Apple introduced some major changes to the iPad with its iOS 11 beta earlier this week. While you can use the iPad just as youve always been able to, there are some additional multitasking changes that really make the iPad Pro more of a laptop contender. Apple has created a dock that acts more like something youd find on macOS, and refined its side-by-side apps interface so its even more similar to Windows 8. These changes make the iPad a lot more useful, but also a lot more confusing than it has ever been before.

The new dock extends the amount of apps you can pin to the bottom of the iOS home screen, but it also acts as the main way to control what apps can float or be used side-by-side. It replaces the old app picker from iOS 10, and instead of swiping from the right to access apps, you swipe up from the bottom of the display (even if youre in an app) to access the dock instead. After being familiar with iOS 10, the first time I tried to use the dock I was confused how to get apps side-by-side. I kept swiping from the right or swiping on the apps on the dock, but nothing happened. Its not immediately obvious how to even activate multitasking, and I had to watch our own hands-on video to even figure that out. Not a great start.

Multitasking on iOS 11 gets a little confusing

Placing apps into the Split View is simple once you know how you have to tap and hold on app icons to drag them into Apples Split View. This might seem like youre about to move an app icon on the dock, as thats how iOS works, but it actually turns the app youve grabbed into a floating app that can snap to the side of an existing one. This works if you activate the dock by swiping up, but if youre on the home screen then holding down an app will simply move it around with no options to create a split view. You can also activate a Slide Over view by dragging an app from the dock onto an existing one, which creates a hovering window you can arrange on the left or right on top of either a single app or split view apps. This means you can have three apps open in multitasking view. And its where things start to get truly confusing.

If you have a hovering app open on top of other apps, the interactions with that app are messy, even for a beta. Theres a little handle at the top which hints you can swipe down on it, but if you miss the tap target then the Notification Center (that now looks like a lock screen) activates. Likewise, closing the app from this view is extremely frustrating. Youd expect you could swipe down on the app to dismiss it, but that swipe down action will actually snap it into a side-by-side view or replace whatever other app you had snapped. To dismiss a floating app you actually have to swipe on the very left edge of the app and push it towards the right-hand side of the screen for it to disappear. To get it back, you then swipe from the right-hand edge of the screen. If that sounds confusing, its because it simply is. Swiping from the right-hand edge of the screen normally without any apps floating does nothing, so Apple has re-purposed an edge swipe gesture for a super specific reason.

You can ignore the gestures, but iPad Pro users will expect them to work

The split view also includes some oddities when you try to activate a third floating app. You have to drag an app to the bar that controls the split size for it to trigger the floating ability. If you dont then it will simply replace whatever app is in view. These multitasking controls for three apps are now very similar to Windows 8, and they suffer from the same problems. The gestures arent obvious, and managing the different snapped apps states isnt easy. Apple has taken many of Microsofts better ideas with Windows 8, but implemented them in an equally confusing way.

You might be sitting there and thinking well, who cares if you can use the iPad as youve always done, just ignore the multitasking or its a beta, it will get better. Those are both good points, but the iPad Pro wants to be more than an iPad. Apple is trying to convince iPad users to upgrade to more capable iPad Pro devices, and it really wants existing laptop users to switch. If youre buying an iPad Pro then you want the powerful hardware and the powerful software capabilities to match. Apple wants the iPad Pro to be considered as a real computer, but a mixture of its hardware and software is still holding it back from being a true laptop replacement.

Sure, you can ignore these gestures if you want, just like thousands of Windows and Mac users ignore keyboard shortcuts they dont know about. The problem Apple faces here is that its trying to convince everyone that a touch interface is just as productive as using a keyboard and mouse. In many instances thats true, and as apps adapt to buy into Apples world view then that will only improve. With iOS 11 though, these gestures are designed to replace the need for a mouse and theyre getting too complicated. iOS 11 is still in beta so things might improve, but the fact that Apple is struggling to make this stuff easy to use is a fundamental problem with touchscreens and productivity when it comes to precision.

iOS needs better precision touch support

Microsoft attempted to force its Windows 8 interface onto traditional PCs in a vague hope that it would get more tablet apps and boost its mobile efforts. Windows 8 users hated this, because they were used to using a keyboard and mouse for tasks and precision. Equally, Apple is forcing people to use a touchscreen for productivity and its confusing its message with optional keyboard and stylus additions to the iPad Pro. This keyboard doesnt have a trackpad for precision, and youre forced to move your hands from the keys to reach out and touch most of the time you want to interact. Yes, there are keyboard shortcuts that help, but a lack of mouse input feels unnatural if youre used to a laptop.

Apple has caved on keyboard and stylus support for the iPad, so it might seem obvious that the company will eventually implement some type of mouse support. Im not convinced it will, as Apples iOS hardware is primarily designed around touch. Apple sees touch as the future, and the iPad is slowly heralding that future. Drag and drop in iOS 11 is an excellent example of that, and a window into the future of the iPad. Software developers have been eagerly awaiting such a feature, and perhaps now they'll start to invest in more complex and productivity-focused app for the iPad. There are some, like the Aviary photo editor, that are truly great examples of our touch future, but there aren't enough.

iOS 11 marks a bigger departure from the familiar interface between iPhone and iPad, and it could help better define the iPad in the future. The big question of "who is the iPad for?" is never ending, but iOS 11 seems to signal that Apple is willing to make the fundamental interactions on an iPhone or iPad very different. That could help set a new direction for the iPad. While Apple left it up to software developers to create millions of apps and define the iPhone, the iPad has struggled to generate the same interest from developers thanks to slowing sales and its position between iPhone and Mac.

The complex gestures we see in iOS 11 will only get more tricky in the future as Apple continues to build them out instead of supporting a mouse. If Apple does want the iPad Pro to be considered as laptop contender, then it will need to refine its keyboard hardware and its software gestures and features. Apple still needs to prove that the touchscreen can truly replace a keyboard and mouse for professional productivity, so get used to remembering lots of gestures and swiping around on an iPad display instead of simply pointing and clicking for the foreseeable future.

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iOS 11 on an iPad still won't replace your laptop - The Verge

The Sun Herald

Appeals court says judge was wrong to rule for USAA in Katrina insurance case The Sun Herald The engineer's confidential conclusion said USAA could owe for replacement of all windows, also creating the possibility that the company would have to cover contents damaged by openings in the house that the wind created. The policy excluded ...

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Appeals court says judge was wrong to rule for USAA in Katrina insurance case - The Sun Herald

REHOBOTH Rehoboth voters in a special election Tuesday approved two ballot questions for tax increases to fund improvements to school buildings.

The first ballot question was a capital exclusion, or one-time tax increase for one year only, for $87,203 for the installation of door security systems at Palmer River Elementary School, Beckwith Middle School and Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School. It passed 579 to 386 votes.

The school district, in a June 18 letter to parents, said the measure will increase taxes by mere pennies over the course of the year.

The second ballot question was a debt exclusion, or temporary override of the states Proposition 2 tax levy-limiting law, for $3.6 million for roof and window replacement at Palmer River Elementary School and window replacement at Beckwith Middle School. It passed 556 to 409.

According to the school district, the cost to the average taxpayer will be approximately $48 annually for an average $300,000 home, or $4 per month extra in taxes.

Superintendent Anthony Azar said it was a positive outcome for everyone involved.

I believe its a win-win for the students. Its a win-win for the staff and its a win-win for Rehoboth taxpayers, Azar said.

We appreciate the support from the Rehoboth taxpayers and its an exciting night for the district, Azar added.

Turnout for the election was 11 percent or 965 of the towns 8,544 registered voters.

The district had sent a one-call alert to families on Monday reminding voters to go to the polls.

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Rehoboth voters approve override for schools, money for security system - The Sun Chronicle

ELKO Drivers on Idaho Street saw a downtown storefront get a makeover in recent days, yet it wasnt part of the Citys Redevelopment Agency grant program.

Cucina Investments LLC recently spruced up the faade of the former Gypsy Cupboard and The Moon Bar storefronts at 452 and 460 Idaho Street.

The Moon Bar, owned by Miguel Castro, opened earlier this month, leasing part of the building from Gwen Uhlig, owner of Cucina Investments.

The space at 452 Idaho St. has been vacant since this spring when Gypsy Cupboard closed its doors.

Approved in May, the Citys Redevelopment Agency offered a matching fund grant for eligible improvements such as window replacement, doors, siding, signage and awnings to storefronts within the redevelopment area.

The City Engineering Department verified that Cucina Investments did not turn in a grant application.

In a statement to the Free Press, Uhlig confirmed that she did not participate in and/or did not apply for the Redevelopment program, and said the project is expected to be done at the end of the month.

Broker Kelly Higgins with Investors Realty confirmed this week that the property is part of a single building and is available for lease or sale.

Higgins also said Uhlig used her own funds to remodel the storefront as the timing for the grant did not work out.

Im excited for the buildings to have a fresh, new look, said Uhlig.

Four Downtown locations the Hesson Building, J.M. Capriola Co., Gerber Law Offices, and the Western Folklife Center were approved in May for RDA grants totaling $66,175.

The grant went over its budget of $50,000, the monies of which are raised by taxes within the redevelopment district.

Last week, 52 windows in the historic Pioneer Hotel building were replaced after receiving $20,000 from the grant.

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Idaho street business receives makeover - Elko Daily Free Press

"We are honored to be recognized as one of the Star Tribune's Top Workplaces by our employees," said Paul Delahunt, president of Renewal by Andersen. "Employees are the heart and soul of our company. Making Renewal by Andersen a place they are proud to work is a top priority for us."

The results of the Star Tribune Top Workplaces are based on survey information collected by WorkplaceDynamics, an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention.

Star Tribune Publisher Michael J. Klingensmith said, "The companies in the Star Tribune Top Workplaces deserve high praise for creating the very best work environments in the state of Minnesota. My congratulations to each of these exceptional companies."

Since opening its first store in Minnesota in 1995, Renewal by Andersen has expanded to nearly 100 markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. It has become one of the largest replacement window networks in the country, having installed more than 4 million windows.

To qualify for the Star Tribune Top Workplaces, a company must have more than 50 employees in Minnesota. Over 2,000 companies were invited to participate. Rankings were composite scores calculated purely on the basis of employee responses.

For more information about Renewal by Andersen, visit http://www.renewalbyandersen.com.

About Renewal by AndersenRenewal by Andersen, LLC., is the start-to-finish window replacement division of Andersen Corporation. The company offers a replacement process that includes an in-home consultation, custom manufacturing, and installation through one of the largest nationwide networks of window replacement specialists. For a complimentary in-home consultation, or to view more information about Renewal by Andersen visit http://www.renewalbyandersen.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/star-tribune-names-renewal-by-andersen-a-2017-top-workplace-300479847.html

SOURCE Renewal by Andersen

https://www.renewalbyandersen.com

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Star Tribune names Renewal by Andersen a 2017 Top Workplace - PR Newswire (press release)

Most U.S. buildings currently in use will continue to be until 2050 and, eventually, will require renovation. Helping building owners and facility managers evaluate and maximize the benefits of window system renovation and upgrades, the Building Retrofit Strategy Team at Apogee Enterprises, Inc. offers a new 28-page publication: Window Replacement: Unrealized Benefits to Building Owners and Occupants as a free download.

Replacing aging windows with new, high performance systems provides a better environment for the buildings occupants and greater value for the building owner, says John Bendt, vice president of Apogees Building Retrofit Strategy Team.

Window systems and components have evolved significantly since the 1980s, explains Kevin Robbins, Apogees Building Retrofit Strategy Team account manager. About half of all U.S. commercial and institutional buildings were constructed prior to this period, which presents a significant opportunity for owners and occupants to benefit from faade improvements and window replacement.

Bendt continues, Among the many benefits, modern window systems improve the appearance and performance of aging buildings. New, high performance glass and aluminum frames with thermal barriers help save energy, reduce maintenance, lower vacancy rates, increase rental rates, provide a better environment for the buildings occupants, and creates greater value for the building owner and enhance occupants satisfaction and comfort.

Describing these benefits and best practices in achieving them, the paper shares nine case studies along with detailed considerations regarding energy payback, fossil fuel savings equivalents, code compliance and green standards, environmental stewardship, tax credits, product selection and renovation specification tips, plus a glossary of industry terms and acronyms.

The featured projects range from the 1800s to the 1970s with geographies from Boston to Portland, Oregon. As many of these examples demonstrate, re-cladding and renovating building exteriors with high-performance window systems can have a significant effect on the buildings energy efficiency. To compare performance data between a buildings existing windows and proposed, new, high performance, replacements units, Apogees Retrofit Strategy Team offers free energy modeling that provides building performance information on annual energy, peak demand, carbon emissions, daylight, glare, and condensation.

Looking beyond simple energy payback, todays owners and facility managers consider all the factors involved, including carbon footprint reduction, maintenance savings, and safety and occupant productivity, adds Robbins. When window replacement is timed in conjunction with an HVAC system upgrade, significant reductions in peak load can yield further savings in equipment costs. For building owners seeking enhancements in security, design criteria for faade renovation also can include blast hazard mitigation, hurricane impact resistance, electronic eavesdropping protection, and forced entry deterrence.

Establishing clear goals, priorities and expectations for building envelope maintenance and renovation will significantly contribute to future success. Working with an experienced building envelope retrofit team that includes the installer and manufacturers, building owners and facility managers will optimize the intended benefits and return on investment, concludes Bendt.

TheWindow Replacement: Unrealized Benefits to Building Owners and Occupants publication is available for download from Apogee at this link.

Apogees business units supporting these building retrofit strategies include Alumicor; EFCO Corporation; Harmon, Inc.; Linetec; Sotawall Inc.; Tubelite Inc.; Viracon, Inc.; and Wausau Window and Wall Systems.

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Apogee Releases Booklet On Benefits Of Window Replacement - Facility Executive Magazine

YOUNGSTOWN Restored copper statues are on public display at the street level in front of the Mahoning County Courthouse, 120 Market St., until 2 p.m. today, when they will be hoisted back to their pedestal on the roof of the 106-year-old building, which is undergoing restoration.

While they are on display, the Mahoning County commissioners will meet at 10 a.m. today in the courthouse rotunda.

The three hollow statues, which were restored by an Oberlin firm after being removed from the courthouse roof in October 2010, are named Justice, on the left, Strength and Authority in the center; and Law on the right.

The statues arrived in front on the courthouse at 6 a.m. today and are being displayed behind a fence on a flatbed trailer in the southbound curb lane of Market Street.

Their heads, which had to be removed for highway bridge clearance purposes, were bolted back on shortly after their downtown arrival today.

The center statue in the one-ton cluster is 14 feet high; and the cluster is 16 feet, 10 inches wide and 79 inches deep.

They did a great job, I think. It says a lot about our tax dollars at work, Doug Martinec, construction superintendent with Murphy Contracting Co. of Youngstown, said of the statue restoration crew this morning.

The statues were restored at the McKay Lodge Fine Arts Conservatory Laboratory Inc. in Oberlin.

Murphy is the building restoration projects general contractor.

The courthouse restoration project has included replacement of rusted statue pedestal support beams and of the buildings roof and replacement of 730 pieces of the buildings fired clay masonry, known as terra cotta, around the buildings upper perimeter.

The project was delayed by the need to replace unforeseen asbestos roofing discovered in the pedestal.

In January 2017, the commissioners added $853,529 to the $6 million restoration project to cover additional work to be performed this year, including brick repairs and replacement of rotted original wooden window frames in two interior window wells.

The building, which opened March 6, 1911, has a granite exterior and a marble interior and was entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

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Courthouse statues on display downtown until 2 pm - Youngstown Vindicator

Project: Repair or Replace Window Hardware, Latches or Tracks

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/25/2017

Is this an emergency?: No

Repair Problems: Broken track, Block and tackle (pulley)

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: More than 2 weeks

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Project: Install or Repair Window Well Covers

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/21/2017

Features: Support weight of person, Lets light in

Material of Cover: Metal (Steel or Aluminum)

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Project: New Windows - 3-5

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/20/2017

Nature of Project: New Window(s) - Installation

Number of Windows: 3 - 5

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Project: Install or Repair Door or Window Screens

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/20/2017

Floor of screen installation: First

Kind of Screen: Insect screen (traditional)

Quantity Needed: 1

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Property Owner: Yes

Comment: Patio screen door

Project: Repair or Replace Window Hardware, Latches or Tracks

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/20/2017

Is this an emergency?: No

Repair Problems: Window sticks, Window jammed

Window Frame Material: Vinyl clad

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Historical Work: No

Desired Completion Date: 1 - 2 weeks

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Property Owner: Yes

After Business Hours: No

Covered by Insurance: No

Comment: Windows close but are very hard to close and do not latch or lock. The windows are sliders with the latches on the side.

Project: New Window - Single

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/19/2017

Nature of Project: New Window(s) - Installation

Number of Windows: 1

Is this an emergency?: No

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Comment: Bedroom window needs replaced. It is currently screwed closed but the hardware broke so that it can't stay closed any longer. Old window removed and replaced required.

Project: Install or Repair Door or Window Screens

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/19/2017

Floor of screen installation: First, Second

Kind of Screen: Insect screen (traditional)

Quantity Needed: 6 - 10

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Property Owner: Yes

Comment: Big sliding door screen also needs replacement

Project: Install or Repair Door or Window Screens

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/19/2017

Floor of screen installation: First

Kind of Screen: Insect screen (traditional)

Quantity Needed: 1

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Property Owner: Yes

Comment: Patio screen door

Project: Install or Repair Door or Window Screens

Location: Castle Pines, CO

Date: 06/17/2017

Floor of screen installation: First

Kind of Screen: Other

Quantity Needed: 1

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Property Owner: Yes

Comment: Roller wheel broke on sliding screen door. Need to replace the Prime Line B515 Sliding Screen Door Spring Tension Roller.

Project: Install or Repair Door or Window Screens

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/15/2017

Floor of screen installation: First

Kind of Screen: Retractable (available in bug and solar screening)

Quantity Needed: 1

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Property Owner: Yes

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25 Best Window Replacement Companies - Castle Rock CO ...

With Ernesto Valverde installed as manager and a clear to-do list in his possession ahead of next seasonnamely overhaul Real Madrid domesticallyBarcelona need to make some strong additions this summer.

Atletico Madrid cannot buy because of their transfer ban, Sevilla have changed managers again and Valencia are still sorting themselves out. That means it's hugely likely to fight for the title in La Liga will end up being a two-way battle once more, with Real on top as reigning Spanish and European champions.

And world champions, for that matter.

It will hurt Barca, who have been the better team for the majority of the past decade, and it's critical they get their moves in the transfer market right this summer after what was a bit of a letdown in 2016, with the likes of Paco Alcacer and Andre Gomes not setting the Camp Nou alight.

Here we identify the best and worst moves the club bosses and Valverde could make.

Best: Dani Alves

A year ago, Barca allowed Brazilian right-back DaniAlves to leave for Juventus, with whom he promptly won Serie A, the Coppa Italia and reached the UEFA Champions League final.

Meanwhile, Barcelona struggled to replace his effectiveness in both halves, with Aleix Vidal alternately poorbar a five-match run in the new yearor injured, while Sergi Roberto suffered dips in form too.

It's no secret Barca will be looking to add a right-back, but their options seem limited, particularly after a stern hands-off warning from Arsenal over Hector Bellerin, perMarca (h/t Liam Spence of theDailyExpress).

Alves, meanwhile, is set to be released from his contract at Juve, per Simon Stone of BBC Sport.

It's expected he'll join Manchester City and former boss Pep Guardiola, but if Barca came calling, would he change his mind? Maybe not, but it's worth asking the question.

Getting Alves back for a yearhe's clearly still good enoughwould give Barca time to raise funds to crank up the pressure on Arsenal to sellBellerin, while Alves could still head to the Premier League afterward if he desired.

Worst: Joao Cancelo

Right-back is a priority.

But Valencia'sJoao Cancelo doesn't have the form to justify being a Barca target, doesn't have the consistency to suggest he would be a huge upgrade on Sergi Roberto and hasn't shown anything like the ability to be a worthwhile 30 million investment, a figure Tomas Andreu of Sportreported last term.

There are alternativeseven if Alves isn't an optionwith similar traits and levels to Cancelowho would be far cheaper or have higher ceilings.

Best: Saul Niguez

The move for Paulinho seems to be on, perJoaquim Piera ofSport, but Barca have been linked with other central midfielders toonamely Marco Verratti. It'san ongoing and difficult chase for the Italian, who recently spoke about the situation withLaGazzetta dello Sport(h/t Dan Gibbs of the DailyExpress).

But now a new name is in the frame: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid, perMoises Llorens ofAS.

This will be almost as hard as prising away Verrattigiven he's an Atleti canterano, Los Rojiblancos can't sign a replacement and he has an 80 million buyout clause.

But he'd be perfect for Barca and forValverde.

Aggressive, tenacious, determined and technically brilliant, not to mention versatilehe'd fit Barca's 4-3-3 template but could also play in the double pivot in Valverde's favoured 4-2-3-1 or even act as a wider midfield option in stringing four across the centre.

Best of all, signing him would significantly weaken a domestic rival.

Worst: Sell Rafinha

It's not just incoming deals that affect the team, though. Outgoing possibilities must be considered too.

Ramiro Aldunate of Marcarecentlyreportedof Arsenal's interest in Rafinhaand the player's eagerness to leave the Camp Nou. That would be a terrible piece of business on Barca's behalf.

Rafinha finally broke into the side on a regular basis last term until another injury ended his campaign, but he played a pivotal role for Luis Enrique's team with his ability to attack from deep, play multiple roles and get his name on the scoresheet.

He's a real talent, a player who could play a big role as a 12th man, if not a starter, and it would be helpful for Barca to incorporate him as often as possible given he's a Masia graduate at a time when they're shippingacademytalent elsewhere.

Best: Ousmane Dembele

This one could be fanciful, but if the opportunity pops up to sign a player who could be one of the world's best talents, a club should take it.

Ousmane Dembele isn't the finished product, but his instinctive ability, quick foot-work, lightning pace and willingness to shoulder responsibility are all indicative of his potential to reach the top.

France Football reportedBorussia Dortmund want 79 million (h/tMark Brus ofMetro).Bild saidBarca have already been in touch with BVB and that personal terms have been agreedwith the player (via Brus).

His signing is still a long way off completion, and picking and choosing which of the fourDembele, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarezis left out would be one hell of a job for Valverdeevery week, but it's far from the worst problem to have.

Line up Saul and Sergio Busquets in central midfield, and you might sometimes get away with starting all four of them in an offensive 4-2-3-1.

Worst: Gerard Deulofeu

Unless it is to immediately sell him on to make a quick profit, there would be zero reason for Barcelona to bring back GerardDeulofeu, something Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph reported they will do this summer.

Sure, he made an impact at AC Milan and had a good half-season with them, but the reason he was there in the first place was Milan, a side badly in need of a revamp, presented an easier side to play for than Everton, who finished seventh in the Premier League without his help.

Not hardworking enough for Toffees boss Ronald Koeman, Deulofeu was quickly sidelined, and he has rarely shown any consistency to his game.

He's not going to challenge Alcacer as an alternative goalscoring threat off the bench, and he's not even on the same planet as the first-choice front three.

Facebook.com/karlmatchett.football

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Best and Worst Moves Barcelona Could Make in the Transfer Window - Bleacher Report

Sid Lowe explains why Marco Verratti reminds him of Xavi Hernandez and assesses Barcelona's other transfer options. Steve Nicol thinks Marco Verratti would be a great fit for Barcelona, but Alejandro Moreno worries about his health. In honour of Lionel Messi's 30th birthday, the FC crew debate his place among the all-time great footballers. In honour of Lionel Messi's 30th birthday, take a look at what he's accomplished so far and what he has left to chase down. With reports indicating Barca rejected a hefty bid for Andre Gomes, the FC panel debate the future for the young midfielder.

Luiz Felipe Scolari has played down speculation Paulinho will join Barcelona during the summer transfer window as finding a replacement for the former Tottenham Hotspur man would be too expensive.

Paulinho joined Guangzhou at the start of 2016 after an indifferent spell at Tottenham Hotspur and the 28-year-old has impressed, winning two Chinese Super League titles, the Asian Champions League and the Chinese FA Cup since joining the club.

His form has attracted the attention of Barca, but with new regulations in place governing the fees paid by Chinese clubs for foreign talent prompting them to halt their spending in the current transfer window, Scolari does not believe Guangzhou will be prepared to allow Paulinho to leave.

"His release clause costs 40 million and none of the Chinese clubs will let their key players go now because it would be difficult and expensive to find a replacement due to the new rules," Scolari said.

Paulinho signed a new contract with the club at the start of the season and he has since regained his place in the Brazil national team, with his goals helping the Selecao become the first to secure their place at next year's World Cup finals in Russia.

He has been instrumental in the club racing to the top of the Chinese Super League standings and booking a place in the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League, where they will meet fellow Chinese side Shanghai SIPG.

Finding a replacement for such an integral part of his team would not only be difficult but would be expensive under the new rules, which see clubs hit with a 100 percent levy on transfers over RMB 45 million (5m) if the club is deemed to be in debt by the Chinese Football Association.

Paulinho confirmed at the weekend that Barcelona had made enquiries about signing him, but the midfielder said he was conflicted.

"[Barcelona] contacted my agent," he told Globo Esporte. "There is an offer, but in life and also in my career I find myself at a very happy stage now. When you are at such a stage, it's difficult to make a decision.

"I need to weigh many things and then make up my mind. One of the critical factors is my happiness. I think firstly my wife and I are very happy in China, we like it here and we like the people."

Michael Church has written about Asian football for more than 20 years and mainly covers the Chinese game for ESPN FC. Twitter: @michaelrgchurch

Read more:
Luiz Felipe Scolari dismisses Paulinho to Barcelona speculation - ESPN FC