Random rumour department: Everton to gazump Chelsea bid for Vardy

We’ll start off by saying that this is being reported by The Mirror, so take this rumour with (insert appropriate amount) of skepticism.

Apparently Everton are looking to cut in ahead of Chelsea in their pursuit of striker Jamie Vardy, with the grand sum of £40m being bandied about. Pardon our sincere suspicion, but this rumour really beggars belief.

Everton might have spent nearly £150m on new signings this offseason, but of the eight players that have come in, not a single one of those is a frivolous buy for an exorbitant price tag - and yes, Gylfi Sigurdsson is more valuable than Vardy, just like an artist is more than just a painter.

So if Farhad Moshiri has been as wise as he has with spending his money, what makes you think that this is the time he chooses to start spending the money on impulse buys?

What would make Vardy an impulse buy? The fact that he turns 31 midway through this season is one major red flag. The reality that he is a one-trick pony, albeit a very good one at that, is another. If there’s anything we’ve learned from the purchases Everton have made this summer, we’ve learned that versatility is a big part of what Ronald Koeman has been looking for.

However, with just a few days to go before the transfer window shuts, Koeman will be panicking if his plan still does involve going out for a big time striker. At this point of the season, no major team will let a key forward leave with no time to replace the player. Also, the Steve Walsh link with Vardy could be another persuading factor.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

So is the Vardy link a figment of tabloid imagination at this phase of the silly season, or a real extravagant move that Everton are making - only time will tell.