Talk of fire sale and Moyes exit at Everton
It feels like Everton have never really got going this season, with a 2-2 home draw with struggling Aston Villa the latest underwhelming result of a campaign full of them, however that point sent them clear in seventh and only four points shy of neighbours Liverpool in sixth place.
Odds of [6.4] on them finishing in the top six for the fourth time in five years are therefore not to be sniffed at despite the fact they are still to face Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, as they have consistently delivered against the Premier League's finest despite disappointing in general.
But even if they do achieve that considerable achievement in this most unusual of seasons, another nightmare summer could be on the cards according to the Mail, who believe that the club's financial position will force them to let go of more stars, as they are £45 million in the red.
They report that Jack Rodwell, who has yet to nail down a certain starting berth despite endlessly being talked up as one of British football's most in-demand youngsters, will be allowed to leave if a massive £20 million bid is received, with Manchester United considered the most likely bidders.
Also expected to attract interest is Leighton Baines, arguably the Toffees' most impressive performer in 2010-11. North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are said to be tracking the England left back, and it is suggested that an offer of £10 million would be enough to see him depart Goodison Park.
Enquiries for Mikel Arteta are also invited according to the story, as chairman Bill Kenwright would allegedly like his £60,000-a-week salary sliced off the wage bill.
The Mail hint that such a drastic fire sale would prompt David Moyes to consider his position after over a decade in charge of Everton. Both Tottenham - assuming Harry Redknapp ends up as England manager - and Aston Villa are mentioned as potential destinations for the former Preston boss.
Think there's any substance to these rumours? Have your say below...
Published: 4 Apr 2011
Tom (April 4, 2011 12:39 PM) said:
What a load of tosh!
Bill Kenwright has consistently backed Moyes and Everton at every turn.
Everton may not have the money where £45M in the red is not something that needs to be addressed, but it will Moyes who decides who stays and who goes.
I fully expect a big offer for Rodwell to be enough to force Moyesy's hand, but not Baines & Arteta. They have all just signed long deals and are happy at the club. Kenwright would probably re-mortgage his house (again) to keep players who want to play for the shirt.
Also, Baines at £10M? Who wrote this report? it's a laughable, lazy report, written by somebody who has not a clue about Everton Football club.
PS - We will probably not finish 6th either but we'll give it a damn good go.
COYB.
Betfair Football (April 4, 2011 1:33 PM) said:
Hi Tom - the rumour came from an unnamed "Sportsmail Reporter" in the Daily Mail.
arseybumcheeks (April 4, 2011 1:35 PM) said:
I think the fact we need to sell to buy and that some of our best players may be off is widely accepted. The 45m debt however? It's one of the smallest debts of all PL teams. Also, Moyes admitted that his contracted may be 'touched on in the summer' which hardly sounds like a 'right, I'm off...' to me.
Given that Jack is yet to become a permanent fixture in the first team, I'd take 20m+ for him. Also offload The Yak and Yobo (both currently out on loan) and one of Heitinga or Felli (6-25m). Would obviously prefer to keep Felli but, if he has to go, Heits can play that position and we'd have 50m to spend...not bad really.
Can't help feeling that the squad is in need of a bit of refreshing anyway. With four 10m plus players coming in and a couple of younger lads really starting to challenge for a starting berth, that's do for me...given the restrictions in which we have to operate.