes clearly has both players on his wish list - and who can blame him - and it's his new club's job to try to get them for him, but however hands-off he claims to be when it comes to bidding for them he will be all too aware of how those low-ball offers will be viewed at his old club. Interestingly, from speaking to and reading supporters of other clubs, it's not just us who thinks £28m is insulting. I haven't had one person yet saying that we should accept the offer. Personally, I wouldn't even consider the deal for less than £40m.

There's an excellent interview in the Independent with some different topics: How he's watched DVDs of Everton's history and was struck by a Dixie Dean interview, how Howard Kendall made an impression on him by managing Athletic Bilbao, his telephone conversations with Moyes etc etc. A lot of interesting stuff here I haven't read before: http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/everton-manager-roberto-martinez-on-a-mission-to-close-the-gap-8771729.html

Maybe I should have posted this link here rather than in a standalone thread. It's a decent read http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/a-liverpool-fans-guide-to-evertons-season/

Although I'd still like to see us add another central midfielder (two if Fellaini is sold) I think we have three 'extra' bodies in Barkley, Oviedo and Stones. They hardly featured (not at all in the case of Stones) last season but in pre-season and international action they look very capable of stepping in when needed and I think we'll see more of them this season under Martinez. I think we'll finish somewhere between 8th and 4th depending on how quickly everything gels, and I'll be hoping we have a good cup run too.

Quite a good read http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/a-liverpool-fans-guide-to-evertons-season/

Norwich 1-2 Everton Jelavic

Welcome, Mike. Great to read your memories and look forward to seeing you around the forums.

Stones was one of the final deals in the last transfer window, although I wonder if we'd have pulled the trigger if he hadn't gone to Wigan with his agent for talks that afternoon.

Martinez believes Man Utd pursuit of Baines is over. Hope he's right! http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/exclusive-manchester-united-ended-pursuit-5717027