The Rumour Mill 2009-10

Vaughan set to join Leicester

James Vaughan will apparently sign for Leicester City this week — presumably on loan-cum-permanent move? — much to the chagrin of Derby County who lost the striker's services earlier this season when a loan spell was cut short by injury.

MirrorFootball report that David Moyes wants to cash in on the 21 year-old and will allow him to join the Rams' Midlands and promotion-chasing rivals, Leicester.
10 Mar   |  Source: MirrorFootball

Blues track Molde trio

Sky Sports report that Everton's Scandinavian scout, Bryan King, has confirmed that the Club are monitoring the progress of three players at Norwegian club, Molde.

Knut-Olav Rindaroey had a trial at Goodison Park a few weeks back but returned home without being signed before the transfer deadline and winger Magne Simonsen and centre-half Vegard Forren are also interesting King.
24 Feb   |  Source: Sky Sports

Everton linked with Monaco ace Nene

Everton are apparently "locked" in a battle with two other European clubs for the services of Monaco's top scorer, Nene.

Speculation has it that Everton have the edge over Benfica and Galatasaray for the 28 year old's signature, though the £9m price tag may prove to be prohibitive.

The Blues are also being linked with Benfica's Oscar Cardozo who was one of the Lisbon giants' scorers in their 5-0 rout of Everton in the Estadio da Luz in October.
17 Feb   |  Source: Sky Sports

The fight to keep Pienaar

The speculation vultures are out again, preying on the fact that Everton have not made any progress in extending Steven Pienaar's contract, which expires in 2011. Competition is expected from other clubs who can afford to give him a lucrative long-term contract...
17 Feb   |  Source: Sky Sports News

Blues linked with Onuoha again

Everton are again being linked with a move for Manchester City's Nedum Onuoha, with the assumption being that he'll be surplus to requirements at Eastlands when Roberto Mancini embarks on a spending spree designed, no doubt, to position City as title contenders next season.
14 Feb   |  Source: Goal.com

Saha turned down deadline-day Gunners move

The People claim that Arsenal made a deadline-day bid for Louis Saha but the Frenchman backed out of the deal because the offer on the table from Everton was better.

Arsene Wenger has the luxury of a policy of not offering big pay deals for over-30s.
14 Feb   |  Source: The People

Everton put a price on Rodwell

Quoting a "Goodison insider", The Express report that Everton have told Manchester United that they won't sell Jack Rodwell for less than £30m.

“Jack is one of the brightest talents here and although we want to keep him, everyone has a price,” the source reportedly said.

Speculation linking the highly-rated midfielder with Old Trafford has ramped up again this week, though the player himself is thought to be content at Goodison for now.
14 Feb   |  Source: The Express

Gosztonyi seals Bari loan move

Hungarian prospect Andras Gosztonyi has joined Bari until the end of the season after learning that Everton didn't want to sign the 19 year-old until the summer.
3 Feb   |  Source: Sky Sports

Coleman to get new contract...

The Echo claims that Seamus Coleman has done enough to earn himself a new contract offer from Everton... in the summer.
3 Feb   |  Source: Liverpool Echo

Blues battle Villa for Witsel

The New Football Pools site cites reports in Belgium that suggest Everton and Aston Villa are in tussle to sign £8m-rated midfielder Axel Witsel from Standard Liege after he fell out of favor that the Belgian club.

He received negative press back home after a "horror tackle" in August that broke Anderlecht player Marcin Wasilewski's leg but has otherwise been a stellar performer alongside another player David Moyes has reportedly been after, Steven Defour.

No word on whether they're talking about today (which, given Everton's shortage of cash would be a stretch) or in the summer.
1 Feb   |  Source: New Football Pools

Donovan for £3M?

... But not until after the World Cup. A seemingly ridiculous piece of speculation from who else but The People.
31 Jan   |  Source: The People

Yobo's miracle healing?

A man who said he saw Joseph Yobo make a flying visit to the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Ikotun, on the outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria last week, says he is convinced the defender will defy the team doctor's diagnosis and play in the Super Eagles' semi-final against Ghana tomorrow.

Yobo's wife is apparently a member of this miracle church whose pastor, TB Joshua, has been credited with healing past Nigerian stars like Daniel Amokachi and Nwankwo Kanu and Emeka Igwe's claim seems to have been corroborated by a representative of the Nigeria AFCON team.

Igwe says he saw Yobo hobble into the church and then stride out all smiles after being treated by the miracle doctor, Mr Miyagi-style.
27 Jan   |  Source: MTN Football

Pienaar unaware of Bayern interest

Steven Pienaar says the first he heard of Bayern Munich's supposed interest in his services was when Louis Saha mentioned it in training this week.
27 Jan   |  Source: Sporting Life

Huntelaar hopes to sign on loan this week

According to Dutch journalist Johan Derksen, who has a decent reputation according to one ToffeeWeb reader, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is hoping to sign a loan deal with Everton by the end of the week.

Derksen, of Voetball International, Holland's foremost football magazine, apparently made the claim on Dutch TV yesterday. (English translation).

Mailbag Discussion Thread
26 Jan   |  Source: nusport.nl

Moyes to tempt Leeds with £2m Beckford bid

Everton could tempt Leeds United into cashing in on Jermaine Beckford before, as expected, the striker leaves Elland Road in the summer on a free transfer.

Newcastle recently had a reported £1.8m bid rebuffed but the MirrorFootball website is claiming that David Moyes will up the ante to £2m before the transfer window closes.
26 Jan   |  Source: MirrorFootball

Even Hovland the latest link

Now we are linked with Even Hovland [original link, in Norwegian], a Norwegian recently on trial with Manchester United who is also being tracked by Rosenborg.
25 Jan   |  Source: VG Nett

Sunday's name: Charlie Adam

This week's new name from the News of the World is Charlie Adam. David Moyes is planning a "stunning £5million swoop" next week to land Adam from Blackpool. Adam joined Blackpool from Rangers last season for £500k.
24 Jan   |  Source: News of the World

Everton and Villa duel over Boukari

Everton are tracking Lens' 2009 player of the year, Razak Boukari but face competition from Rennes and Aston Villa.

The £3m-rated midfielder escaped the terrorist attack on his Togo teammates' bus in Angola earlier this month as he wasn't selected for the Africa Cup of Nations.
24 Jan   |  Source: MirrorFootball

Bayern plotting Pienaar bid

Bayern Munich are reportedly looking at Everton's prized Steven Pienaar as they look to a possible future without Franck Ribery.

The German giants are hoping to exploit the fact that Pienaar has yet to agree a new contract at Goodison.
24 Jan   |  Source: The Times

Board to commit to redeveloping Goodison

Andy Dunn in the News of the World claims that according to Club insiders, Everton will scrap plans to build a new stadium due to a scarcity of options in Liverpool and the prohibitive costs of building on a new site.

He describes talks between the Board and Liverpool City Council as "positive" and that a new feasibility study for the redevelopment of Goodison Park is likely to be undertaken.
24 Jan   |  Source: News of the World

Reports link Everton with Huntelaar

Reports in Holland are suggesting that Everton are ready to open talks with AC Milan regarding the potential acquisition of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

The Dutch striker hasn't found his feet at the San Siro and is looking for first-team opportunities ahead of this summer's World Cup and a number of Premier League sides are said to be interested in him.
23 Jan   |  Source: Sky Sports

Moyes to cash in on Vaughan

Alan Nixon in The Mirror (so a large pinch of salt required) claims that Everton are looking to sell James Vaughan, either in this transfer window or in the summer, to finance the purchase of Jermaine Beckford from Leeds.
21 Jan   |  Source: The Mirror

Senderos deal back on the table

Everton have reportedly resurrected their interest in Philippe Senderos, six months after they pulled out of a deal to sign the Arsenal and Switzerland defender.
21 Jan   |  Source: The Times

Mucha, Slovakia's ace goalie

Jan Mucha, the Legia Warsaw Slovakian goalkeeper, has agreed a pre-contract with Everton to join in the summer, according to The Times.
21 Jan   |  Source: The Times

Gosztonyi coming in for trial

19-year-old MTK Hungaria starlet Andras Gosztonyi has confirmed he will travel to England at the weekend to undergo a trial with Everton.
21 Jan   |  Source: Sky Sports News

Beckford signs pre-contract agreement

Citing un-named reports, Sky Sports say that Leeds striker Jermain Beckford has signed a pre-contract agreement with Everton for this summer's transfer window, though his current manager, Simon Grayson, says that nothing is binding and that expects "bigger clubs than Everton" to be the hunt for his star forward.
20 Jan   |  Source: Sky Sports

Galatasaray and West Ham vie for Jô

Galatasaray and cash-strapped West Ham have emerged as possible destinations for Jô who has fallen down the pecking order at Everton after going AWOL over Christmas.

The Hammers' new owners David Sullivan and David Gold revealed yesterday that the club's debts are approaching £120m and that they will have to sell to stay afloat.

That's why a loan signing like Jô would make sense, but only if Manchester City agree to rip up the Brazilian's loan contract with the Blues first.

Galatasaray, meanwhile, have apparently approached Manchester City about taking the striker on loan until the summer.
20 Jan   |  Source: Daily Post North Wales

Turaci loan move mooted

Everton are set to sign defender Önder Turacı on loan from Fenerbahçe for the remainder of the season according to reports in Turkey.

The 28 year-old can play right back or centre back and would therefore be a straight swap for Lucas Neill. Although he was born in Belgium, he represents Turkey at international level and has earned six caps.
20 Jan   |  Source: Internet Haber

Blues eye Beckford signing... in the summer

The Mirror will have you believe that Everton are first in line to sign Jermaine Beckford this summer when the striker will apparently leave Leeds United.

The striker has committed his immediate future to the team he helped into the FA Cup Fourth Round at Manchester United's expense but will likely move on to the Premier League at the end of this season.
19 Jan   |  Source: The Mirror

Norwegian fullback flying in for talks

Norwegian left back Knut Olav Rindaroy will fly to Merseyside tomorrow for a two-day visit to Finch Farm where he will view the facilities and hold talks over a move to Everton.

David Moyes has apparently been tracking the 24 year-old and his club Molde are ready to sell him at the right price as his contract is up in the summer.
18 Jan   |  Source: The Guardian

Arsenal nab Galindo

Arsenal have stepped in to sign Bolivian "wonderkid" Samuel Galindo after the 17-year-old left a trial with Everton without a deal being agreed to bring him to Goodison, according to The Mirror.

The Blues either couldn't agree terms or decided not to take up the option to sign the Bolivian U-21 captain and Arsene Wenger picked him up after watching him train with the Gunners.

Assuming a work permit can be agreed — Arsenal will need to make a case based on his talent — he will cost £500,000.
13 Jan   |  Source: The Mirror

Marseilles quash Ben Arfa loan hopes

Olympic Marseille have apparently rejected Everton's bid to take 19-year-old attacking midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa on a six-month loan deal with an option to buy in the summer.
12 Jan   |  Source: IM Scouting

Derbyshire may be just the cheese

David Moyes is considering a bid to bring 23-year-old former Blackburn Rovers striker Matt Derbyshire to Goodison Park from his current club Olympiakos, according to The Sun.
11 Jan   |  Source: The Sun

Blues Hammar out Swedish deal

According to his agent, Everton have agreed a deal to bring in 15-year-old defender Johan Hammar from Malmo. He had a trail on Merseyside last summer and will presumably arrive in the coming summer.
8 Jan   |  Source: Sky Sports

Kilgallon staying put

It seems Sheffield United defender Matthew Kilgallon will stay with the club to help them strive for promotion this season, with speculation that Everton may be in with a shout for him come the summer.
7 Jan   |  Source: Liverpool Echo

Reported target is now a free agent

The Mirror report that Maxime Lestienne, the 17-year-old Belgian winger apparently recommended to David Moyes by Marouane Fellaini, is now a free agent after his club, Excelsior Mouscron, were booted from the Belgium's First Division due to insolvency and a failure to fulfil a fixture for the third time this season.

If the report is correct, that would alert a host of clubs of which Everton and PSV Eindhoven are believed to be front-runners.

“It’s a very difficult choice for me as I have offers from a number of big and small clubs,” Lestienne says.
7 Jan   |  Source: The Mirror

Moyes eyeing Blackburn's McCarthy

While he has intimated that the only deals he'll be doing this month will be loans, David Moyes is being linked with a move for Benni McCarthy as he tries to add striking reinforcements.

With Yakubu on international duty, Louis Saha struggling with injury, Jô out of favour and Victor Anichebe's return not on the horizion, James Vaughan is his only fit out-and-out striker. Landon Donovan can, of course, play up front but he's more of an attacking midfielder and, in any case, the manager may be looking beyond mid-March to the season run-in. McCarthy's apparent availability could tempt Bill Kenwright to sanction a £2.5m move for the South African, at least according to the Daily Mail.
7 Jan   |  Source: The Daily Mail

Kilgallon to be Yobo's understudy

According to The People, David Moyes is becoming increasingly frustrated with Joseph Yobo, whose form this season has been poor and whose appearance record has been hampered by a nagging hamstring problem. They claim Moyes is looking to Sheffield United's Matthew Kilgallon as a replacement, although Yobo will not be sold this transfer window.
4 Jan   |  Source: The People

Jô out, Piquionne in

David Moyes is keen on taking Frederic Piquionne on loan for the remainder of the season if his current loan agreement between Lyon and Portsmouth collapses and he can offload Jô .

The Frenchman is also being tracked by Liverpool, Blackburn and Aston Villa but the Daily Mail report that Everton want him to replace the errant Brazilian.

The report quotes the Blues' boss regarding Jô: "Asked if an apology would help, Moyes said 'No' and added: 'I spoke to him on Thursday, so he is aware of exactly where he stands.'"
4 Jan   |  Source:

Agard to Hearts on loan?

Kieran Agard could be set to move north for a couple of months in the Scottish Premier League, on loan with Hearts.
31 Dec   |  Source: Liverpool Echo

Looking at Fanni?

Everton are again supposedly interested in defender, Rod Fanni, a 28-year-old right back valued at £5M, currently with Rennes but who is linked with Everton almost every transfer window.
29 Dec   |  Source: Daily Mail

Moyes has had enough of Jô

If the Daily Mail is to be believed, David Moyes will look to return Jô to Man City and hopefully use the saved wages to finance someone who has a bit more wherewithal about him when it comes to playing football in the Premier League.
26 Dec   |  Source: Daily Mail

Moyes targets Reyes on loan

Sources in Spain are apparently suggesting that Everton have approached Atletico Madrid about taking the out-of-favour former Arsenal forward on a six-month loan.

Since leaving the Gunners, the 26 year-old has failed to settle and had a loan spell at Benfica last season. If he could shine at Goodison, it may provide him with a permanent route back to the Premier League.
23 Dec   |  Source: New Football Pools

Fernandes back on loan?

It seems Manuel Fernandes has instructed his agent to try to arrange a loan signing this January. Frustrated at being left out at Valencia, Fernandes is looking for a Premier League loan and Everton top the list of proposed suiters, apparently.
22 Dec   |  Source: News of the World

Rodwell to get a pay hike

Jack Rodwell is to be offered another year on his current contract that runs through 2012 and a 100% pay rise, to £20k a week, once he reaches 50 appearance for Everton.
20 Dec   |  Source: News of the World

Cut-price deal for Rodriguez

The Mirror suggest that Everton are looking at taking Argentine midfielder Maxi Rodriguez off Atletico Madrid's hands next month.

The Spanish club are apparently hoping to get something for the 28 year-old lest they lose him for nothing when his contract expires in the summer.
16 Dec   |  Source: The Mirror

Galindo on trial from Bolivia

17-year-old Bolivian Samuel Galindo is set for a trial at Everton, although the News of the World make it sound like he will be signing for a fee of just £750k... and does mention the small matter of a work permit.
16 Dec   |  Source: News of the World

Holtby staying put for now

Reported Everton target Lewis Holtby says he is happy at Schalke at the moment and has no immediate intentions of moving to the Premier League following rumours linking him with the Blues.

The 19 year-old winger has Blue blood — his Evertonian father got him into football. "My mother is German but my father is originally from England," Holtby is quoted by Sky Sports. "...He got me into football and he is a big Everton fan and I remember in 1995 when they last won the FA Cup," Holtby revealed.

"For me I need to improve, work hard in every training session and try to get a permanent place in the first team [at Schalke]."
15 Dec   |  Source: Sky Sports

Everton eye up Ivan Rakitic

This week's name from the News of the World is Schalke's highly-rated attacking midfielder Ivan Rakitic.
13 Dec   |  Source: IM Scouting

Moyes sounds out Donovan loan

David Moyes apparently wants to bring USA international striker Landon Donovan on loan in January.

Hoping to take advantage of Tim Howard's influence, past success with Brian McBride and the fact that the MLS season ends this winter, Moyes has reportedly approached the Los Angeles Galaxy about taking the 27 year-old on loan for the remainder of the Premier League season.

Donovan had a similar loan spell with Bayern Munich last season and has had previous experience in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.

He has been reluctant in the past to leave his southern California lifestyle behind to make a permanent move to Europe but he may be open to a loan spell in England as he prepares for next summer's World Cup.
9 Dec   |  Source: The Guardian

Yet another defender

With the transfer window still more than a month away, and plenty of very important games to be played, David Moyes has supposedly "put aside his first-team problems to join the race and make a decisive move" for Plymouth Argyle's young centre-half, Jamie Richards.
28 Nov   |  Source: The Mirror

Moyes thinking of quitting?

Very much in the vein of "Have you stopped beating your wife?", idiotic journo-hacks at the Mirror shamefully construe David Moyes's refusal to be drawn on the topic of his continuing tenure at Everton as being tacit acknowledgment that — yes, indeed — he might be thinking of quitting...
26 Nov   |  Source: The Mirror

Hutton coming in January

Everton will apparently try to sign "unsettled" Scottish right-back Alan Hutton who has played just one Premier League game for Spurs this season. £9 million for a player who just sat on the bench as his side beat Wigan 9-1... hmmm.
22 Nov   |  Source: News of the World

Rodwell staying put

Jack Rodwell and his advisers have supposedly made it clear that the 18-year-old sees his 'mid-term' future at Goodison Park. That means he intends to see out his contract, which still has nearly five years to run.
22 Nov   |  Source: News of the World

Blues offer trial to Lestienne

Belgian club Mouscron admit that Everton are the first club among many believed to be interested in the 17 year-old to invite Maxime Lestienne over to Merseyside for a two-day trial.

The club's caretaker manager, Hans Galje, says, however, that David Moyes will have to join the queue of potential suitors before any deal is done.

"I know Lestienne has been asked to come and visit Everton for a couple of days, but they can take a place in the waiting room, Galje told Sporza.

"There is an incredible amount of clubs interested in this guy. I understand Maxime won't leave Mouscron soon." Sky Sports suggest that the Belgian club may have to sell their young prospect to alleviate their financial troubles.
16 Nov   |  Source: Sky Sports

DK-Day tomorrow?

In his Echo blog, Ian Hernon predicts that the Queen's Speech to the Houses of Parliament tomorrow will include approval of job-spinning ventures, such as the controversial Tesco-Everton development known as Destination Kirkby...
16 Nov   |  Source: Liverpool Echo

Chelsea launch Rodwell raid

Everton have reportedly rejected a bid for teenage midfield sensation, Jack Rodwell, from Chelsea (the team that is supposed to be banned from signing any players until 2011) as the winter transfer window rumour mill starts to grind into gear.

The Independent report that the Londoners have earmarked Rodwell, the Blues' prized Academy graduate, as their top transfer target for January but have had a £14m offer turned down.

With funds almost non-existent at Goodison Park, fans fear another crown jewel will be sold. It's clear, though, that any suitors will have to offer a lot more if they want to land a player regarded as a potential future England captain.
14 Nov   |  Source: The Independent

New Contract for King Louis?

Louis Saha's prolific form this season will be rewarded with the offer of a new Everton contract in the New Year... so says the Daily Mail.
11 Nov   |  Source: Daily Mail

Bolton to rival Derby for Vaughan

Bolton Wanderers are ready to challenge Derby County in their attempts to sign James Vaughan from Everton.

The 21 year-old striker had a loan spell at Pride Park cut short by another knee injury but both clubs are eyeing a £3m move for him in the January transfer window according to reports.
9 Nov   |  Source: Daily Mail

Another out-of-contract target eyed

A ToffeeWeb reader informs us that he has heard that Everton are looking to offer Finnish winger Jonathan Johansson a contract until the end of the season.

He is currently out of contract and, like Lucas Neill, would be eligible to sign for the Blues outside of the transfer window.
10 Oct   |  Source: Word of mouth

Rennes' Fanni linked again

Everton are again being linked with Rennes fullback Rod Fanni, with reports suggesting that David Moyes will seek to bolster his defence by acquiring the Frenchman in January.

For his part, Fanni says, "I've been told Everton is looking at me, but nothing official so I can't comment, I am here at Rennes, so let's see."
6 Oct   |  Source: Sky Sports

Blues offer trial to Chilean prospect

Everton have offered a trial to Chilean "teen sensation" Nicolas Millan, according to the Mail. The winger, who at 14 became the youngest professional to play in the Chilean league and has been likened to Cristiano Ronaldo, is looking to move to Europe when he turns 18 in a couple of months and the Blues will apparently assess him and Chelsea also trialled him recently.
16 Sep   |  Source: The Daily Mail

Blues looking at Lucas Neill?

We've received word via a reader of a rumour that Lucas Neill is having a medical today at Finch Farm.

The Australian international has been a free agent since leaving West Ham at the end of last season and, as such, could join the Blues outside of the transfer window to ease David Moyes's injury crisis.

Update: The Mirror have now picked up the story (along with a brief mention in The Times) and they suggest that Neill will agree to a £50,000-a-week pay-cut to return to Premier League action with the Blues. They report that he will sign on until the of the season for £40k a week with an option to extend that for another season if all goes well.
16 Sep   |  Source: Internet whisperings / The Mirror

Southgate wants Vaughan

Gareth Southgate is looking to strengthen his Middlesborough side by brining in James Vaughan on loan from Everton.
10 Sep   |  Source: The Daily Mail

Everton eye Bolivian defender on a free

Everton are looking to invite Bolivian international defender Ronald Raldes for a five-day trial with a view to signing a contract at Goodison Park.

The well-traveled 28 year-old has had stints in his native Bolivia, Saudi Arabia and recently walked out on Mexican side Cruz Azul, meaning he is out of contract and eligible to join the Blues outside the transfer window.

IMScouting say their "network of scouts in Mexico describe Raldes as 'physically strong, also strong minded with leadership qualities. A good player that can fit in any league of the world.'"
6 Sep   |  Source: The People via IMScouting.com

Blues could profit from Chelsea ban

Chelsea's inability to follow through on their interest in 15 year-old Swindon winger Alex Henshall because of the FIFA-imposed ban on new player registrations at Stamford Bridge until 2011 has opened the way for Everton and Manchester United to duke it over the youngster.

Swindon youth boss Dave Byrne said: “No official bid has come in for Alex. The last thing we want is to sell a player who has been here since the age of eight but if he decides to leave that is up to Alex and his parents.”
5 Sep   |  Source: The Mirror

Bentley speculation gathers strength

The Sunday papers are full of speculation that David Moyes is pushing the Everton board to come up with extra funds to land David Bentley from Tottenham.

Spurs have refused to loan him out for the season, preferring instead to get back some of the £15m they paid Blackburn for him only last summer.

The midfielder has struggled to settle at White Hart Lane and has seen his first-team prospects wane since losing form.
30 Aug   |  Source: Daily Express, Various

Van der Vaart “on the radar”

David Moyes could land two Dutch players before the window closes if speculation in the Mail — and speculation is pretty much all it is — is to be believed. With Johnny Heitinga reported to be in negotiations over a move from Atletico Madrid, Everton also have his Holland teammate Rafael van der Vaart "on their radar" and could offer him a way out of his increasing Real Madrid exile as the transfer deadline approaches.

Van der Vaart, who has made no secret of his desire to join Arsenal, has not been assigned a squad number at the Bernabeu, suggesting he is surplus to requirements there. The Blues can offer the Dutchman European football, though not the Champions League action he no doubt would prefer.
29 Aug   |  Source: The Daily Mail

Banega loan move stalls

Éver Banega's loan move to Everton is in doubt because Valencia have yet to find a replacement for the Argentine star.

The Express reports that the 21-year-old is keen to force through the move, which would give the Blues an option to buy him outright next summer for £12m, but with Manuel Fernandes still a month away from fitness, the Spaniards are stretched in midfield.

Meanwhile, Everton are also being linked with a loan move for unsettled Tottenham midfielder David Bentley.
29 Aug   |  Source: Daily Express

Newcastle tracking Vaughan

Newcastle United want to take James Vaughan on loan for the season after losing Shola Ameobi to a foot injury for a month.

Vaughan has seen his first-team prospects at Goodison wane following injury and the arrivals of Jô and Louis Saha and David Moyes could allow him to leave now that Yakubu is fit again.
29 Aug   |  Source: The Mirror

£7.45m Ignashevich link resurfaces

A post on the Bluekipper message forum claims that RTR and Russia Today are both reporting a €8.5m deal has been agreed between Everton and CSKA Moscow forSergei Ignashevich.

Though a fine player, £7.45m would be a princely sum for a 30 year-old defender/defensive midfielder, particularly given the acquisition of Sylvain Distin, also on the wrong side of 30.

Ignashevich was linked with Everton in June this year when it was reported that CSKA had a received a "very interesting offer" from abroad for the Russian captain.

Speaking of the land of vodka and 11 time zones, Vladimir Bystrov, the player who may well have been the decoy for Everton's swoop for Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, has indeed left Spartak Moscow to join Zenit St Petersburg.
29 Aug  

Boro block Wheater approach

Middlesbrough have reportedly rejected a £6m bid from Everton for central defender, David Wheater. The Smoggies, having just sold Robert Huth to Stoke City for a similar amount, are loathe to lose another key defender and are presumably jacking up the price accordingly.
28 Aug   |  Source: The Daily Mail

Moyes in for Heitinga

David Moyes will attempt to solve his problems at right back with a bid for Atletico Madrid's Johnny Heitinga, though he faces competition from Wolfsburg of the Bundesliga for the Holland international.
28 Aug   |  Source: The Times

Everton fail with Luisao bid

Everton have reportedly failed with a bid for Benfica's Brazilian international defender Luisao. According to Portuguese sources, a €12million bid (£10.5million) for Luisao was rejected by Benfica who want €20million (£17.5million).
27 Aug   |  Source: Sky Sports News

£6m bid for Scott Brown reported

BBC Radio Scotland (and now the BBC Sport website) are reporting that Everton have offered Celtic £6m for midfielder Scott Brown.

The report says that the Blues were offered Brown and teammate Stephen McManus earlier this summer but turned the offer down as David Moyes was pursuing other targets.

Now, though, it seems as though he is seriously looking at the Scottish international for whom Celtic rejected a £9m bid from Portsmouth last season.
26 Aug   |  Source: BBC Radio Scotland

Portsmouth accept £5m offer for Distin

On page 2 of the Daily Post's article on Yakubu's scoring return for the Reserves and the £9m capture of Diyinar Bilyaletdinov is the claim that Everton and Portsmouth have agreed a £5m deal for defender Silvain Distin.

Providing the 31 year-old defender agrees personal terms, he could be unveiled as the Blues' second signing of the week as early as today.
26 Aug   |  Source: Liverpool Daily Post

Stuttgart rebuffed by Banega

With Valencia already having denied that a deal had been agreed to loan him to Everton, it's looking increasingly unlikely that Éver Banega will end up Goodison following reports in Spain that the 21 year-old has made up with coach Unai Emery and decided to stay at the Mestalla.

An added wrinkle in David Moyes's plans was the news that Stuttgart had apparently lodged a €9m bid for the Argentine midfielder but Banega has reportedly knocked them back.

Manuel Fernandes is believed to be surplus to requirements, but is still some way from fitness after suffering a setback in his recovery from a fractured fibula.
25 Aug   |  Source: Goal.com

Distin wants out; Hangeland linked

Silvain Distin has made his desire to leave Portsmouth before the transfer window plain by handing in a transfer request at Fratton Park.

That leaves Everton and Aston Villa to fight it out for the 32 year-old defender's signature and complete an estimated £5m deal.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports report that Everton are after Fulham defender Brede Hangeland.

The 28 year-old was a David Moyes target five years ago and visited Everton to take a look at the club's facilities in November 2004 but nothing came of the parties' respective interest.
25 Aug   |  Source: The Daily Mail

Double-signing this week

Just like last year, Everton hope to make their first purchase of the summer in the last week of the transfer window with the acquisition of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov from Lokomotiv Moscow for around £10m.

Newspaper reports suggest that Everton representatives met the player and officials from the Russian club in Hamburg yesterday — the winger does not have a visa to travel to the UK but holds a German passport — and that Bilyaletdinov is due to undergo a medical tomorrow.

The Daily Mail, however, claim that the 24 year-old has already successfully passed his medical examination and that the deal should be concluded within 48 hours.

Bilyaletdinov was apparently recommended highly to David Moyes by Russia boss Guus Hiddink.

Meanwhile, both The Guardian and the Mail suggest that the confusion over Éver Banega could also be resolved this week as talks continue with the Argentina international.

He has admitted that he expects to leave Valencia but refused to talk about an impending loan move to Everton after the Club secured a work permit for him from the Home Office. The Spanish team rejected reports that they had agreed to loan Banega to the Blues.

The Guardian report, however, states: "Goodison officials... have insisted negotiations are continuing and that [Banega] could arrive on Merseyside to complete the deal this week."
25 Aug   |  Source: The Guardian

Everton make formal approach for Distin

David Moyes will use some of the proceeds from the sale of Joleon Lescott to Manchester City to land Sylvan Distin, according to The Express and The Times.

The report claims that Everton have made an approach to cash-strapped Portsmouth for the defender who is rated at around £6m by the south coast club. The Express claims that a bid of £5m will do the trick.

Sunderland are also thought to be heavily interested while Liverpool had a £2.5m bid knocked back earlier this summer.

The Mirror, meanwhile suggest that Moyes is looking at Middlesbrough's Robert Huth instead, weighing up a £5m move for the German. His central defensive partner David Wheater is also under consideration, as are Bolton's Gary Cahill and Stoke's Ryan Shawcross, though the report claims that the Potters want upwards of £12m for him.

Meanwhile, talk of Newcastle's Steve Taylor seems to have dried up completely. Barcodes boss Chris Hughton told Sky Sports (the same outlet who had reported talks between Goodison Park and St James Park 10 days ago) that no approaches have been made for the 23 year-old and that he hopes to keep the remainder of his squad together until the window closes.
25 Aug   |  Source: The Times

Moyes moves for £10m winger

David Moyes has moved to spend some of the proceeds of the Joleon Lescott sale by preparing a £10m bid for a Russian winger... and no, it's not Vladimir Bystrov.

The player in question is international Diniyar Bilyaletdinov who currently plies his trade with Lokomotiv Moscow and all of the Daily Post, Daily Mail and The Sun are carrying the story.

Further reports suggest that Everton have sent a delegation to Hamburg to meet the player, discuss personal terms and carry out a medical.

The Russian press also report that Bilyaletdinov was missing from training at Lokomotiv today and that he was already on his way to England (or Hamburg, presumably).
23 Aug   |  Source: The Daily Mail

UPDATE: Banega permit granted after all?

We received an email from a source suggesting that the work permit application for Ever Banega, who played last night for Valencia in their 3-0 Europa Cup win, had been rejected but the Daily Mail now reports to the contrary, saying that lawyer "Chris Farnell successfully argued for the permit to be approved."

The same report says that Everton are hopeful of tying up a £9m deal for Vladimir Bystrov even though Spartak Moscow's chairman and manager says that no talks have been held with Everton regarding the speedy winger.

Elsewhere in the Mail, the Blues have finally relented and agreed to sell Joleon Lescott to Manchester City for £22m.
21 Aug   |  Source: The Daily Mail

Everton give up on Lescott

Everton have apparently now given up on trying to keep Joleon Lescott, with 'reports' that a final bid of £22M has reluctantly been accepted from Manchester City. It is also claimed in our Mailbag that Joleon Lescott has cleared out his locker at Finch Farm.
22 Aug   |  Source: 4theGame

Spartak, Everton quash Bystrov talk

Spartak Moscow manager (and chairman), Valery Karpin, says that he knows nothing about an impending move by Everton for Vladimir Bystrov.

"I only found out about this in the Internet, and I was very surprised," he says. "There hasn't even been a hint of talks."

The player himself is also quoted on the Russian club's website telling fans to ignore the newspaper speculation (very rough translation: "I'm not going anywhere")

And David Moyes has now confirmed that the story is a complete fabrication, telling a press conference on Saturday, "Wherever you're getting that name from, or whoever's writing it, I can tell you they're 100 per cent wrong."

What a shame... and there we thought we might finally be getting a winger and some pace!

Update: And if you're asking yourself where, in particular, the usually reputable Guardian could have got this story from if there was nothing in it, we received an email last night from a fan who could well be on a wind up but claiming nonetheless that he has information from within the club that contrary to the denials from all three of Spartak, Bystrov and Moyes, the Russian winger will be at Finch Farm on Monday for a medical and to discuss personal terms. Well, it is the silly season after all...
21 Aug   |  Source: RiaNovosti

Distin added to defensive shopping list

If you believe the various newspapers and websites, Everton on hot on the trail of four central defenders, with Portsmouth's Silvain Distin the latest name added to the list.

Sky Sports reported yesterday that the Blues were in talks with Steven Taylor but Robert Huth and David Wheater have also been linked this week, while interest in Philippe Senderos is apparently cooling.
21 Aug   |  Source: The Mirror

Everton in Taylor talks

Sky Sports report that Everton have opened talks with Newcastle United regarding defender Steven Taylor.

A representative is believed to have watched Taylor in action for Newcastle against Sheffield United yesterday and the clubs are now negotiating a fee for the 23-year-old.

Reports in the media have suggested he could cost as much as £8m, particularly given rumoured interest from Aston Villa and Liverpool.
20 Aug   |  Source: Sky Sports News

Moyes: I'll have a new centre-half soon

Quoted in The Telegraph, David Moyes says that he expects to land at least one central defender in fairly short order.

"I will have another centre-half soon, at least one, and Joleon will have a decision to make. Until his attitude changes he won't be included.’’

Rumours suggest David Wheater and Richard Dunne (Good Lord, please no!) as potential targets alongside Robert Huth and Steve Taylor.

The same report also lends weight to a similar story in the Daily Mail by mentioning that the Blues are believed to be close to sealing a £9m move for Vladimir Bystrov, the Russian international winger currently with Spartak Moscow.
20 Aug   |  Source: The Telepraph

Everton close to landing Russian winger

Bound to get Evertonian mouths watering, both The Telegraph and the Daily Mail report that the Blues are believed to be close to landing highly-rated Russian winger, Vladimir Bystrov.

The 25 year-old would cost around £9m if a deal is concluded with Spartak Moscow.

Update: The Echo suggest that talks between the two clubs are at advanced stage, that the fee is closer to £8m, and that if all goes well he could be signed in time to face Burnley on Saturday... although he would need a work permit which might not come through in time.
20 Aug   |  Source: The Telepraph

Huth overtakes Senderos as top target?

At the bottom of this article from the Daily Post regarding the attempt to sign Ever Banega is the suggestion that Robert Huth is now the preferred central defensive target of David Moyes over Philippe Senderos (no mention of Steven Taylor, though).

Other rumours have it that Senderos's move to Goodison is very much still on, though Everton and Arsenal still have to agree on a fee.
19 Aug   |  Source: Liverpool Daily Post

Yawn... Elm to decide “in 48 hours”

Rasmus Elm's agent appears to be desperately trying to manufacture tension out of one of the most boring transfer stories of the summer by constantly feeding the media updates on his client's state of mind.

The Swedish international has been touring clubs across Europe this summer and has been in no hurry to commit his future but it now looks as though he'll finally make his mind up by the end the week. It's highly unlikely that he'll end up at Goodison Park, though.
19 Aug   |  Source: Sport.co.uk

Double Spurs swoop mooted

Everton are hoping to raid Tottenham for injury-prone Alan Hutton and perennially unproductive David Bentley according to The MIrror.

They report that David Moyes will offer £8m for Bentley, a move that would likely be met with howls of protest by the Everton faithful. The former Norwich and Blackburn winger is the exact opposite of a Moyes-type player and has been a flop at White Hart Lane.

Hutton would be a much better option at £4m providing he is over his injury problems, though there is something highly unpalatable about picking up Spurs' castoffs after they gazumped Moyes for Kyle Naughton.
19 Aug   |  Source: The Mirror

Cash plus Players for Lescott?

Manchester City are set to make a third bid for Joleon Lescott and are willing to offer Richard Dunne, Martin Petrov or Jo - who is currently on loan at Everton - as part exchange for Lescott.
18 Aug   |  Source: Clubcall

Fernandes an option if Banega bid fails?

Everton could take another hard look at signing Manuel Fernandes if their reported bid for Ever Banega doesn't come off.

This Google translation appears to be suggesting that Valencia manager Unai Emery isn't keen on letting anyone go but that Fernandes may be surplus to requirements.

Fernandes had two loan spells at Goodison a couple of years ago and came within hours of signing permanently before making the switch to the Mestalla instead.
17 Aug   |  Source: MercaFootball

Laid-back Elm still undecided

Swedish under-21 international Rasmus Elm is in no hurry to decide his future but at least one club seems to have been ruled out of the equation.

Elm admitted that Manchester City's interest has gone cold but he still has interest from AZ Alkmaar in Holland, Bayer Leverkeusen in Germany and Everton to consider.

The 21 year-old has toured the facilities at each club and now just needs to decide whether to take up one of their offers or stay put at FF Kalmar in his native Sweden.
16 Aug   |  Source: Sky Sports

You Guti be kidding

Reports in Spain apparently suggest that Everton are contemplating offering Real Madrid €10m for midfielder Guti... who is now 32 years old!

As a loan move it would make lots of sense but David Moyes is hardly able to spend that amount of cash on anyone let alone a player 10 years older than he'd ordinarily be looking to bring in.
16 Aug   |  Source: Goal.com

Cheeky Gago bid rejected?

Real Madrid have apparently knocked back a bid by Everton for midfielder Fernando Gago, reportedly in the region of £13.7m.
15 Aug   |  Source: Sky Sports

Moyes close to Banega coup?

Everton are close to securing the services of Valencia midfielder Ever Banega according to reports in The Times and the Daily Post this morning.

This follows comments by David Moyes that he hoped to finally make further additions to his squad within the next couple of days.

Banega, a 21 year-old Argentine, is apparently set to join on a season-long loan with a view to signing permanently next summer. He played for Argentina's Olympic gold-medal winning side in China last year and has two caps for the full Argentina team.

Additionally, the Daily Mail claims that Everton are interested in Spartak Moscow winger Vladimir Bystrov and Hoffenheim defender Isaac Vorsah this weekend.

The latter, a 6ft 5in Ghanaian, who can also play defensive midfield, impressed against last week against Bayern Munich. Wolves are also said to be interested.
15 Aug   |  Source: The Times, Liverpool Daily Post

Arteta not making Benfica switch!

Yes, yes, we know it was a fake story. We fell for it — well, one of us did and it wasn't our esteemed Editor. File it under "gullible if you like"...

A report cropped up a couple of days ago on Benfica's official website dated 15th August suggesting that Mikel Arteta is on the verge of signing for the Portuguese giants.

Turns out they have a feature (a hack?) on their site where fans can post their own custom news stories. Thanks to alert TW reader Thomas for working that out for us and our apologies for the false alarm.
15 Aug   |  Source: Benfica Official Site

Taylor Medical on Monday

The Everton fans site FollowEverton.com c claims that Steve Taylor will be at Finch Farm for a medical prior to signing up with Everton for a fee of £6M.
14 Aug   |  Source: FollowEverton.com

£8M bid for Taylor

The Daily Star claims that Everton have launched an £8M bid to bring in Steven Taylor from relegated Newcastle United — presumably as a direct replacement for Joleon Lescott.
14 Aug   |  Source: Daily Star

Going over Moyes's head...

In a strange statement that shows Man City have still not got the message from Everton regarding Joleon Lescott, Mark Hughes claims that "We are still trying to speak to the people who will ultimately make the decision over whether the deal continues. Those conversations are still to take place but how long they will still be active is open to debate."

The Mirror sheds more light on this, suggesting that City will go over Moyes's head, presumably to the money men (Earl and Green) who are believed to call the shots as Bill Kenwright's financial facilitators.
14 Aug   |  Source: The Independent

City lining up new £22m bid for Lescott

Manchester City are planning on further emphasise their determination to land Joleon Lescott this summer with a £22m bid according to The Times.

The defender submitted a formal request for a transfer yesterday and that was summarily dismissed by the Club.
12 Aug   |  Source: The Times

€17M Sessegnon bid

The ink on the contract extension newly signed by Stephane Sessegnon bonding him to Paris Saint-Germain until 2013 may barely be dry, however, that will not stop Everton making a €17M bid for the dynamic midfielder before the close of the transfer window, according to L’Equipe.
10 Aug   |  Source: Goal.com

Stoke must double Vaughan bid

Stoke CIty have apparently bid £3M fro James Vaughan and have been told they must increase it to £6M.
9 Aug   |  Source: TribalFootball

Lescott is going nowhere

So... Lescott didn't sign today... and the Daily Mail claims that Everton are adamant he won't be leaving anytime soon...
7 Aug   |  Source: Daily Mail

Lescott could sign today

According to The Sun, Everton have relented on their £30M demand for Joleon Lescott, who could be unveiled as a Manchester City player today.
6 Aug   |  Source: The Sun

Stoke want Vaughan loan

Stoke City apparently want to take James Vaughan on loan.
5 Aug   |  Source: Daily Mail

Moyes rejects initial Lescott request

Joleon Lescott will have to hand in an official request for a transfer if he wants to seal a move to Manchester City after David Moyes reportedly rejected a verbal inquiry by the defender this week.

That's according to The Guardian who claim that Lescott was told by his manager that he would not be sold, regardless of the offer from Eastlands or his own desire to leave Everton.

The same report suggests that the Blues have secured the services of defender Philippe Senderos for £2.5m but while Everton have confirmed that talks are underway, there has been no announcement that a deal has been reached with Arsenal. The Swiss defender was a planned acquisition in view of Phil Jagielka's long layoff and would not be a replacement for Lescott.

Adding to the confusion over Lescott is a report on Sky Sports News saying that Everton have rejected suggestions that the former Wolves man has requested a transfer — perhaps based on the technicality of Lescott not having submitted a formal request.

Furthermore, uncorroborated sources on Merseyside maintain that Lescott is City-bound and it's just a question of "when" and not "if". So the situation remains as clear as mud...
5 Aug   |  Source: The Guardian

Defour linked once again

Everton are again being linked with a move for Steven Defour, this time in The MIrror who suggest that David Moyes will lodge a £12m bid for the midfielder.

Standard Liege have no intention to sell him, though, and insist that it'll take more than they received for Marouane Fellaini last summer to pry him away as the Belgian side prepare for the Champions League.

The Blues apparently had a £9m offer rejected earlier this year and it's hard to see how they could come up with more seeing as rumours abound that there is no money available to David Moyes.
4 Aug   |  Source: The Mirror

Moyes looks to add another American

Everton are set to add American striker Cody Arnoux to their second-string ranks according to reports.

The 21-year-old, who scored 13 goals in 16 games for Carolina Dynamo in the US fourth tier and who has been capped by his country at Under-18 level, has been offered a one-year contract.

If the transfer is ratified by the FA, Arnoux would join his compatriot, Anton Peterlin in Everton Reserves.
4 Aug   |  Source: Sporting Life, various

Lescott asks to leave

According to a report in The Times by James Ducker, Joleon Lescott informed David Moyes on Monday that he wanted to join Manchester City and spent the evening writing to Bill Kenwright to explain his motives.
4 Aug   |  Source: The Times Online

Lescott to demand transfer

The Daily Mail claim an Exclusive report where they claim that Joleon Lescott is in the process of drafting a request for a transfer that would pave the way for a big-money move to Manchester City.

Sportsmail "understands" that he will hand in the request this afternoon, thereby waiving his right to a pay off.

City are believed to be preparing a final offer of £22m for the defender, a percentage of which would go to Wolves should the deal go through.
3 Aug   |  Source: Daily Mail

Elm stalls as City enter the frame?

The future of Everton target Rasmus Elm remains up in the air two weeks after the Swede toured Finch Farm and seemed set to join the Blues from FF Kalmar.

Now Manchester City have apparently entered the frame for the U21 international. Sky Sports report that Mark Hughes has registered his interest, citing Kalmar's chairman, Jonny Pettersson, who told Sportbladet, "It is correct that Manchester City will be here [for the match with Elfsborg on Sunday. The more clubs who are interested, the better for us."

Petterson goes on to say, however, that he has yet to receive an offer from Goodison Park. "A serious offer has not come in from Everton. We have got offers from another English club and a Dutch one."

That is contrary to a report in The Mirror which suggests that the midfielder is mulling over a move to Everton and has asked for a week to decide.
2 Aug   |  Source: Sky Sports

Everton linked with Senderos

Phillipe Senderos, a Switzerland international currently at Arsenal, spent last season on loan at AC Milan but the Rossoneri did not take up the option of a £6m buy-out clause and the player returned to Arsenal. He is reportedly seen as surplus to requirements at Arsenal, despite their recent sale of Kolo Toure, and Everton are supposedly preparing a £6m swoop.
1 Aug   |  Source:

£22M — Final Lescott Bid

Manchester City are preparing a take-it-or-leave-it offer of around £22million for Everton defender Joleon Lescott as manager Mark Hughes sizes up two other targets. Lescott is supposedly interested in City's offer but is reluctant to rock the boat at Everton and seems likely to abide by Goodison manager David Moyes's stance.
1 Aug   |  Source: Daily Mail

Next: Gary Cahill

Everton ready to raid Bolton for Gary Cahill... that's what it says.
31 Jul   |  Source: Daily Mail

£22m Lescott bid incoming

Manchester City will raise the stakes in their face-off with Everton over Joleon Lescott with an offer of £22m according to the Daily Express.
31 Jul   |  Source: Daily Express via BBC Gossip Column

£7M Bid for Hutton

Everton supposedly are planning to pay £7million for Tottenham's Scotland international right-back Alan Hutton. That is oif you believe the NotW!
26 Jul   |  Source: News of the World

Pienaar rejects new Everton Deal

The Daily Mail is reporting that Steven Pienaar has rejected a new contract Everton have offered him.
26 Jul   |  Source: Daily Mail

Rumoured target Cana joins Sunderland

Lorik Cana, heavily rumoured to be Everton-bound last week, has signed for Sunderland after turning down a move to Hamburg.

The Albanian international captain joins the Mackems for £5m. Everton, meanwhile, in desperate need of midfield talent and defensive reinforcements, have yet to make a purchase so far this summer...
24 Jul   |  Source: Four Four Two, Various

Everton deny takeover talk

Everton were quick to pour cold water over rumours of a takeover bid from the UAE, with the Club's Head of Communications, Ian Ross, saying the rumours are baseless.
23 Jul   |  Source: Daily Post

Broker claims takeover interest from UAE

Everton have shrugged off suggestions that a takeover bid for the Club from the United Arab Emirates is imminent.

Investment broker, Chris Nathaniel, claims that he is acting on behalf of a UAE-based business consortium in negotiations regarding a potential takeover of Everton Football Club.

Nathaniel, managing director of NVA Management, a "multi-faceted entertainment agency" says that he has already met with the Club and a source expects a bid in the coming weeks.

“I can confirm I am acting on behalf of a UAE-based business consortium, who are chaired by a prominent Dubai businessman, and that I am currently in discussions with a number of Premier League clubs, one of which is Everton Football Club,” he says.

The source who is cited in the The National as being "close to the deal" is quoted as saying, “They have visited the club and discussed future plans and figures, and Nathaniel is now waiting for instructions from his client. [It]could be sooner rather than later”.

“I expect an official approach and offer to Everton in a short space of time,” the source said. “The interesting proposition for the group is Everton’s new stadium plans. Nathaniel’s client’s vision — for whichever club he ultimately owns — is to build a football village alongside the ground.

“It’s about purchasing a club as a viable business proposition. It’s not about owning a trophy, it’s a sound business venture."

Speaking from Everton's summer training camp in Seattle, Head of Communications, Ian Ross, said: "At a shareholders’ meeting last week Bill Kenwright said regarding takeovers there’s nothing on the table and there’s nothing imminent."

While it's hard to know if the interest is real, the revelation would at least provide fuel to those who find Bill Kenwright's assertion that there are no buyers out there as a deflection tactic.

Much was read into Kenwright's comments at last week's Forum (surrounding the possibility that a Middle Eastern takeover would allow the buyer to force minor shareholders to sell their shares in addition the major stakeholders) as evidence that he is not really interested in finding a billionaire buyer for Everton but is looking for the Holy Grail of a billionaire investor.
22 Jul   |  Source: The National

Everton enquire about Onuoha

Everton apparently enquired about the availability of fullback Nedum Onuoha when Manchester City came calling for Joleon Lescott last week.

If true, the England U-21 defender would either become the Blues' next challenge to pry away from Eastlands without involving Lescott or, if Lescott ultimately opts for the move down the M62, Onuoha could become part of the deal.

David Moyes is back on the look-out for a right back after the deal to bring Kyle Naughton in from Sheffield United was gazumped by Tottenham.
22 Jul   |  Source: Sporting Life, various

Everton lose out on Naughton

David Prentice claims in the Echo that Everton have admitted defeat in their quest to sign Kyle Naughton from Sheffield United. There are no direct quotes but unnamed Everton officials are said to be 'furious' and 'enraged' by the Sheffield club's behaviour in allowing Spurs to gazump an accepted bid for the player.
22 Jul   |  Source: Liverpool Echo

Blues close to Elm capture

Everton are reportedly close to sealing the capture of hot Swedish prospect Rasmus Elm after agreeing a £6m fee with his current club, Kalmar FF. That's according to The Sun who suggest, under a typically awful headline, that the deal will rest on the player agreeing personal terms.

There have been uncorroborated suggestions that the 21-year-old is asking for £40,000 a week, but he's unlikely to get that at Everton or any of the three other clubs rumoured to be chasing him — Fulham, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven.
21 Jul   |  Source: The Sun

Everton leading the race for Cana

Lorik Cana could be Everton bound if fresh reports from France hold any water.

The Albanian has apparently rejected a move to Hamburg in favour of a switch to Goodison because the Blues have offered him a better compensation package.

There have apparently been reports that he is due on Merseyside for a medical in the next day or so but there doesn't seem to be any confirmation of that yet.
19 Jul   |  Source: Infosport via Foot Mercato

Elm holds Everton talks

Sky Sports, citing the sports director of Kalmar in Sweden, reported yesterday that Everton have expressed their interest in Swedish U-21 international Rasmus Elm.

Now, the suggestion in the Swedish press and now the Daily Mail in the UK, is that the midfielder held talks with the Blues on Friday. He was apparently shown around Finch Farm with his girlfriend and rumour has it that he could sign in time to join the squad on their jaunt to North America.

"It's correct that Everton is one of the clubs who are interested," Svante Samuelsson told Sportbladet, "but I do not want to go into that at this time."

Elm's agent, Patrick Mork, was quoted as saying, "Unfortunately, this is nothing I can comment on. It is clear that there is great interest. There are many options.

"But it should feel right for Rasmus and he has no urgency. It has been an intense summer, with many matches for Rasmus."

ToffeeWeb reader Simon Osterhof says that Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet quotes Elm as saying, "If I get to choose between Premier League and Holland, I think you know what my answer will be. It's an interesting and exciting club. It doesn't get much bigger than this."

The article also claims he was in Liverpool on Friday. Both Kalmar FFs director of football and chairman confirm, the director of football says "Everton has been following Rasmus for a long time, the decision will be made in the following week."
18 Jul   |  Source: Sky Sports

Everton slap £30m price on Lescott

Everton will insist that Manchester City pony up £30m for Joleon Lescott if the defender hands in a transfer request as the Eastlands club have apparently increased their £15m bid by offering Nedham Onuoha as well as cash to sweeten the deal.

The fee demand, described as "astonishing" by the News of the World despite Rio Ferdinand's £28, move from Leeds to Manchester United a few years of inflation ago, is not only an indication of Lescott's value to the Blues but also David Moyes and Bill Kenwright's desire to keep hold of him.

Lescott is a linchpin of the Everton defence and his goalscoring prowess and versatility — he has been deployed as a stand-in left back and an auxilary striker on occasion — make him invaluable to Moyes's side.

Evertonians are holding out hope that, like John Terry, Lescott will stay loyal rather than be sucked in by the riches on offer in Middle Eastlands but newspaper reports continue to insinuate, disgracefully so if it's not true, that the former Wolves man wants to speak to City.
19 Jul   |  Source: News of the World

Upson lined up if Lescott leaves

Everton will turn to West Ham defender Matthew Upson if Joleon Lescott is tempted away to Manchester City, according to The Times.
17 Jul   |  Source: The Times via TribalFootball

Naughton may yet end up at Goodison

The Kyle Naughton saga may have taken a another turn this evening with news that the 20 year-old could still end up signing for Everton. This despite reports in the usually reliable Independent newspaper last night, followed up with apparent confirmation on Sky Sports News, that he was destined for Spurs with teammate Kyle Walker.

The less reliable Daily Mail now report that Everton remain in with a shout of landing Naughton in a £5m deal, though they're lent credence by rumours on a Sheffield United message forum suggest that the fullback failed to show for a scheduled medical at Tottenham today.

The Blues have had an agreed deal on the table with United for a week now and the Blades chairman's deadline of today to have the issue of both players decided appears to have passed without any decision made.
17 Jul   |  Source: The Daily Mail

Torrejon opts to remain in Spain

Everton target Marc Torrejon has apparently rejected the chance to join the Blues and will stay in his native Spain by moving from Espanyol to Racing Santander.
17 Jul   |  Source: Sky Sports

Three-way tussle for Torrejon

Everton are hopeful of landing Espanyol defender Marc Torrejon for around €1.7m but face stiff competition from Real Zaragoza and Mallorca.
16 Jul   |  Source: The S*n via Goal.com

Everton and Spurs split the Kyles

Everton look set to land Kyle Naughton from Sheffield United after the defender snubbed a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

According to Clubcall, the 20 year-old held talks with Tottenham yesterday but remains intent on a switch to Goodison Park over White Hart Lane. Aston Villa boss, Martin O'Neill, is believed to have wanted to talk with Naughton but it doesn't look as though he will get the chance.

The same report suggests that Spurs will sign Naughton's 19 year-old teammate, Kyle Walker, though for a fee of around £2m.
15 Jul   |  Source: Clubcall

Cana latest lost in translation?

An uncorroborated report this evening seems to suggest that Everton have lodged a bid for Albanian international, Lorik Cana.

It may be, though, that confusion has arisen from an untidy translation of the Arabic version of Goal.com, where Cana mentions a "last-minute bid" for his services from Everton.

The 25-year-old looked set to join Hamburg over the weekend but the move seems to have stalled and comments made by the player yesterday indicating that he there was interest from Everton and from Italy indicated that his future perhaps remains up in the air. The Daily Mail reported this morning that Moyes was looking to hijack the midfielder's move to the Bundesliga and that Cana said he would call off his switch to Hamburg if Everton were to come in with a last-minute bid.

Cana has made a name for himself with four years at Marseilles but the recent arrival at l'OM of Stephane M'Bia has paved the way for him to seek a new challenge away from Ligue 1.
14 Jul  

Everton match Spurs bid for both Kyles

Sky Sports are reporting that Everton and Tottenham have lodged matching bids for Sheffield United's promising defensive duo, Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker.

The Blues seemed set to land their first purchase of the summer at the end of last week when they announced that a fee had been agreed with the Blads for Kyle Naughton.

The 20 year-old plays primarily at right back and it is thought that Everton offered £4m, rising to around £6m depending on appearances.

It emerged late on Friday night, however, that Tottenham Hotspur had stepped in with a bid of their own for Naughton, one that included a £3m offer for Walker and an offer to allow the latter to return to Bramall Lane on loan for the coming season.

Kyle Walker, 19, operates mainly at left back and the pair are regarded as two of the most promising fullbacks outside the Premier League.

Having initially seemed reticent to up their bid for Naughton, if this report is true Everton may have matched Tottenham's offer, putting the ball in the court of the players... assuming, of course, Spurs don't up their ante again.
14 Jul   |  Source: Sky Sports News

Yebda under consideration

Everton have apparently been "offered" Benfica midfielder Hassan Yebda who would command a fee of around £3M.

The 25-year-old central midfielder joined the Portuguese club from Le Mans last season, having progressed through the ranks at Auxerre before that.

The Frenchman is described by IM Scouting as "a strong central midfielder, with great physical capacity. Covers many meters per game and has a good shot from distance. Also has neat passing ability. Has all the tools to become a player of the highest order."

The Mirror's report suggests that David Moyes is "considering his options" on this one.
14 Jul   |  Source: The Mirror via IM Scouting

Sporting insist Moutinho is not for sale

Things have been very quiet on the Joao Moutinho rumour front this summer and while reports in the English press suggest that David Moyes is still very interested in the Portuguese midfield ace, there do not appear to have been any firm moves to rekindle Everton's bid for him.

Sporting Lisbon, meanwhile, insist that Moutinho is "indispensable" and have no intention of selling him. Of course, that could all change should the player start agitating for a move as he did last summer but, again, there are no signs he is interested in doing that at this time.
14 Jul   |  Source: Sky Sports

Blues in the frame for Cana

Everton remain in the hunt for Lorik Cana after his anticipated move to Hamburg appeared was delayed.

The Albanian international seemed set to complete his move to the Bundesliga this weekend after Marseilles wrapped up the signing of Stephane M'Bia from Rennes but the transfer may have stalled.

Cana was quoted as saying, "Everton in England are also interested, they are a very good club. I also have other options in Italy," apparently signalling that the 25 year-old is not guaranteed to join Hamburg after all.
13 Jul   |  Source: IM Scouting, Four Four Two

Redknapp trying to hijack Naughton move

Tottenham Hotspur have launched a bid to hijack Kyle Naughton's prospective move to Everton by jumping in with an eleventh-hour offer for the fullback.

The Blues had reached an agreement with Sheffield United yesterday and Naughton was due to discuss personal terms with Everton representatives on Monday (though it's not clear why the negotiations with the player aren't being concluded earlier).

Now, despite the presence of £9m right back Alan Hutton, Harry Redknapp is looking to jump in to try and tempt the 22 year-old to White Hart Lane according to the Express and The Sun
11 Jul   |  Source: Daily Express

Continued interest in Adeleye?

Nigerian international Dele Adeleye could be a summer transfer target of David Moyes. The 20 year-old, who currently plies his trade with Sparta Rotterdam, played with Joseph Yobo at international level recently and is admittedly keen on a move to the Premier League.

While he says he is aware of past interest from Everton, he can't confirm whether Moyes is still weighing up a move for him.

""There has been a lot of interest from the Premier League and I think Everton have made a serious bid in the past.

"I cannot confirm now if there is negotiation between them and my club. What I know is that I am still a Rotterdam player.

"I will really love to play in the Premiership because it has been my desire to play in the top league in Europe."
10 Jul   |  Source: The Nigerian Sun News via Goal.com

Ghanaian striker linked a-Gyan

Citing reports in France, Sky Sports News announce that Everton are again being linked with Rennes forward, Asamoah Gyan.

The Ghanaian is aware of Everton's interest but seems happy to play in France for now.

"I am relaxed about the link with Everton and am focusing on preparing myself for hopefully an injury-free season," he is quoted by Sky.

"Everton is a great club, and maybe one day I will play for them.

"You never know in football, but for me I am preparing to start the season with Rennes."
9 Jul   |  Source: Sky Sports

Leeds knock back two bids for Delph

The Daily Mail report that Leeds United have rejected bids from two Premier League sides for hot prospect, Fabian Delph.

Everton and Aston Villa are believed to be the front-runners for the 19 year-old and the Yorkshire club are holding out for around £6m for him.
9 Jul   |  Source: Daily Mail

Loose-lipped M'Bia in Stoke talks

Stephane M'Bia has reportedly flown to England to try and land a move to the Premier League... not with longstanding admirers Everton but with Stoke City.

The Cameroon midfielder made clear his desire to leave Rennes and had his heart set on a move to Marseilles — even going so far as to reportedly say, "The Englishmen? I don't want to hear about them," — but excessive personal demands appear to have scuppered negotiations with l'OM.

Now, having perhaps alienated "The Englishmen" of Goodison Park (though Everton have denied making a bid for him this summer), M'Bia may have to lower his sights and accept a gig at The Britannia Stadium.
9 Jul   |  Source: Teamtalk

Fake Richards-Lescott rumour spreads?

ToffeeWeb reader, Neil Charters, writes: "My mate has just picked up his Lounge season ticket up from Goodison and spotted Micah Richards with Leon Osman. The rumour is £15m + Richards + Jo on loan for the season in exchange for Lescott." The same rumour was posted to Bluekipper this morning.

If true, it would certainly explain the delay in the announcement of Jô's return on loan (which Manchester City briefly confirmed earlier this week but then withdrew the story from their website).

It's not clear how one gets a rumour of a transfer fee from a sighting of Richards on Goodison, however (unless this is two rumours in one), particularly when Leon Osman is supposed to be in Scotland, so treat this one with a large pinch of salt if or until further details emerge.
9 Jul  

Blues in for Spanish fullback

Everton are interested in signing Sergio Sanchez from Espanyol according to The Mirror today. Primera Liga sides Valencia and Sevilla are also thought to be looking at the 23-year-old but the report suggests he would prefer a move to the Premier League in England.
9 Jul   |  Source: The Mirror

Agent: no new Defour bid... yet

Steven Defour's agent, Paul Stefani, says that he is unaware of any fresh bid for his client but said that he welcomed any interest and is ready to hold discussions with Everton.

Media reports yesterday reported that David Moyes was lodging a £13M offer for the midfielder but while Stefani cited an earlier bid for Defour from Everton (thought to be in January), he said nothing was currently on the table.
9 Jul   |  Source: TribalFootball

Reo-Coker linked

Everton are being linked with a move for Aston Villa's Nigel Reo-Coker who has failed to really set the world alight at Villa Park.

The midfielder was linked with a move to Goodison before he joined the Villains so David Moyes is believed to be an admirer of his.
9 Jul   |  Source: Daily Mail via Sunday Mercury

Moyes tries again for Defour

The Independent report that David Moyes, undeterred by having a previous bid of £9M rejected, will offer £13M for Standard Liege's dynamic midfielder, Steven Defour.

"The midfield playmaker has indicated he is ready to leave Belgium but only when the price is right for his club. Liege are expected to drive a particularly hard bargain," says the report.
8 Jul   |  Source: The Independent

Tuncay rumours stengthen

Everton are being linked with Turkey international Tuncay Sanli by a growing number of media sources.

Relegated Middlesbrough are looking to offload some of their higher earners and Tuncay could be available for around £4M.

While he operates primarily as a striker, Tuncay can also play in attacking midfield or wide right, perhaps adding the versatility that David Moyes needs if he is also to land Jô on loan from Manchester City for a second spell.
7 Jul   |  Source: Daily Mail

Jo joins team in Scotland?

We understand that Jô may have travelled to Scotland with the Everton squad for a pre-season training camp, as another season-long loan from Manchester City is being finalised.

This follows rumours that the Brazilian was at Finch Farm earlier, perhaps putting pen to paper on that additional one-year spell at Goodison Park.

The 22-year-old scored five goals in 12 starts for the Blues between January and May this year but found on his return to Eastlands that his first-team opportunities would be just as slim next season as they were last.

The murmurings have it that Everton have negotiated an £8M option to purchase Jô on a permanent basis next summer.
6 Jul  

Peterlin expected to sign

Reports today say that Everton are expected to confirm the signing of 22-year-old American midfielder Anton Peterlin from Ventura County Fusion, California, for a nominal fee.

He is actually believed to have put pen to paper two weeks ago on a one-year contract after really impressing Moyes and his staff with his attitude and ability.
6 Jul   |  Source: Daily Mail

Moyes looking to tempt Scholes away

David Moyes will try and tempt Paul Scholes away from Old Trafford to add experience to his midfield according to the "chip papers" rumour of the day.

Scholes is regarded as a "one-club" man and is expected to finish his trophy-laden career with Manchester United but the Daily Star say that Everton want to sign the 34 year-old this summer to help bolster their European campaign this coming campaign.

The same report suggests that Stephane M'Bia remains the Blues' top target this summer but that looks extremely unlikely given the Cameroon midfielder's preference for Marseilles.
5 Jul   |  Source: Daily Star

Moyes tried again for Owen in January

Former Newcastle manager, Joe Kinnear, revealed on Sky Sports that David Moyes made another attempt to sign Michael Owen in the January transfer window.

"In the last window there was a chance of him going to Everton but that fell through and now he's going to an even bigger club," Kinnear told Sky Sports News.

Moyes made a serious attempt to sign the former Liverpool striker four years ago but he signed on for huge money at St James Park instead.

Owen, of course, sealed a surprise move to Manchester United yesterday after again being linked with Everton this summer.

Another player heavily linked with a switch to Goodison who now looks to be going elsewhere is Stephane M'Bia. The Cameroon midfielder has his heart set on Marseilles after initially talking up his desire to play for the Blues in the Premier League.

It seems highly unlikely that he'll be seen in an Everton shirt this coming season even though the Blues are currently the higher of the two bidders for his services. Rennes are expected to accept a slightly lower offer from Marseilles to grant the player his wish to move "l'OM."
4 Jul   |  Source: Sky Sports News via Tribal Football

Leeds teenager to sign on

Everton are apparently set to sign 16-year-old Leeds United left back Luke Garbutt.
2 Jul  

City told to up their offer for Lescott

Manchester City have had an official bid of £15M turned down by Everton according to the Manchester Evening News, although they're the only domestic news outlet running the story at present.

The report suggest that the Eastlands club have been told to up their offer to £20M before the Blues will begin talking.

David Moyes has been adamant that he will not sell any of his first-team players this summer but his hand may be tipped if Lescott elects to double his wages down the M62.

Thus far there have been no indications that the defender is planning to do that but rumours rumble on that the likelihood of Everton keeping hold of the England international isn't great.
2 Jul   |  Source: Manchester Evening News via Goal.com

Moyes to offer Dempsey a new home?

David Moyes could swoop for United States international Clint Dempsey if reports in gutter rag, The Sun, are to be believed.

The midfielder has rejected a new contract at Craven Cottage and could be available for £4m if Everton are interested in his services.

There may be something to this, however, as his agent says that there is confirmed interest in his client from two Premier League clubs as well as handful of outfits on the Continent.
2 Jul   |  Source: The S*n via Goal.com

Sir Alex eyeing Tiny Tim?

More uncorroborated speculation by The Guardian's tongue-in-cheek Rumour Mill, this time suggesting that Manchester United are looking to sign Tim Cahill from Everton.
1 Jul   |  Source: The Guardian

Owen to choose between Villa and Everton

Everton and Aston Villa lead the chase — if that's what you can call it — to land Michael Owen, according to The Independent today.

The 29 year-old expects to leave relegated Newcastle United this summer come what may and has his heart set on a high-profile Premier League club or one of similar stature on the Continent.

That would seem to preclude Hull City from landing the England international — the Humberside club have offered him tempting personal terms — and effectively leaves him with a choice between Villa and Everton if reports are to be believed.

Despite Villa's deeper pockets and potentially higher wage offering, Owen has reportedly expressed a preference for Everton, the club he supported as a boy, even though he has hitherto been reluctant to tarnish the success he had with bitter local rivals, Liverpool.
1 Jul   |  Source: The Independent

Jô set for another loan spell at Goodison

Speculation is building that Everton have negotiated the return to Goodison of striker Jô, this time for a full season-long loan from Manchester City.

In what is hopefully a signal that Joleon Lescott will not be sold to the minted Eastlands club (a part-exchange deal involving Jô has been mooted in the press), The Sun and the Echo are the latest outlets to report that the Brazilian could return to the Blues on loan as there isn't sufficient room for him in Mark Hughes's squad.

City are thought to be willing to sell the former CSKA Moscow striker but, having signed him for £19m last summer, are unlikely to recoup that outlay any time soon. Jô struggled for form at Eastlands in the first half of the last season, scoring just three goals but enjoyed 5 months at Goodison where he notched 5 goals in 12 appearances.
1 Jul   |  Source: Liverpool Echo