thebluesheep
Player Valuation: £150k
Everton make new bid for Joao Moutinho as Alan Smith deals edges closer
By Dominic King on Aug 7, 08 01:08 PM in Journalists
EVERTON today upped the ante in their pursuit of Joao Moutinho - as Alan Smith edged ever closer to a move to Goodison Park.
Though the Blues have already had one offer for Sporting Lisbon's captain rebuffed, it is understood they have been in contact with the Portuguese side and made an offer that will smash the club record £11.25m they paid for Ayegbeni Yakubu 12 months ago.
There is still some way to go before a deal can be brokered but talks are ongoing with Sporting's board and Everton are prepared to be patient to land their top summer target Moutinho, who has told Portuguese media that he has his heart set on a move to Merseyside.
They are sentiments which also apply to Newcastle United midfielder Smith and sources in the North East have indicated it is a question of 'when' not 'if' he joins the Blues in a deal that is likely to cost around £2m.
Smith was pulled out of Newcastle's squad for their friendly last night against PSV Eindhoven - Toon boss Kevin Keegan insisted that that was due to an ankle injury - and he is now expected to talk terms with the Blues.
Everton boss David Moyes has long been an admirer of the England international - he attempted to sign him when Smith left Leeds for Manchester United in 2004 and again 12 months ago when he moved from Old Trafford to St James' Park - and his versatility will be a huge plus.
Capped 19 times by his country, Smith may only be 27 but has vast experience of the Premier League and playing in Europe, racking up 358 appearances during his career, which began with a debut goal against Liverpool at Anfield.
Lets just hope its the start of some good transfer activity from the club.
By Dominic King on Aug 7, 08 01:08 PM in Journalists
EVERTON today upped the ante in their pursuit of Joao Moutinho - as Alan Smith edged ever closer to a move to Goodison Park.
Though the Blues have already had one offer for Sporting Lisbon's captain rebuffed, it is understood they have been in contact with the Portuguese side and made an offer that will smash the club record £11.25m they paid for Ayegbeni Yakubu 12 months ago.
There is still some way to go before a deal can be brokered but talks are ongoing with Sporting's board and Everton are prepared to be patient to land their top summer target Moutinho, who has told Portuguese media that he has his heart set on a move to Merseyside.
They are sentiments which also apply to Newcastle United midfielder Smith and sources in the North East have indicated it is a question of 'when' not 'if' he joins the Blues in a deal that is likely to cost around £2m.
Smith was pulled out of Newcastle's squad for their friendly last night against PSV Eindhoven - Toon boss Kevin Keegan insisted that that was due to an ankle injury - and he is now expected to talk terms with the Blues.
Everton boss David Moyes has long been an admirer of the England international - he attempted to sign him when Smith left Leeds for Manchester United in 2004 and again 12 months ago when he moved from Old Trafford to St James' Park - and his versatility will be a huge plus.
Capped 19 times by his country, Smith may only be 27 but has vast experience of the Premier League and playing in Europe, racking up 358 appearances during his career, which began with a debut goal against Liverpool at Anfield.
Lets just hope its the start of some good transfer activity from the club.
