Everton explored some deals which never materialised on transfer deadline day.
Everton News columnist Alan Myers Q&A session on TalkingPoints.
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There was an attempt to sign Harry Wilson from Fulham which the west Londoners swiftly swatted away, but the Welshman could still be signed on a free transfer this summer if he fails to agree a new deal.
Everton also considered Raheem Sterling after the England international was released by Chelsea – according to The Athletic.
The Friedkin Group opted not to proceed with a deal, and Paul Merson has suggested on Sky Sports that it was a mistake to do so.
Deadline day is now done… what’s your thoughts, Toffees? 😬
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Paul Merson says Raheem Sterling is a “no-brainer” of a signing
The 57-year-old was in the Sky Sports studio on transfer deadline day, and spoke glowingly about the man born in Kingston.
Merson described the former Liverpool attacker as a “no-brainer” of a signing before going on to say how he would be perfect for Tottenham, stating: “I would bring Sterling in.
“I think it’s a no-brainer on a free transfer. I really do. You don’t want to start bringing every Tom, Dick and Harry in to try and stay up. They just need one or two players in and get their players fit.”
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Sterling can boast 82 caps for England and 396 Premier League appearances – scoring 123 goals and assisting a further 65 in those league games. He can also boast four Premier League titles.
That is quite the haul by the age of 31 – but Everton opted to look towards the future with a loan deal for Tyrique George instead, a player who is just 19 with bags of potential.
Raheem Sterling deal might have been more realistic had Manchester City taken Jack Grealish back
While Sterling is still available for free, he was earning £325,000-a-week at Chelsea and may seek to get as close to that salary as possible at his next club.
Even £200,000-a-week would be a lot for Everton to pay for a player without a single second of football to his name this season, although it could have been more feasible had Manchester City taken Jack Grealish back.
Everton are still paying for the 30-year-old for the rest of the season despite a broken foot bringing a premature end to his campaign.
With Jack Grealish done for the season, let us know your verdict on his campaign! 🤔
He provided six assists and two goals in the Premier League 👏
Jack Grealish of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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Grealish earns £300,000-a-week at the Etihad Stadium, and it is understood that Everton are paying £225,000-a-week to the England international, picking up the bulk of his salary.
Therefore, The Friedkin Group presumably decided against taking on another expensive England international, who will need weeks to rediscover the required levels of match fitness.
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