20 Mar 2016 16:03:54
Hello eds hope you are well.
I was curious to know whether chelsea were interested or even have a chance of signing any of stones Barkley or lukaku.
Also I wondered if our lack of European football is likely to affect which players would be interested in a move to the club and which players we would be able to pursue. I have seen this have adverse effects on Man U and Liverpool in recent years and I was wondering whether we wouldn't be able to purchase the quality of player we want because of this.
Thanks in advance and great work on the website.
{Ed002's Note - Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea all took a look at Everton's John Stones in the summer of 2014 but none made an offer. Chelsea made an attempt to sign him in the summer of 2015 but then moved on to another target. I very much suspect Manchester United (who showed interest some time back) will look again to Stones. Interest of Barcelona and Chelsea has gone for now as they both look elsewhere. Everton know that Real Madrid have attended a couple of games and are working around a major potential issue that may make them bite. Everton will resist any move, but as ever, paying over the odds could force the matter – as it could force a bid from elsewhere, such as Manchester City - but he is not their preferred choice.
Everton will not want to sell Ross Barkley just yet but there was firm interest from Manchester City which may well have moved on - the kid needs to think carefully about his future before looking to move just yet.
Lukaku has been dealt with in the past.
I don't know what "adverse effects" you are referring to elsewhere but it may well make players think twice. I think it unlikely to be a major problem.}
20 Mar 2016 17:12:34
Thanks for the information ed.