School of Science: Transfer Targets

Joey Barton - The Huyton born lightning rod decided to make headlines in late July stating that he would come to Goodison Park on a 50% pay cut. Barton, who grew up cherishing the Blues, is still at Queens Park Rangers after being banished to Marseilles on loan last year. When you ask an Evertonian whether or not they'd like to have Barton you get one of two reactions,

There's the Neville Southall - "Hell no! Keep him as far away from Goodison as possible!" and then there's the "I don't know, it could be a good bit of fun -- especially against Liverpool!"

If Barton does wind up here -- which looks very unlikely -- it will at least be more fun than having to play against the lunatic.

Scott Sinclair - Although it looks like Sinclair is going to end up at The Hawthorns, Everton were in the hunt for a bit and may jump back in if they lose Leighton Baines and/or Marouane Fellaini. Sinclair is still in his prime and when he is playing regular football is a solid player. He looks to be lost in the shuffle a bit at Man City (I mean, who isn't) and seems open to a move in return for minutes.

Gary Medel - The first of two Chileans on this list, Medel is only being dangled by Sevilla because they are in dire straights financially. The highly rated midfielder would probably be Martinez's first choice if he has to replace Marouane Fellaini. The 25-year-old Medel would cost somewhere between five and seven million pounds. Signed by Cardiff City.

Toby Alderweireld - Now this is one we can all get on board with. Everton have already strengthened the middle of their rearguard with Antolin Alcaraz, but he is no guarantee to stay healthy. Couple that with an aging (but oh so impressive) Sylvain Distin and the expected departure of Johnny Heitinga and we have ourselves a hole to fill. What Everton have going for them here is that Toby is a Belgian and we've a few of those. Also, his dad says he would welcome a move to Goodison. Alderweireld has been contacted by a few clubs and the s***e also seem keen on the big Belgian, so it is no guarantee that he will land here.

Wakaso Mubarak - This is a fun one. A few months back the Ghanan said it would be a dream to move to the Premier League and then got his head turned a bit by the crazy money he could make playing in Russia. Then Juventus (Stones!), Inter, and Swansea all started to monitor the midfielder. Now it seems that his current club Espanyol is going to do everything they can to keep him, but you never know -- it is silly season after all.

Jean Beausejour - Another day, another Latic rumored to be heading to Goodison Park. In all honesty though, this is the move we do not want to happen. Not saying the Chilean winger isn't a fine player -- he is -- but if Beausejour does come to Everton it will most likely be as a replacement for the departed god Leighton Baines. And we all know there is no replacement for Baines.

Aiden McGeady - Roberto Martinez has long been keen on the Irish winger, so it is no surprise that he ends up on this list. Currently plugging away for Spartak Moscow, it seems that McGeady is likely to move because his family isn't too big on life in Russia. It is believed that Moscow would be willing to let McGeady go for around four million Euro.

Luca Marrone - Another one of these possible reactionary moves if we lose the 'Fro, Marrone is a highly rated 23-year-old midfielder who's current club, Juventus (Stones!) values at 7 million. Marrone is in search of first team football as he has his sights set on cracking Italy's World Cup Roster.

There you have it, a brief look at who the Blues have been courting over the past few weeks and a look at who could be coming in if we do have to let go of Fellaini or Baines.

Who do you rate the highest? Is there anyone else out there you covet?

More from Royal Blue Mersey:

• School of Science: Tactical Analysis
• School of Science: Transfer Targets
• School of Science: Schedule Analysis
• School of Science: Academy Prospects
• School of Science: Forwards
• School of Science: Right Midfield
• School of Science: Center Midfield
• School of Science: Left Midfield
• School of Science: Left Back
• School of Science: Center Back
• School of Science: Right Back
• School Of Science: Goalkeepers
• School of Science: Welcome