Toffeelinks 3/6/11 - Everton Close in On Klose? In talks with Demba Ba?

The increasingly blurred lines between season, close-season and pre-season means the rumour mill is already in full swing (with no World Cup this year I guess the papers have to talk about something!). Everton aren't alone in being muttered about in the local and national press, so here is the latest Toffee related gossip.

Daily Post: Everton target striking duo Miroslav Klose and Demba Ba

The press just won't let this one go (the Mirror are carrying the story too, saying we face  competition from surprise,surprise, Spurs for the German), though the Klose rumours actually began a few months ago when he was allegedly seen visiting the club's training ground. The more I think about these two though the more I become sceptical. Klose only scored one league goal this season and is clearly after one big final payday. Given our finances shouldn't we be going after players with a re-sale value? As for Demba Ba, well he did well for West Ham but it shouldn't be forgotten that he failed a medical at Stoke thanks to a long-standing knee injury - surely one injury prone striker is enough?

** In a update to this Everton forum Grand Old Team are reporting that Ba is apparently in 'advanced talks' with Everton over a free transfer. No solid proof as yet but will keep you updated.**

Daily Post: Everton fan's end of season survey results

A great little review of the campaign, including videos of the best four goals scored by Everton during the season.

Liverpool Echo: David Prentice - Tribute to a natural Vaughan thriller

A nice piece from Dave Prentice looking back on the brief Everton career of James Vaughan, a player the fans desperately wanted to succeed, but probably had just one injury too many.

Goal.com: Johnny Heitinga: Not just anyone can play for Everton

Times have changed; in previous interviews Heitinga has agitated for a move, leading to calls from supporters for Moyes to cash in on the Dutchman. Now though it appears Johnny is warming to the club, stating his desire to win trophies at Everton and pointing out that only players of a certain spirit and character can cut it at the club.

And the best from around SBNation:

7500 to Holte: Hughes to Villa?

Well, anyone but David Moyes will do fine. Some Villa fans still believe Moyes is Midlands bound, but I would be astounded if the Scot did decide to make the move. Mark Hughes' resignation from Fulham appeared to free him up to take the Aston Villa job, though Villa have denied they want Hughes as manager. Expect him to be appointed on Monday.

Cottagers Confidential: Why Hughes is better off at the Cottage

Spare a thought for Fulham fans, who have lost the services of a young talented manager. And if Cottagers Confidential is anything to go by they are cheesed off at the behaviour of Aston Villa, who have reportedly been courting Hughes for over a year.

Roker Report: Top ten worst moments of the season

The RR boys put together a list highlighting the er, low-lights of Sunderland's campaign, featuring Darren Bent, Keiran Richardson and two painful defeats by the Magpies.

Cartilage Free Capetian: Worst Manager of the Decade

Sometimes it is easier to moan about the bad things that have happened rather than the good things - with Everton you certainly have more things to choose from. The guys over at CFC have done the same, picking their worst team of the decade and also chosen an equally inept manager to lead them - though the guy they chose, ironically, did lead them to a major trophy!