watching the Sunderland-Sporting game today, the announcers were suggesting that Moutinho would be a Blue sooner than later
for whatever thats worth
watching the Sunderland-Sporting game today, the announcers were suggesting that Moutinho would be a Blue sooner than later
for whatever thats worth
You should revise your knowledge of the language. Right before the game, the chairman mentioned he had no offer for the player.
Everton are ready to smash their transfer record to capture young Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho from Sporting Lisbon. A deal is close to agreement that will eventually cost a total of £18million — significantly higher than the £11.25m paid to Middlesbrough for Nigeria striker Yakubu last year.
Everton boss David Moyes has had a long-standing interest in Moutinho, 21, and paid special attention to him during the European Championship but was given little chance of meeting the asking price.
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Toffee target: Joao Moutinho in training for Portugal with Ronaldo
At various times Manchester United, Arsenal and Barcelona have headed the list of clubs attracted by Moutinho.
New Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari emerged as the favourite to sign a player he introduced to the international stage as Portugal coach, but made it clear he would not be bidding after signing Deco.
Now, following weeks of negotiations, Everton, who have yet to make a signing during this transfer window, believe they will soon have their man by making an initial downpayment followed by a series of further instalments over several years.
Am getting excited now, surely we cant pull this huge deal off![]()
Sporting Lisbon insist that they have no intention of selling Joao Moutinho or Miguel Veloso.
The Portuguese outfit have seen both men strongly linked with summer moves away from Estadio Jose Alvalade, but have made it clear that neither is for sale.
Reports had suggested that Everton were closing in on a deal for playmaker Moutinho, while Manchester United have been long-term admirers of holding midfielder Veloso.
However, the Premier League duo have been made aware that they would be wasting their time should they decide to make a move for the Portugal internationals.
Title bid
"The squad is closed for this season and we have received no offers for Joao Moutinho or Miguel Veloso," Sporting president Soares Franco told radio station RTP.
"The two players are in our squad and we have no need to sell as we are financially secure.
"We have secured European football again for next year so have benefited from that.
"The squad we have at the moment is preparing to mount a title bid next season."
From O Jogo:
http://www.ojogo.pt/24-151/artigo735495.asp
It basically says that Pini Zahavi (he's apparently Moutinho's agent) met Sporting officials yesterday.
They told him that they were prepared to to do business regarding only 1 of their star players, and only for his release clause, €25m.
Zahavi told them that Moutinho wants to try his luck in England. Sporting replied that they don't want to sell him.
Loads of clubs say this, doesn't mean much.
The Echo have reported it, so something is in it.
why would Moutinho want to go to Everton when he's been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal or Barcelona.