A FLURRY OF NEW SIGNINGS

Kone (above) is one of 4 new signings this week.

Within the space of 48 hours, Everton manager Roberto Martinez sealed the transfers of four players - Arouna Kone, Antolin Alcaraz, Joel Robles and Gerard Duelofeu. Three of the four players played for relegated-bound Wigan Athletic last season - a point which has been the focus of concern amongst many fans. However, with respect to Wigan, these players are the best of a bad bunch. Kone netted 11 times last campaign - not bad considering it was for a side who finished 18th, and for a player who was new to the atmosphere of the Premier League. The poor-performing Jelavic managed barely half of Kone's total for the season. Next term will prove key to his Everton future. As for Alcaraz, the Paraguayan was involved with Wigan - the joint top conceders in the league last year- letting in over 70 goals. However, he was not heavily involved, as the 30 year old only managed a handful of appearances due to a groin injury. Despite this limitation, at times he did impress. The capture of Joel Robles is probably the one which most intrigues me. The 23 year old only made 8 League appearances for the Latics, but was an essential figure in their F.A Cup triumph. A deal was reached with his parent club Atletico Madrid for around £2 million. He will offer competition for the number 1 spot (an issue which was never addressed by Moyes), and is a long term prospect for the ageing Howard. By far the most exciting of all the transfers, is that of Deulofeu. The 19 year old has been in stunning form for Barcelona's reserve team, netting on 27 occasions in just under 70 games. This presents a glowing opportunity for a player who needs more competitive football. It's safe to say that this deal would not have been possible without the managerial prowess of Roberto Martinez. However, we should not get too excited - the player is young and inexperienced - he has no Premier League game time and it will take a while to adapt to life in England. But it is safe to be optimistic Evertonains! At which period during Moyes's reign due you remember the securing of four players services?
Only Alcaraz and Robles have travelled with the team to Austria for pre-season training. Kone is expected there in the coming days with Deulofeu granted extra time to relax following his work during the under-20 World Cup.

Putting pen to paper: Spaniard Deulofeu confirming his season-long loan.

REDMOND REGRET?

Last week Norwich City manager Chris Hughton completed another singing - securing the services of 19 year old Englishman Nathan Redmond. The problem I have, is that he should be wearing the blue colours of Everton instead of the yellow of Norwich. His previous club, Birmingham City, have seen a decline in footballing standards since relegation from the top flight a few years ago. The clubs prize assets have now been departing. Only a year ago, Goalkeeper Jack Butland and Winger Nathan Redmond were enlisted on the squad sheet for their up and coming 2012/13 Championship campaign. Both in their teens, and both with English nationality made them an expensive pair. Although initially being linked with us and Chelsea, Butland chose the rough-sided Stoke City as his destination in the Winter Transfer Period. The price too was a shock - a bargain at just under £5 million. The cash-strapped team from the Midlands do not wish to end up in the situation of former Premier League side Portsmouth, who this year fell into administration for the the second time in 3 years.
This left a wonderful opportunity to prize away the talent of Redmond. Swansea, Norwich and Everton all reportedly showed interest in the teenager. One newspaper claimed that despite both Swansea and Norwich having bids accepted, he was holding out for a move to Everton. However, no bid arrived from us, and alas he will team up with the Cornets next season. My level of frustration increased dramatically after I looked closer at the facts. Birmingham are desperate for the money, and Redmond is a talented youngster who has bags of potential - snap him up! He reportedly expressed a desire for the Toffees - and who would blame him. The best piece of information is the price. The final fee agreed for Redmond was in the region of £2.7 million. Add ons are to be predicted, but for a player of his level - an absolute steal for sure. Despite only netting 2 goals in the Championship last year, and with a hand full of assists, there is one guarantee - he will only get better! He can play on either wing - a position (like many) that we lack in any great depth. When you compare the prices of former Championship players Wilfred Zaha (£15 million) and Tom Ince (£8 million), it seems mad not to have got involved. I trust Martinez, and hope he can deliver in the transfer-side of things, but this is surely an opportunity which should have been taken.

A missed opportunity maybe?

KONE CLOSE

Holt is to join the Latics.

A fee has been agreed for the transfer of Grant Holt to Wigan Athletic. The 32-year old's move paves the way for the arrival of the Ivorian, Arouna Kone, through the doors of Goodison Park. Holt, who has impressed during his short stay in the Premier League, appears to be a replacement for Kone, who last week reportedly had a medical with Everton. The transfer of the soon-to-be Everton man (in the region of £5 million) is set to be confirmed in the coming days. It is thought that the capture of out-of-contract defender and former Wigan player Antolin Alcaraz could also follow.
In the past few days, Everton have been linked with the promising U21 Spanish international Deulofeu - however only in a season-long-loan deal. Speculation also surrounds Celtic's Wanyama, who has been subject to bids from Southampton and Swansea. The 22-year old is thought to be attracting the eye of Roberto Martinez.

A matter of time: Kone will ply his trade at Goodison next season.

KIT FOR 2013/14 UNVEILED

Finally, it's here - the launch of the Everton 2013/14 Home kit is under way. Yet again the kit designers are Nike, who last year shaped our home strip on the Brazilian away top. In the past few months there has been constant debate surrounding the appearance of Everton in next season's Premier League, following the release of the new 'modernised' and controversial badge. It forced an apology from Everton, and a striking promise that the badge will be removed as of next year.

The new badge is controversial to say the least. 

Despite these initial concerns, the kit in my opinion doesn't look too shabby. It isn't the best we've had (mainly due to the crest), but at the same time it improves on last years attempt at a nifty kit. Modelling it in the first released photos are Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar. I have a sneaky feeling that our away kit could be a gem - I can't wait for it. It also cannot be as terrible as the Liverpool away kit!

Howard shows off the smart GK kit. 

The new motto: "It's in our DNA".