Everton FC: Top 5 Deadline Day Transfer Targets for David Moyes

With Wednesday night and the end of the transfer window looming, it is crunch time for Everton and David Moyes.

His squad, though strong, remains short on numbers. Everton are the only Premier League club without any new blood and fresh impetus going into the new season—a factor that has left many fans experiencing resentment towards the club over the summer. As each Premier League squad enhances their troops, the ante is raised for the Toffees, who continue to battle much wealthier adversaries. 

Another more upbeat take on the window is that, despite Everton not being supplemented, their squad has also stayed intact. Many were gloomily forecasting Leighton Baines, Marouane Fellaini and perhaps a few more, becoming embroiled in elongated transfer sagas and eventually moving on. As of yet, that has not materialised. It seems the only first team player surrounded in speculation is Phil Jagielka, but his potential move depends on whether Arsenal almost double their previous offer. 

If Jagielka did depart, which would prove a late transfer window surprise, David Moyes would be handed a portion of the income to spend, although the end of this window may prove too immanent for that. Moyes would most likely store the precious capitol for future investment, instead of splurging it away at a time when the value of players peak most. 

Therefore, Everton are almost guaranteed to not be spending at all come Wednesday night, yet this might not wholly limit their activity. With Joseph Yobo’s eventual transfer to Fenerbahce still probable, his departing wages would free up some space for Everton to add a new player. 

Even if Yobo stays, there may be some way chairman Bill Kenwright can squeeze in a loan or free agent before the window closes. As many Evertonians are sure to appreciate, these free agents and loans that are still available this late in the window are not always the prettiest.

But here are five feasible last minute targets Everton could ponder over.

Vicente

As many fans accept, Everton’s greatest needs lie on the flank. Whilst Everton could never afford a player of Vicente’s calibre under contract with their current financial restraints, at present the Spaniard is out of work, and yet to elect his next career step. He has been linked with Everton over the past few weeks. 

Although hindered by injuries in recent campaigns, Vicente is a proven Spanish international with a wealth of Champions League experience. Though he is not quite as swift as in recent years, he still possesses considerable craft and skill, and has always been capable of hitting the net. Were he available for a portion of the season, he would greatly bolster options for David Moyes and increase Everton’s production and creativity. 

Vicente is a player used to receiving high wages, a stumbling block Everton may find non-negotiable. But particularly if Joseph Yobo’s own high wages can be off-loaded, Moyes may find Vicente a bargain addition.

Nicklas Bendtner

Not a name likely to send Everton supporters into rapture, but if Everton could acquire the Danish international’s services on loan, he would add to Everton’s potency up front. 

Bendtner has been desperate to leave Arsenal this summer, supposedly finalising deals with several clubs. Despite this, he still remains at the Emirates, on the periphery of Arsene Wenger’s thinking. Bendtner will surely eventually get a move, but if it becomes too late to finalise a deal by Wednesday, Arsenal may seek a last minute loan. 

Bendtner has never endeared himself to the majority of football fans due to an apparent brash persona and high regard of his talents. However, he is a target man that Everton could use to lead their 4-5-1 formation. His 22 goals in just under 100 EPL games is not spectacular, but when you consider over half of his appearances were made from the bench, his record looks healthier. 

He would certainly provide competition for Jermaine Beckford, Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe. With Saha and Beckford injured, Anichebe was all Everton had left to lead the line against Blackburn this weekend. His meagre haul of seven goals in 93 EPL games makes Bendtner’s credentials suddenly glisten.

Federico Macheda (or Mame Biram Diouf)

One thing is for sure, with Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen all higher in Manchester United’s pecking order, either Macheda or Diouf seems destined to leave Old Trafford soon.

Evertonians will hardly become enamoured with either of these youngsters—both yet to prove their Premier League pedigree. Most would prefer moves for Berbatov and Welbeck, who have more certain Premier League potential, but the coffers are empty for David Moyes at the moment. 

Combined they have harvested only eight EPL goals, but Macheda especially has yet to be given a platform to demonstrate his ability. The Italian has only appeared in 16 Premier League games and is likely to be keen to prove he has the aptitude at this level. Moyes watched the Manchester United reserves last week, with many inferring a move for one of these two being the reason behind his last minute scouting. 

With one, or even both, surely seeking loan moves before Wednesday, Everton would appreciate the added competition up front. Macheda would offer Moyes a finisher, and Diouf a player more suited to hold up the ball and lead a line.

Macheda would be preferable, due to Everton’s failure to kill off many opponents last season despite fathoming numerous chances. Any potential move will, of course, hinge on the views of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Pedro Leon

Another Spaniard, Pedro Leon has plunged so far down the Real Madrid roster that he has become a forgotten man at the Spanish giants. Over the summer he has been linked to several Premier League clubs, including Everton, about a late summer loan deal. 

Two seasons ago, the Spanish Under-21 star supplied constant chances for his Getafe teammates, and scored eight goals in their successful league run. His attributes were admired by Real Madrid who promptly brought him to the Bernabeu, where he has so far struggled to establish himself in the competitive climate. 

The youngster is another who would augment Everton’s creativity and strengthen the choices for David Moyes out wide. A hurdle to pass in any potential deal would be his high wages, as all players connected to one of the wealthiest establishments in football are used to collecting bulky pay cheques each week.

Everton would have to negotiate a percentage they could pay and rely on Madrid paying the rest. Certainly Joseph Yobo’s departure and freed wages would be essential for this deal to ever come into fruition.

James McFadden

McFadden has been left until last due to the likelihood that most Evertonians will let out a collective groan and click off this article now. However his recent link to the club is a sad reflection of where Everton currently reside financially.

With no other targets to assess, Moyes is hamstrung, only able to contemplate free signings or cheap loans. McFadden is one of the few vaguely viable options yet to find a club. 

A member of the famous Everton side who secured Champions League qualification in 2005, the Scotsman’s presence in the squad could be useful, as he has ability as a striker and a wide man. 20 goals in 161 EPL games suggest the wing may be his best position, but he certainly offers options where Everton are most stretched. Out of contract, his purchase would not cost a penny, and he does not seem to be fighting off too many admirers at present. 

Certainly not a signing Evertonians would clamour for, but as long as Everton in turn don’t look to reintegrate the likes of Kevin Kilbane or Marcus Bent, any McFadden return may possibly prove helpful.

If you liked this article, follow me on Twitter:  @Matt_Cheetham for more chat