St Helens Blue (Exiled) said:
Barkley was at the city home game v Barcelona.
My lad said said at the time that he'd love this boy to play for City.
I think he is the ideal replacement for Yaya should he go however surely we cannot sign Mangala,Sanchez,Barkley and still be compliant with FFP when the next figures are released.Or can we?
Thought I'd just explain a couple of things because a friend of mine from here was telling me how Barkley is going to sign on for you.
Barkley was at that game because Martinez is instructing all the Everton players to observe a couple of teams (especially Barcelona) and how they play. You can find an interview with Martinez where he explains how he sent Baines to watch Lahm for 90 mins as a CDM. He wasn't there to dream about moving to Manchester. A couple of our coaches visited their academy and vice versa.
Everton are a different team under Martinez, both in play style and financially. I'm sure you all remember how expensive Lescott was, and how Fellaini was sold for £5m more than his release clause (something you were no doubt delighted to see, as was I). Everton never really sell their best talents cheap. Now, however, Everton don't need to sell to buy. We've got close to £30m to spend this summer. That may not be much to you, but we haven't been in that position for a long time. Basically, if (and it is a huge if) Ross is sold, it won't be for £25m. It won't be for £35m either. Nor £45m. We apparently rejected a bid of £50m from your neighbours for him earlier in the season. Whether our interest in Rodwell is genuine or not, I don't see
us valuing him above £5m, so safe to say, £25m and Rodwell won't happen (even though it's just paper rubbish anyway). You'd be looking at £60m+ and that's just an estimate.
I don't believe Ross will leave for a good five years, either. He's a bit like Gerrard in the sense of loyalty. Sure, Gerrard tried to join Chelsea (and gave up when Liverpool fans threatened his family) so yes, Ross may leave at some point, but not for a good few years at least.