Why David Moyes might have already made THE deal of the January transfer window

No matter how many astute signings are made during next month's transfer window, I doubt any will be more effective than the loan deal Everton have just tied-up with Landon Donovan.

But if Everton are to make genuine progress, David Moyes needs to be handed a big chunk of the £10million Mikel Arteta fee that sneaked into the bank on the final day of the last transfer window, to bring in the striker they desperately need.

***

Yaya Toure feels guilty towards Manchester City for having to play for the Ivory Coast next month in the African Cup of Nations.

And who can blame him? How would you feel being called up for your country knowing the only midfielders you were leaving behind for the manager to choose from were: Samir Nasri, Gareth Barry, Adam Johnson, David Silva, Nigel de Jong, James Milner, Owen Hargreaves and any other international they pick up for £30million loose change in the January window.

Hang your head in shame, Yaya.

***

How come, whenever I hear Ray Wilkins co-commentating during a Chelsea game it feels as though I've hit the wrong button and gone into Sky's Fanzone?

Here's a piece of advice I never dreamed I would be handing out to ex-players who put their mouth before a mic to pass observations on their old team:

Listen to Gary Neville. And learn.

***

Phil Brown and Brian Horton have been sacked by Preston.

There is no good time to lose your job but the worst time is with Christmas in sight.

Still, if it's any consolation chaps, there is a good person to be dismissed by.

Because when you're sacked by Peter Ridsdale, nobody with a brain will take it as a sign that YOU are the failure.

Ask Peter Reid.

Reade: Why reality TV-style fan voting will get refs to stop thinking of their image and start doing their jobs

Reade: Why Daniel Levy needs to accept he's likely to lose Harry Redknapp to England  

Fancy winning £3,000 for FREE this month? Play Mirror Football Streak for your chance to win cash prizes! Start predicting now!

williamhill.com

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