Blue Watch: Midfield duo would do nicely for Everton FC - if we've got the cash
FOR a while there it looked like the pre-season friendlies were going to start before Wimbledon ended, that last set went on for so long in the men's final.
The main attraction with these games is to see new signings, and last time the Blues visited Gigg Lane Andy Johnson was seen panicking in front of goal all day before being mobbed on the pitch at the final whistle.
Jo, who appears to be back for another season-long loan, will no doubt get a warm reception if he features tonight, but there doesn't seem too much danger of him, or Shkodran Mustafi and Anton Peterlin, getting stripped down to their shorts by gangs of adoring new fans in the same way that Johnson was.
The American midfielder's signing is a bit of an odd one, given that he's 22-years-old and only played in what is essentially the fourth tier of US domestic football. It's either really cruel, bringing him over to the promised land of the Premier League if he's not up to snuff, or else it's one of the most inspired pieces of scouting ever.
"Maybe Peterlin's like that Mexican lad who signed for Newcastle in the film Goal," someone commented the other day. Then added, "Apparently even he's asked for a move now because he doesn't want to play in the Championship."
Clearly everyone is waiting for the big signings of the summer, with Tuncay from Middlesbrough and Belgian midfielder Steven Defour now being linked.
The little Turkish striker always impressed, even in a poor Boro side, and the fact he can also play in midfield as well as up front makes him prime Moyes material. With ã4million being bandied about though, it seems unlikely the Everton boss won't face a lot of competition.
Defour will cost considerably more, with stories suggesting the Blues have had a bid of around ã13m already rejected by Liege. They probably figure that if we were willing to play ã15m for Marouane Fellaini then we'll pony up more for the player widely regarded to be the most talented in the Belgian league. He certainly impressed in last season's UEFA Cup against Everton, and was outstanding at Anfield when Liege were edged out of the Champions League.
On that evidence at least, it will be well worth the wait if he does end up playing in royal blue next season.
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Mark Mark Mark O'Brien! Do I have ti remind you of that list again?
Stuart Pearce
Ian Wright
Kevin Phillips
The list is substantial. We shouldn't be snooty. We should let the scout network we pay and Moyes do their jobs.
Acid test will be in training then some sub appearances then thrown in...
His scout reports are all positive so why not?
We should again see Moyes coaching ability expressed. And why we pay Moyes so handsomely
You are so aweosme for helping me solve this mystery.