Sell To Buy?

We´re into August, which for Evertonians means the transfer window has effectively begun. With no money to spend, Everton may have to adopt a sell to buy policy – but which stars should we cash in on?

It consistently surprises me that Everton, despite spending next to nothing in recent years, have a fair few players who can command very respectable transfer fees.

Here´s a rundown on the Lescott or Rooney of 2011/12.

Jack Rodwell
Valuation: £15-20m

Jack burst onto the scene with strength, pace and power, impressing in a midfield role when in actuality his development in the youth system saw him as a centre-half in the mould of Rio Ferdinand.

Last season, however, his development dramatically stalled. Although the media still rave over Jack, most Evertonians are nonplussed and cannot quite see where his outstanding attributes lie, and whether he will now progress into a truly world class player is now in question.

Due to being unable to command a place in the Everton starting eleven, Rodwell is a prime candidate to be sold on to bring in quality instead.

Potential Buyers?

Manchester United have long been linked with Rodwell, supposedly as a long-term replacement for Rio. However, Chris Smalling has done well for them since arriving from Fulham and it remains to be seen whether Alex Ferguson will spend big to bring Jack to Old Trafford. Chelsea, Manchester City and even Real Madrid are all said to be admirers.

Marouane Fellaini
Valuation: £20-25m

The Belgian has become a cult favourite with Evertonians since his big money move from Standard Liege. Tall, powerful, imposing and surprisingly skilful with ball at feet, he has consistently impressed the Goodison faithful.

But with that has come some admiring glances from other clubs. He´s unique in the modern game in that there´s very few “big” men who can play in central midfield with the composure he has.

Potential Buyers?

Injury problems have perhaps put off major interest from the massive clubs, but Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Lyon have shown an interest at various stages. Fellaini is currently in contract discussions with Everton, and the results of those talks will inevitably see interest either skyrocket or die off completely.

Phil Jagielka
Valuation: £18-22m

Jags is arguably Moyes´ best ever buy. He is a mainstay in the defence and in latter years has even edged out a World Cup finalist to retain his place. The fact Evertonians weren´t too dismayed to lose Lescott for £22m because we had kept Jagielka speaks volumes.

He reads the game superbly well and leads the entire back line.

Potential Buyers?

Arsenal are avid admirers and are prepared to lodge an improved £15m bid this week, although that will not be enough to tempt Moyes.

Leighton Baines
Valuation: £20-30m

I think it´s safe to say that Leighton is one of the top five best left backs in world football. You could go as far as saying one of the top two.

Pace, intelligent running, positional awareness and a pinpoint accurate left foot. In many ways, he´s priceless.

Potential Buyers?

Anyone who could afford him. Bayern Munich showed an interest last year, but I´m sure that if Baines become available any club in Europe would want him on the books.

John Heitinga
Valuation: £10-12m

Heitinga is interesting – you never know if he wants to stay or desperately wants to go.

As a World Cup finalist with Holland, there´s no denying his quality, and the £5m outlay on the Dutchman appears to be money well spent in the long run.

Potential Buyers?

Bayern Munich and a few other German sides have been interested, and John would suit the German league to a tee.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov
Valuation: £4-8m

Unfortunately, Bily has flopped thus far in England. Though he may come good, it may be worth cutting our losses and letting the gifted yet lightweight midfielder leave.

Potential Buyers?

Russian teams, like Rubin Kazin or Spartak Moscow. Looking to recuperate most of the £8m would be the aim.

Yakubu & Joseph Yobo
Valuation: Approx. £8m combined.

It´s sad that two current internationals, one a captain of his country and the other one of the best marksmen the country has ever seen, can only command a pittance between them.

Yet such is the decline of Nigeria´s Yak and Yobo.

Potential Buyers?

No idea. Newly promoted Premier League clubs may be interested in Yakubu, but the massive wages are causing difficulties.

So who would you sell? Or, perhaps, why should we sell? Yak and Yobo aside, the above shows that we have a valuable and talented squad. It´s difficult to bring in players for the right price who could improve it!!!

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