Everton miss out on big deals but sign John Stones from Barnsley

• Leroy Fer and Alvaro Negredo deals come to nothing
• Everton snap up England Under-19 full back Stones

by Andy Hunter 3 months ago

Everton failed to strengthen their pursuit of Champions League qualification with a major addition in January, although 18-year-old John Stones arrived from Barnsley for around £3m.

David Moyes had wanted to improve his midfield and attack amid concern at the depth of his squad but was thwarted on two big money deals in two days. Having seen a proposed £8.6m deal for the Dutch international midfielder Leroy Fer collapse on Wednesday, Everton turned their focus to an ambitious move for Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo.

However, their only prospect of signing the Spain international striker rested on Sevilla drastically reducing their €15m asking price but their stance did not change during protracted talks. Negredo instead played, and scored, in Sevilla's 2-1 defeat at Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.

Fer's move was called off due to problems with his medical and, despite speculation to the contrary, there was no attempt to revive a deal with FC Twente. Everton did inquire about Jack Butland prior to the goalkeeper's move from Birmingham to Stoke, and their only success came in beating Wigan Athletic to the signature of the Barnsley right-back Stones.

The teenager has been capped twice at Under-19 level by England and signed a five-and-a-half-year contract at Goodison Park. Everton also allowed Magaye Gueye to join Brest on loan until the end of the season.