Vultures circle over Goodison

We've spoken a lot about Everton being on a crossroads, the vultures of Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid are all metaphorically circling overhead.

We are set to be the victims of our own success, the budget the David Moyes operates under and the size of the squad at Goodison Park should mean that under no circumstances should we compete with the so-called 'Big Four' of Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Now admittedly while the Premier League title is clearly not leaving Manchester come May, the London clubs of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have been within grabbing distance for Everton.

That in itself is a huge achievement. To be in February and still be within a chance of qualifying for either the Europa League through a Premier League finish or even a Champions League qualification is remarkable.

Chuck in the fact that we still have a chance of lifting silverware with the FA Cup and we should be on excited to be on the brink of something special.

Unfortunately though, even though success is far from guaranteed, the fear of failure appears to be affecting Everton.

Two wins since the turn of the year has dropped us down the league and the vultures are now circling for our prized assets.

Leighton Baines, forever a target for Manchester United has now been linked to Chelsea.

While Marouane Fellaini has been catching the eye of Chelsea and Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Throw in the question marks of David Moyes's future and Everton would be forgiven for wondering what next season could bring.

Glory this season could persuade all three to spend another year at Goodison Park, but failure could spell all three departing?

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