FOR QUITE A while on Wednesday, it seemed Everton were closing in on the capture of Moussa Sissoko from Newcastle.
At about 7pm, the deal seemed to have been done with agreement reached between both clubs and the player himself.
At the time, it didn’t seem like good news for Irish international James McCarthy. Struggling to feature in his preferred central midfield position since Ronald Koeman’s arrival, now he’d have to compete with another, expensive acquisition.
Talk of a loan move elsewhere was reignited, though his recent groin injury surely made a switch pretty difficult.
But, then everything changed. According to reports, Sissoko never arrived on Merseyside, despite Everton having arranged a private jet. He wasn’t answering his phone.
And then, they were made aware the French international was in London and about to sign for Tottenham.
That deal with Spurs was confirmed before the deadline closed and Everton were left reeling by Sissoko’s behaviour.
But, they’ve attempted to save some face by suggesting they dropped out of the race to sign Sissoko because the deal was set to ‘jeopardize’ McCarthy’s place at Everton.
“Sissoko is a great player”, the club’s majority shareholder, Farhad Moshiri, said in a statement sent to Sky Sports’ Jim White.
“But when I bought into Everton, I made it clear I was proud to join a family. And we don’t turn our backs on our own. Keeping James McCarthy was a priority and ultimately, we could not proceed with a deal that would jeopardize his place at Everton. We wish Sissoko the best.”
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Oh boo hoo. Sad story
Its okay stevie there’s plenty that don’t belive in you
Nice to see the $cum fans are still around
Why are the English obsessed with this captain rubbish,who cares 11 players on a pitch,something on your sleeve makes no difference whatsoever
@tom Ryan exactly! ooh i have a big C on my arm so now you have to listen to me :( as if when hes not the captain he just shuts up and kicks a ball
England may actually do well in this tournament. The pressure seems to at an all time low, the media circus isn’t quiet in full swing and the squad seems a lot more casual than previous tournaments, especially under Capello in 2010
Yep I gotta say they’ve finally learned about being humble, and it actually makes them kind of (dare I say it) likeable.
Adrian just a tad too far…. How shall I put it…. Not as unbearable to listen to
Probably because you’re one of the most overrated players to ever step onto a diving soccerball pitch.
Stupid comment
What are u talking about Barry
England look reasonably capable up front. It’s at the back against the first decent opposition that they are going to be found out.
Excuses excuses
Gerrard is massively overrated!
Poor Steven !!
Too caught up in an armband! Should be honoured just to play for his country. Very self centred IMO.
What a great judge of players fabio was
And there I was thinking Capello didn’t have a clue !! Silly me