I think Everton realize they are selling at some point in the future. And if they think the price is only going up this makes perfect sense.

It's odd that we haven't moved onto someone else. I can't see us signing Stones but it feels odd that we haven't signed anyone.

You're probably right...it just smacks of hypocrisy when RM talks about bigger clubs clicking their fingers....

I did say that I would stay off this a couple of days ago, but I met an old schoolmate after the Spuds game last night, he now lives in South Africa but comes back a few times a season. He has made a fortune in SA and his company has sponsored Everton for a long time, he's obviously well connected within the club and after a few jars told me what he knows about the Stones situation.

 

We did agree a deal before the City game, but Browning's injury changed things, Martinez had Mori lined up and with Browning being a CB (he was covering at LB for Baines) he thought we had enough cover and was promised the Stones money for a few signings. He told the board that if the Stones deal went through he would be off, the board caved in, which angered Chelsea and Stones agent threw a fit, pushed him to put in a TR to force it through, which then meant that Kenwright had to go public and say he's not for sale. Bottom line is that Stones is ok with staying for now, but has assurances that he can go, maybe as soon as January. The story about the Barnsley sell on is rubbish and he moved out of home to get away from the media, there may be one or two neanderthals hanging around, but it's the press he's trying to get away from.

 

Strange atmosphere at WHL yesterday, Spurs fans booing Stones and a few kids singing a Beatles song, all a bit embarrassing but nothing malicious at all. It was odd that Stones came over and clapped us at the end, we weren't quite sure what to make of it. I still think there may be a twist in the tale, but it will probably depend on Martinez being placated somehow. For all those having a pop at RM he's only doing his job and is being pinned down on Stones every time he's anywhere near a microphone (which is too often for my liking). 

I did say that I would stay off this a couple of days ago, but I met an old schoolmate after the Spuds game last night, he now lives in South Africa but comes back a few times a season. He has made a fortune in SA and his company has sponsored Everton for a long time, he's obviously well connected within the club and after a few jars told me what he knows about the Stones situation.

We did agree a deal before the City game, but Browning's injury changed things, Martinez had Mori lined up and with Browning being a CB (he was covering at LB for Baines) he thought we had enough cover and was promised the Stones money for a few signings. He told the board that if the Stones deal went through he would be off, the board caved in, which angered Chelsea and Stones agent threw a fit, pushed him to put in a TR to force it through, which then meant that Kenwright had to go public and say he's not for sale. Bottom line is that Stones is ok with staying for now, but has assurances that he can go, maybe as soon as January. The story about the Barnsley sell on is rubbish and he moved out of home to get away from the media, there may be one or two neanderthals hanging around, but it's the press he's trying to get away from.

Strange atmosphere at WHL yesterday, Spurs fans booing Stones and a few kids singing a Beatles song, all a bit embarrassing but nothing malicious at all. It was odd that Stones came over and clapped us at the end, we weren't quite sure what to make of it. I still think there may be a twist in the tale, but it will probably depend on Martinez being placated somehow. For all those having a pop at RM he's only doing his job and is being pinned down on Stones every time he's anywhere near a microphone (which is too often for my liking).

Nice story, you should work for the papers

It's odd that we haven't moved onto someone else. I can't see us signing Stones but it feels odd that we haven't signed anyone.

Because we don't want anyone else probably.

Mourinho must have identified Stones due to being English, young and an intelligent player with the ball.

He's planning for life after JT by targeting the player who looks like he could reach JTs level of performance.

It's about wanting to retain a certain identity to the team.

...and it ain't over yet.

I did say that I would stay off this a couple of days ago, but I met an old schoolmate after the Spuds game last night, he now lives in South Africa but comes back a few times a season. He has made a fortune in SA and his company has sponsored Everton for a long time, he's obviously well connected within the club and after a few jars told me what he knows about the Stones situation.

We did agree a deal before the City game, but Browning's injury changed things, Martinez had Mori lined up and with Browning being a CB (he was covering at LB for Baines) he thought we had enough cover and was promised the Stones money for a few signings. He told the board that if the Stones deal went through he would be off, the board caved in, which angered Chelsea and Stones agent threw a fit, pushed him to put in a TR to force it through, which then meant that Kenwright had to go public and say he's not for sale. Bottom line is that Stones is ok with staying for now, but has assurances that he can go, maybe as soon as January. The story about the Barnsley sell on is rubbish and he moved out of home to get away from the media, there may be one or two neanderthals hanging around, but it's the press he's trying to get away from.

Strange atmosphere at WHL yesterday, Spurs fans booing Stones and a few kids singing a Beatles song, all a bit embarrassing but nothing malicious at all. It was odd that Stones came over and clapped us at the end, we weren't quite sure what to make of it. I still think there may be a twist in the tale, but it will probably depend on Martinez being placated somehow. For all those having a pop at RM he's only doing his job and is being pinned down on Stones every time he's anywhere near a microphone (which is too often for my liking).

I did say that I would stay off this a couple of days ago, but I met an old schoolmate after the Spuds game last night, he now lives in South Africa but comes back a few times a season. He has made a fortune in SA and his company has sponsored Everton for a long time, he's obviously well connected within the club and after a few jars told me what he knows about the Stones situation.

We did agree a deal before the City game, but Browning's injury changed things, Martinez had Mori lined up and with Browning being a CB (he was covering at LB for Baines) he thought we had enough cover and was promised the Stones money for a few signings. He told the board that if the Stones deal went through he would be off, the board caved in, which angered Chelsea and Stones agent threw a fit, pushed him to put in a TR to force it through, which then meant that Kenwright had to go public and say he's not for sale. Bottom line is that Stones is ok with staying for now, but has assurances that he can go, maybe as soon as January. The story about the Barnsley sell on is rubbish and he moved out of home to get away from the media, there may be one or two neanderthals hanging around, but it's the press he's trying to get away from.

Strange atmosphere at WHL yesterday, Spurs fans booing Stones and a few kids singing a Beatles song, all a bit embarrassing but nothing malicious at all. It was odd that Stones came over and clapped us at the end, we weren't quite sure what to make of it. I still think there may be a twist in the tale, but it will probably depend on Martinez being placated somehow. For all those having a pop at RM he's only doing his job and is being pinned down on Stones every time he's anywhere near a microphone (which is too often for my liking).

I say bull crap...

Nice story, you should work for the papers

Ha ha yeah the sun but they don't buy that in Merseyside

He's moved out of home to get away from the press?

He's not David Beckham.

Tuesday can't come quick enough, fed up with the sh*t narratives people keep spewing out across twitter and everywhere else. The sooner this window is closed, the better! 

Because we don't want anyone else probably.

Mourinho must have identified Stones due to being English, young and an intelligent player with the ball.

He's planning for life after JT by targeting the player who looks like he could reach JTs level of performance.

It's about wanting to retain a certain identity to the team.

.

understandably but you can't help but wonder why are bidding ridiculous amounts for both him and Pogba. No idea what went on behind the scenes but even this late in the window we can still be pick up some very good young CBs at under £40m. Off my head Mustafi (Valencia), Martinez, Laporte & Umtiti are quality players. Imbula (now with Porto) and Xhaka won't cost anywhere near half of what we are bidding for Pogba, and come next summer we shift out some under performers/ageing players and launch a bid really early in the window. As things stand now, I'd rather we just go with what we have & use this as an opportunity to develop 1/2 youth players.

Maybe but this depends upon what expectations have been placed upon Jose...perhaps he doesn't have the luxury of the 'wait till next season' option by the board?

Edited August 30, 201510 yr by doctorblue

To be fair tho the Everton poster, it sounds like it could be true. It felt like a deal was in place.

....back on is it?

 

might aswell wind everton up, nothing else seems on the cards atm....

I did say that I would stay off this a couple of days ago, but I met an old schoolmate after the Spuds game last night, he now lives in South Africa but comes back a few times a season. He has made a fortune in SA and his company has sponsored Everton for a long time, he's obviously well connected within the club and after a few jars told me what he knows about the Stones situation.

 

We did agree a deal before the City game, but Browning's injury changed things, Martinez had Mori lined up and with Browning being a CB (he was covering at LB for Baines) he thought we had enough cover and was promised the Stones money for a few signings. He told the board that if the Stones deal went through he would be off, the board caved in, which angered Chelsea and Stones agent threw a fit, pushed him to put in a TR to force it through, which then meant that Kenwright had to go public and say he's not for sale. Bottom line is that Stones is ok with staying for now, but has assurances that he can go, maybe as soon as January. The story about the Barnsley sell on is rubbish and he moved out of home to get away from the media, there may be one or two neanderthals hanging around, but it's the press he's trying to get away from.

 

Strange atmosphere at WHL yesterday, Spurs fans booing Stones and a few kids singing a Beatles song, all a bit embarrassing but nothing malicious at all. It was odd that Stones came over and clapped us at the end, we weren't quite sure what to make of it. I still think there may be a twist in the tale, but it will probably depend on Martinez being placated somehow. For all those having a pop at RM he's only doing his job and is being pinned down on Stones every time he's anywhere near a microphone (which is too often for my liking). 

 

mmmm... nice story but I don't believe a sponsor would be that close to the club and getting that type of information...or any information for that matter unless someone within the sponsoring company sits on the Board.

How does possibly signing Stones and/or Pogba next Summer help the current problem in defence and central midfield?

Jose clearly identified a centre back and midfielder as his needs for the current season so it would be negligent of the Board to have no contingencies in place.

Rumours of us scrabbling around trying to sign anyone and his grandmother are already surfacing. I mean, Marquinos with two days left of the window? Seriously?

Edited August 30, 201510 yr by Socrates

stones can play two positions, centre back and right back. if we weren't to get stones, i'm not entirely sure whom else is out there. honestly, i think it's more a case of dropping ivan and putting azpi back at rb and baba at lb; such a simple change that jose has been unwilling to make so far. our central partnership of cahill/zouma or zouma/terry should be good enough with the aforementioned wing backs playing in their natural positions - at the moment ivanovic is really forcing the other 3 defenders to work extra hard, which along with fabregas letting players pass him by we may as well be playing with 9 men. also, it's frustrating with oscar out as we could try with oscar/matic in the pivot and push fabregas forward into the no10 role or leave him out altogether and move hazard across into no.10 and have pedro play left wing and kenedy right wing. oscar gives us that extra energy when tracking back and tackling, so he would be ideal next to matic while we integrate loftus-cheek. 

Edited August 30, 201510 yr by enigma

mmmm... nice story but I don't believe a sponsor would be that close to the club and getting that type of information...or any information for that matter unless someone within the sponsoring company sits on the Board.

 

Appleton was the old company, he floated and sold it then started another business called Warwick, they advertise around the ground and sponsored our cup campaign last season. Whenever he's over he sits in the directors box and mixes with the great and good, doesn't get on with Kenwright but that's another story. He was only passing on the gossip he has heard, probably rather more informed than the rest of us though. The only point he was unclear on (could've been the wine), is whether Stones was always going to put in a TR as part of the deal (to make our board look good), or if it was in response to us backing out, but Stones' agent is not a happy camper whatever. it helps that Stones is not doing (and won't apparently) a Berahino/Sterling/De Gea.

Edited August 30, 201510 yr by Blue62

Without wishing to sound antagonistic I think it's make or break for Everton this year... how long will the likes of Stones/Coleman/Lukaku/Barkley be content without Champions League?

Edited August 30, 201510 yr by the special one

If Stones starts a Gallas type hysterics that would put me right off. If we see him as a successor to JT then I expect him to be more professional than that.

Appleton was the old company, he floated and sold it then started another business called Warwick, they advertise around the ground and sponsored our cup campaign last season. Whenever he's over he sits in the directors box and mixes with the great and good, doesn't get on with Kenwright but that's another story. He was only passing on the gossip he has heard, probably rather more informed than the rest of us though. The only point he was unclear on (could've been the wine), is whether Stones was always going to put in a TR as part of the deal (to make our board look good), or if it was in response to us backing out, but Stones' agent is not a happy camper whatever. it helps that Stones is not doing (and won't apparently) a Berahino/Sterling/De Gea.

 

Well that adds a bit more credibility to the story but I am still wondering why the inside media reporters aren't writing about it?  I feel for Stones if he really wants to leave, he should get rid of his agent or hold the club to ransom...after all if the part about RM resigning is true isn't he doing the same thing...and I can't believe the BOD are putting the wishes of the manager over the financial interests of the club...just sounds a bit iffy IMO.  You can surely fill a stop gap manager for RM, its not like he is a world class manager especially when you have the likes of Carlo out there and even big Sam for the short term.

The Everton board are under a lot of pressure right now, we have had protests and a flying banner, if we sell Stones and lose our manager with a few days of the window left and no marquee signing all summer, then it's not going to look too good. Apparently it is the injuries to our defensive players, Baines, Oviedo (now back) and Browning that caused the problem, Baines is destined to move to the centre at some point and Browning is more naturally a CB, so with both out for some time you could understand the problem with only a week or so to go and given Stones disposition it would seem (so far) that he's reluctantly staying for the next few months at least. 

Clearly the BOD have no balls...Who the f**k is running Everton, the fans? RM or the Board?  they could have this deal done and dusted and new players in by now had RM not been dicking around and bad mouthing the in and outs of the transfer window, which happens twice a year...in case he hasn't noticed..