It's already too late in my opinion. When you're trying to replace your best creative player, as I think we are, you need to give the new signing as much time as you can to settle in. They need to get used to the way of playing etc., but more importantly they need the time to become comfortable with their teammates, so they can be trusted to take responsibility. Had we got a creative player in January, they would have had half a season playing with the team, even if it was just as a sub, and would now be ready to be the main man for this season. Or if we'd got one before the start of preseason, they'd already feel like an Everton player and be integrated at least as much as Cleverley and Deulofeu are. Signing someone now, or after the season starts ... it doesn't really give them a chance. We'll be looking at trying to slowly ease them in, and then very quickly there'll be quotes about us seeing the best of them next season. We've needed to replace Pienaar for three years – ample time, you'd think – and we've missed the boat every time.
