Barney Tabasco

This one would be the very definition of "In Moyes We Trust".

Aren't you agreeing with me here??

I do see your point and hate talking about Everton with our current financial limitations, especially when I remember when we broke the British transfer record. The thing is though, we aren't that type of team anymore and can't talk about us in the same breath as Man City or Barcelona. With our finances we aren't going to compete for the league. Our cycle is that we make a significant profit from a player sale, buy young players with potential, realise their potential, help the club to European football and sell them at significant profit. It is almost heart-breaking talking about the club like this, but unless we get significant investment (something that BK has failed to find), then that is the cycle we are stuck in.

Bahhhhhhh... Let's hope the club now take some action to bring in Odjidja Ofoe...

This really does put pressure on probably the only area where I think we don't have decent cover.

I think the language here is of someone who is saying that he's considering this his final season. He's not looking for a move in January, but unless something spectacular happens at the club - and I think that'll only be us in a position to sign top quality players (which I don't think even a Champions League place will give us on its own) - then he's off. To be fair, I doubt it's about the money. He's on £75k per week with us and he'll find it difficult to get the interest of clubs who can pay more than that and fit the criteria of the type of club he's looking for. Is it a coincidence that Moyes' contract is also up at the end of the season?? I know this doesn't have the same bearing as a player, but the reassurance won't be there if he goes to a rolling contract. Of course, at the end of the season he'll still have over 3 years left on his contract and I think we should be expecting £25m if he continues with good form. Assuming Moyes stays on too, and with what he managed with £12m this summer, what could next season hold with that?! It would be a blow to lose him, but there's no way he can do the job of three or four Moyes approved signings.

Do you ever get the feeling that someone's waiting for a good day to bury bad news???

A wage cap really is something that needs to come in. As Peter said, it is hard to enforce, but I think we're within 5 years of the game becoming a farce with who can realistically win competitions. In Spain, due to the way TV rights are distributed, a huge wedge of the money goes to Real Madrid and Barcelona. So there, the league will basically alternate between these two. In this country, this is essentially between 4 teams, but I can see it alternating between Man City and Chelsea if the financial situation continues. The big problem with enforcement is that it must be a worldwide cap, otherwise we'd have the best players deserting the country. It works supremely well in Rugby League with several teams who can win it, despite some questions over bending the rules initially - e.g. family members being paid separately.

Strac moved to San Lorenzo from Tigre on a free. We'd could have done alot worse signing him up and if these are his feelings for the club then doubt he'd ask for much wedge. I'd take him over Anichebe every day of the week and twice on a Sunday.

Fortunately, from the article, I think he's pleased that the club have turned down offers from these clubs, demonstrating he's wanted. I think he genuinely loves it at the club and, to be fair to him, he could have pushed for a move the summer. Considering he was player of the year last season I can't figure out why he isn't starting games.

Realistically, I think he may be on DM's list, but only as a standby if we get £10m in for a player - and the only one I think DM would entertain is Heitinga.

He looks like cover for Baines and Pienaar, which makes sense as there really isn't anyone else who can go in those positions long-term. More pressing though is central midfield, where I think we could have problems at some point this season.

A bit more from Phil McNulty (chief football reporter at the BBC): "Everton are hopeful of completing a deal worth around £5m for FC Copenhagen's 22-year-old Costa Rican international Bryan Oviedo before Friday's transfer deadline. "Oviedo is a left-sided player who can figure in defence or midfield."

I'd be really disappointed losing Heitinga if it was the case. I understand the form of Distin (34) at the moment, but with Jagielka (30) and Heitinga (29) we have a central defensive partnership for several years that can be truly world-class. It's about the only decision by DM that has me scratching my head...

And now Greg O`Keefe from the Echo says Owen transfer is not happening. He's pretty much on the money, to be fair.

Appears that Man Utd have signed a 23-year-old left back from Vitesse. Hopefully this is that long-term replacement for Evra that Fergie has been looking for...

Seems to be more and more talk about him signing. Sky Bet now have him 8 to 1 ON joining us. Stoke out to 7/1. I have to say that this would have to be a deal that is truly on OUR terms. Absolutely pointless if he`s put on £50k per week.

Unless something drastic has happened Mirallas won't be playing against Man Utd on Monday. Cut off was at midday today...

Technically the numbers are there, but with any injuries (particularly to Fellaini or Gibson) or...shock! horror!...any loss of form then we'd feel somewhat weak. I think we're only one experienced body away but there you go...

Gotcha! Thanks for the explanation.

Forgive me being a bit thick here. So...is this simply raising money for the club to pay off debts or actually for us to behave like a football club and buy players...and shit.

It does a bit for me. I also have a feeling that it might turn out like that Brazilian bloke (can't for the life of me think of his name!) who agreed terms with us, but then promptly went tits up when he realised the figure was before tax!!!

And there was me looking on SSN before I realised!!!

Greg O'Keefe (Everton correspondent for the Echo) has suggested that the transfer isn't quite as advanced as we think and personal terms will come into it. He admits without any real foundation, that he may be playing us and Arsenal off for better terms.

It's looking good. Of course, with us, I'm sure we'll find someway of making the transfer as difficult and as protracted as possible!!!