THERE’S clearly plenty of time to go before the start of the season, so there’s no need to panic, but there seems to be a feeling descending on Evertonians that this transfer window could end up being as frustrating as last summer’s.
We seem to be linked with most of the same players, for a start, with even Lorik Cana being mentioned in conjunction with a move to Goodison yet again. It doesn’t help to allay the fears of nervy fans when deals for lower league full-backs end up turning into absolute epics.
One minute we’re in the driving seat in terms of signing Kyle Naughton, the next we’ve been outbid by Tottenham and told to keep away from the player, and then another twist has the Blues reinstalled as favourites to clinch the transfer, as long as we accept some other character, Kyle Walker, and lend him back to Sheffield United.
Naughton better be some player after all this.
The Blades want the best deal they can get, which is understandable, but it’s clear why David Moyes is unhappy if his counterpart, Kevin Blackwell, has reneged on an agreement. Ultimately in these situations it depends on whose colours you are wearing as to who you think is being unreasonable.
We’re told constantly that the players have all the power nowadays, so in reality Naughton could just sit tight and demand a move to Merseyside if that’s what he really wants. And assuming that the personal terms are similar to what Spurs and Aston Villa are offering, he would be mad not to want to come and play for the Blues.
He only has to look at the career of another ex-United defender, Phil Jagielka, to see how young, ambitious players can thrive under Moyes. Likewise, Joleon Lescott, another who came from the Championship and is now a regular in the England set-up.
Then there’s Jack Rodwell, another young Blue who seems to be on the fast track to the full England side.
Compare that to, say, Gareth Bale and Chris Gunther, two full-backs who were tipped for great things, only to see their careers more or less run aground at White Hart Lane.
Young players get games and they get time at Everton, even if they struggle at first – just look at Jagielka and Leighton Baines. So if Naughton’s got any sense he’ll realise that and put his foot down. Whether you think that’s fair depends on whether you are Blackwell or Moyes.
