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The "cultured scrapper who could turn out to be an Everton gem": http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/jan/07/muhamed-besic-srapper-everton-gem-roberto-martinez

Agree 100%. We can't judge him on last night alone. He's looked mostly decent in the few games he's had, he's gaining experience and looking more confident and dominant with each game, and I'd like to see him get a run of 5-10 games so we can get a better overall picture of what he has to offer. The defence certainly look more confident in him with each passing game.

My vote goes to Barry by a whisker from Besic, who has lit up the last 120 minutes with his energy, confidence and determination, but Barry's control and superb assist nicks my vote tonight. He's having a superb season and hopefully the younger midfielders are watching and learning from him. It was also good to see Baines looking much more like his old self after such a long lay off. Onwards and upwards lads!

Linked with Villa and Sunderland: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/relegation-strugglers-eye-up-loan-swoop-for-gibson-34342524.html?

Linked with a move to Wolves: http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2016/01/06/report-wolves-to-make-bid-for-evertons-steven-pienaar/?

It's worrying that there is no obvious cover for him, especially with the run of games we have this month. Mattione has returned injured from his loan at Doncaster so if we're seriously interested in Byram this may become apparent in the next few days, although it would be a massive step up for him. Not happy with the thought of Jags or Stones filling in at RB either.

Everton 2-1 City Lukaku

With Mirallas being linked with Monaco a lot recently, please someone reassure me that we're not looking at this guy in some sort of part-ex deal?

We can only hope desperately that the MLS will see him worth the investment to take him off our hands early and farm him out to one of their clubs as a designated player. No club in this country is going to want him.

Hopefully McGeady will be moved on, and it looks as though Naismith is on his way to be replaced by the young Swiss lad or someone of that type. I can't see anything else happening unless by some miracle the takeover goes through in time and the new owners hand over some transfer funds,

Martinez' interviews this week hint that he will stick with Howard for his experience and 'leadership' qualities, but you'd expect Joel to start in the following two (cup) games. Given Howard's recent form, the worsening relationship between him and the fans, and the amount of press attention on him at the moment, if Joel puts in two good performances in the cup games I hope that would be the ideal opportunity for RM to let him keep his place for the following league games. If he's ever going to do it, surely that would be the time? Of course, Tim could put in a worldie performance against Spurs... (I hope he does!)

Everton 2-1 Spurs Lukaku

His loan at Cambridge has been extended for a month. Looks like he's started every game so far.

Happy new year to all. Here's hoping for an improvement in our fortunes on the pitch, starting with a win Sunday!

Or give Besic an opportunity?

He's back in the side and playing right wing at the moment. Certainly putting himself in the shop window with these recent goals.

Everton 2-1 Stoke Lukaku

Newcastle 1-2 Everton Lukaku

He's helped them to three wins and three draws in their last six games, a regular starter and has come close to scoring a few times. It seems that since he joined and is playing a mainly holding midfield role they've been able to push Luke Berry into a more attacking midfield role and he's scored four goals, so it's working out well. Wouldn't be surprised if they ask to extend the loan to the end of the season.

Everton 2-1 Leicester Lukaku

Martinez said back in the summer that he expects Galloway to make his first 50 appearances at LB so nothing's changed there.

Norwich 0-3 Everton Lukaku

There were a few candidates for me, including a performance from Cleverley very close to his pre-injury form and so nearly a cracking goal, but I vote for Seamus. Like TC, it was a return to his best form, full of energy and action with some good linking with Geri, a threat around the box too, and refused to be bullied by their forwards.

Everton 3-1 Palace Lukaku

He has a good throw on him too. Launched a good move down our left with a great bowl out of our half into someone's path.