Embargoes are back
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/spor...ton-transfers-barkley-giroud-benteke-13390409
Everton’s hunt for at least three new signings does not depend on the sale of
Ross Barkley, insists
Ronald Koeman.
The Blues boss confirmed that he expects Barkley to leave the club this summer after the 23-year-old rejected a new contract and told him he wants a “new challenge”.
Koeman says the club are yet to receive an offer for the England international but he accepts he will lose the Academy product, with Spurs among those interested.
The Everton boss has confirmed he is still in the market for a striker, with Oliver Giroud and Christian Benteke on their list, wants Swansea City’s Gylfi Sigurdsson and is in the market for a left-sided defender to cover for the injured Ramiro Funes Mori.
Koeman has also been keen to find cover at left-back and in defensive midfield but has confirmed that Gareth Barry is not for sale, despite interest from West Brom.
And the Everton boss - targeting the eighth, ninth and 10th senior signings of the Blues’ summer - says their plans do not hinge on the sale of Barkley.
“It is not about Ross,” he said.
“We did really good work and I didn’t expect to get all the players in before tomorrow, some need more time and that’s all about business.
“I’m still not nervous and we have time but we have enough new players in.
“But, okay, everybody knows that we have tried to get one or two more in.”
Everton sold Romelu Lukaku in a deal worth £90m to Manchester United and says the club are working hard at finding a replacement - but admits he may not land the player he wants.
“We try the best we can get, it is all about qualities, about qualities of the striker, playing alongside Sandro is also a possibility,” he said.
“I know which one I like - but whether we (get him)...that’s difficult.”
As Koeman prepares the Blues for tomorrow night’s return to the Europa League, he says he is building a squad that can support runs in both domestic and European competition.
“Yes of course we had some key players to sign, but we did also business with players who can be back up to provide more competition for players in some positions,” Koeman added.
“We have some young players who can develop this season.
“We need a squad of 25-26 and let’s hope we will have difficulties about the schedule and number of games because that’s what we want - we want to be successful in Europe and have the number of games that brings.”
