By John P
August 30 2005

As the transfer deadline looms like a black thundercloud as the race for more players becomes more intense. I can't remember the last time we saw so much transfer activity, not just from ourselves but all over the premiership.

Newcastle's Souness taking huge risks on players with the clubs finances becoming more desperate, Viera leaving Arsenal, Rafa signing more spanish players and Spurs signing the likes of Davids. the premiership pre-season transfer activity has been so intense and with only 2 days left it's becoming very heated, especially for David Moyes.

With losing several key players to injury already this season including the likes of Beattie, Kroldrup, Naysmith, Carsley and now Pistone, it has been touch and go with transfer dealings...that was until last week. Ferrari signs, Valente signs, the 'Flying Dutchman' Van Der Meyde is close to signing along with Preston pair Etuhu and Nugent and then Blue Nose's everywhere are shocked when it is leaked that we are trying to sign a top european striker as well. This is just to much! We failed to bring in so many a few weeks back with failures including Owen, Kuyt, Parker, Johnson and Emre amongst others.

The black clouds of the transfer deadline are fast approaching Goodison Park and with UEFA cup on the table along with FA and Carling competitions the squad is going to be stretched again this season. But we have no doubt that Moyes can have another successful year. We might not finish in the top 5 or reach any finals, but european competition has certainly brought in quality signings, and hopefully the word will spread (especially through the links that Valente, Ferrari and VDM) that Everton are an ambitious club and behind a talented manager who has brought Europe onto Goodison's doorstep with little transfer money.

Its not surprising really that Moyes has not splashed out like Souness or Rafa, he already has a decent squad and needs to strengthen certain areas instead of replacing people in every position.

The future is bright, the future is blue...and not Chelseas blue, but thanks Mourinho for the tip on Valente. Again, the word of Jose praising Everton has been heard in Porto when Mourinho phoned Valente and said that Everton are a great team to play for. This is coming from argueably one of the best coaches in Europe and favourites again to win the premiership along with Champions League.

We have 2 days left to try and get a forward to relieve the pressure off Beattie so he can start enjoying playing football and may be able to start scoring again like his old days at the Saints. Even if we don't sign a quality forward we have proven we still have last season's grit and determination to win games and it's not just the forwards that score the goals (RE:Cahill).

Come on you Blues!