Quinn31

Ignoring this topic.

He's only 21 though, so I feel like you can't judge him the same way you'd judge a player at the peak of his career.

Decent shout. I feel like finding cover for fullback won't be too difficult, as there have to be some talented young players, or experienced veterans available for a minimal fee or a free.

Barca are boring to watch. That being said, any alliance with a massive club that will aid us or allow us to bring in some talented youngsters or some talented wantaways is welcome.

Swansea want close to 20m for him, don't they?

If we were to go in for Hummels, at least a few on this board would moan... Like we've all said, Brooks is young and raw, but talented. Not sure if I'd have him here, but I feel like he'll go on to be a good player for somebody in the future.

Mixed feelings. He's made a lot of mistakes, but he's got the physical tools and has talent.

LIke others have said, I think he's a really good player. That being said, he's definitely looked a step below most of his Barca teammates when played, but would likely shine in a "lesser club" like us, plucky little Everton.

Having two top keepers at one club doesn't last. One will force an exit if they are sitting the bench every match.

Now I see.

Why would we want to replace Howard now? He just signed a contract extension.

Agreed. Would be nice to be able to loan Joel out and truly see whether he's someone who can replace Howard 2-4 years from now, or if he's a perennial #2.

Preach brotha! Seriously though, if I were some of these good young players, I'd stick around Everton for at least a few more years, as we have an incredible team and spirit around the club... Maybe in a few years some of them will leave for a bigger payday at one of the richer clubs, but for now, I hope they stay put and realize that we can put together something special at Everton.

Beware, everyone is going to call you ridiculous and point to Aguero or David SIlva now...

Yeah, but John Rooney is a lower-league quality player... Thorgan Hazard is a highly-rated youngster... Bit of a difference there.

He's squad player material, but not at the price that would be demanded for him. I know Steve Bruce signed him to Hull last year, but it fell through due to a failed medical.

Toffeetalk: An oasis of optimism.

Agreed with this. He's just not at that level yet.

Whoops. No. Just checked. He did score against us a few years ago, so that must've been why I made that mistake.

Not sure I want him... Striker is the one position where we need a big time, quality signing, and not just numbers to deepen the squad. If we also bring in a top striker, yeah, Mulumbu would be a good addition to give us three first team strikers, but if we're only bringing in one striker during the summer, we need to do better.

You're right. I reckon Schweinsteiger, Iniesta, and Sergio Ramos are more reasonable shouts!

I doubt he'll get 100k a week. No other club will pay him what City were paying him, so I doubt we'd have to pay those wages.

Again, yes for the right price... I swore we were linked with him a year or two ago and everyone was horrified. I don't really like him on the wing, but I think he can be a good squad player if we aren't paying his entire City wages...

Better.