c1982

I'm fully aware of FFP and I'm sure our hierarchy know the ins and outs of it in far much more detail than you and I. If they're saying we don't need to sell Lukaku then I'll listen to them rather than read on a forum that we need to sell him before we can spend. Koeman has already cleared a lot out in the last 2 windows (Gibson, Cleverley, Oviedo, etc), has potential deals set up for McGeady and Niasse and has Kone's contract and maybe even Jagielka's (although I think he may get 1 more year) freeing up millions. Personally, I'd rather sell McCarthy and Mori to appease FFP rules - that's if there's any worry in the first place!

I'm just saying what I've seen, especially since the turn of the year - no stats involved here.

The fact is, as already stated by Moshiri etc, is that money is not an issue any more. Okay, if a ridiculous bid comes in say £80m+ then that's just business sense but to seek to sell him is necessary this summer. We'll still get £40m+ next summer but by that time his goals could have helped use secure Champions League football or even a trophy. Defoe is a bloody good poacher but he needs to play with or as back-up to Lukaku - Lukaku may not be anywhere near Drogba in terms of using this physical attributes and hold up play but he can often take the attentions of 2 even 3 opposition players - something you won't get from Defoe. The way I see Lukaku's future is he either goes this summer for £80m+ or he signs a deal once the transfer window closes with a release clause based on Champions League status.

Averages - there are games when there's very little to do defensively. For me it's been very obviously that defensive duels won is something Lukaku and Barkley have added to their games this season.

Has anyone else noticed how many defensive headers/duels Lukaku and Barkley win a defensive set-pieces? Qualities like that often go unnoticed.

If you look that closely at any player in the Everton team you will find plenty of faults every game. Luckily, they're a team and the quality usually outweighs the faults hence why we've won more than we've lost. Inevitably, there'll be less faults when we bring better quality players in. Lukaku is near the bottom of the list of players we NEED to replace to progress. We may get an offer that forces our hand but we shouldn't seek to replace a key component of this progressing team. He needs support in attacking areas as a priority but we also need a 1st choice GK, partner for Williams, potential successors in both full back positions and competition and support in attack. Selling Lukaku or Barkley, Gueye, Davies, Schneiderlin, Williams, Baines would weaken us as that there is the core of the 1st team - obviously Coleman would be on that list too. I want a summer where we don't have to replace core players as we already need enough as it is.

Correct, they focused on Paddy McNair and Tyler Blacket at the time instead!!! They have the sell on fee too (rumoured 25%) so £20m is £15m to them.

Think United is his most likely destination if their interest is real. He's supposedly a huge United fan so would probably jump at the chance to have another crack.

Fabregas is still class. If he's not in Chelsea's plans I see him going to AC Milan.

Just read that Barcelona are plotting a summer move for Shane Long... straight swap for Messi. Reports say they are after a player who runs more.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/everton-advanced-talks-wealthy-chinese-10277299

Should have had the opportunity to win it with a penalty.

Butland back in goal for Stoke today. We should be keeping a very close eye on this comeback - was excellent prior to the injury.

Do you seriously see him as our long term future number 1? I certainly don't.

He's done well overall but he's been flapping for weeks.

Don't forget this will only be the 2nd summer window with Moshiri and it was clear that the problem in the last summer window was being unable to attract the calibre of player required. This summer with be one of big spending regardless of the futures of Lukaku and Barkley. Our squad is wafer thin with a European campaign beckoning as Koeman has shipped out some poor players already. I expect some slots will be filled by our very impressive academy but wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if we sign 10 players (1st team/squad) and spend upwards of £100m this summer. It will be a very exciting summer regardless.

Gotze's got some sort of illness that's virtually ended his career.

I don't actually think this is fully true when it comes to Lukaku. He wants to play Champions League football as soon as possible. He could get £120-150k at us but that doesn't give him the platform he wants to play on yet. He may well get a better contract at a club with Champions League football but I just get the impression it's the playing at a higher level/winning things that he's after primarily.

By saying £100m then bidding needs to start at, at least £80m. There aren't many player exchanges these days but I think, if any team are really serious in their interest, that will tip the balance e.g £60m + Batsuyi (I'll need to learn how to spell that) then performance related bonuses. Chelsea have great young players who could more than help soften the blow of losing Lukaku - players they'd be reluctant to lose but aren't likely to be given enough opportunities there e.g Batsuyi, Traore, Loftus-Cheek, Abraham, Solanke (although it seems he's leaving for a training fee anyway), Chalobah (who has looked very assured when given a chance), Zouma. None will replace Lukaku and his goals (that's what we'd need a sizeable fee for) but all are likely to become very valuable assets in the near future.

He's sadly died of a heart attack aged 44. Shocking news for someone presumably so fit (still coaching at Spurs) to die so young. Cracking centre back and absolute beast physically. He and Southgate made Villa a very strong team in the late 90s.

No 5 if Man U win Europa finishing outside the top 4.

He's been brilliant in a poor Bristol City team and the bits I've heard sound like he's got a really good attitude e.g going over and engaging with fans after heavy defeats when others walked straight off. He needs to be playing top flight football from an England point of view next season. I'd like him or Solanke as think both will go on to big things.

Mobility of our attacking players is key for me this summer. I want someone in the Lallana mould (sorry for the horrible example) who can play anywhere across the attacking midfield spots, is comfortable with the ball, can pick a pass but can also press/battle - it's a shame he's where he is as he's a 'lifelong' Evertonian and I think he'd be perfect. Alternatives? I don't know but he's certainly the type which will move us forward in my opinion.

Would he be your player of the year for Everton?

Do you think he deserves his place in PFA team of the year Haf?