Moyes-Doctrine: Moyes Summer Transfer Strategy - about making the most of our strengths

Everton have already got a strong playing staff - built up during the past 7 years. The foundation that Moyes built.

Goal keepers we have Howard, Nash and two youngsters, and Moyes reportedly looked to bring in German 16 year old Andre Gruber to the school of science - although moving to the UK was declined by the player for personal reasons.
Coupled to this was the acquisition of German U17 defender Shkodran Mustafi, from Hamburg SV this summer - a player who is reported to be a major talent and Moyes looked to use these acquisitions to strengthen the foundations of the club's production line - through our strength of developing youth into top-level internationals. His principle he has previously discussed at club AGMs and awards events.
In terms of domestic talent and money purchases Moyes has again targeted youth - in the form of Sheffield United 20 year old defender Kyle Naughton. The key issue is that of sensible fees, with certain clubs looking to obtain far too much for players who require additional development. Everton no doubt look to be pressuring clubs to come to sensible agreements. Another relative unknown to be linked to the club is to 19 year old Jean Armel Kana-Biyik (Le Havre). It becomes obvious of the general policy/doctrine Moyes is employing on building up Everton's strength long term for the coming seasons.

In midfield Moyes has brought in American unknown 22 year old Anton Peterlin a defensive midfielder on a nominal fee, who supplements Phil Neville and Jack Rodwell, this season should prove interesting on his development at the club. With the return of Arteta and Jagielka yet to be fully determined defence and midfield are critical areas whilst attack is less so due to the imminent return of Yakubu, along with rehabilitation of James Vaughn. The link to Stephene M'Bia continues however it would appear in terms of budgets that this would be of much less critical importance to Everton relative to other positions, although should the budget be available no doubt Moyes would not hesitate to add to the ranks in this position.

Everton at times with the absence of Arteta look too reliant on Steven Pienaar for creative threat, particularly when Leon Osman lacked form due to fatigue until later games. To be so inflexible goes against how Moyes operates - his Moyes-Doctrine.
For this reason, Moyes is certainly looking to further duplication within the squad by obtaining another winger and/or playmaker. This is critical to Everton's further progression. Links to Leeds United 19 year old midfielder Fabian Delph would therefore fit in with the overall strategy of Everton of not paying serious money for players above a certain age (23 years old) this being fees in excess of £2 million in the current market.

In every link, with reasonable credibility of a Moyes "money buy" is with players in this age because of above that there is the risk of immediate depreciation, and "dead money" is something Moyes cannot utilise.

Moyes continues to be linked with 22 year Joao Moutinho (Sporting Lisbon) and more recently 21 year old Steven Defour (former Fellaini teammate, Standard Liege). Both are highly rated playmakers both able to play on the wing or inside, in attacking capacities. Both in addition to our current squad would give much needed duplication of playing positions but also the flexibility needed to play in several positions, thus confusing the opposition on our actual plans of attack, particularly if playing alongside Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar, or to allow those players the opportunity to rotate. Both are quality players with European and international experience and both would be "safer" investments of Evertonian's money - and for the future of the club. It is for these reasons no doubt Moyes and Everton have been and continue to pursue both players... watch this space. In an ideal Toffee world, we would obtain the services of both; however it may be due to a constrained budget one may come to the club. Both would be valuable additions to Everton, and so it comes down to decisions to be made and circumstances to be evaluated.

Our competitors try to jump on the "Moyes" bus at every opportunity. No doubt Moyes has made other enquires in an attempt to put his rivals off their guard, so that no one knows precisely what the situation is, besides David Moyes, Rob Elstone and Bill Kenwright.

The general picture is that Moyes is doing what he does best. He is operating to Everton's and his own strengths, bring in young talent on nominal/reduced fees and develop them in house. If it were so easy everyone would be doing it. This is why Moyes is a great manager - the best. Because for Everton nothing but the best is good enough.

At the school of science the future is bright. Moyes will be making his acquisitions in due course. Provided the market place does not become skewed by the stupidity of certain clubs paying over the odds, Everton can operate at their best. Keep hold of our existing talent and continue to add to it. This is the Moyes-Doctrine. This is what Everton Football Club are looking to do in the transfer marketplace this summer.