Everton are bracing themselves for a possible
£12million bid from Atletico Madrid for their star midfielder Mikel
Arteta.
Reports emanating from Spain suggest Atletico are keen to
recruit Arteta to bolster their chances of a successful Champions
League campaign.
The 26-year-old has been with the Toffees since January 2005,
when he signed on loan from Real Socieded with a view to a
permanent deal.
David Moyes then wrapped up a £2million transfer the following
summer, since when Arteta has played a key role for Everton -
making over 100 starts and scoring 16 goals in all
competitions.
Moyes is desperate to keep hold of his midfield maestro in a bid
to improve Everton's own chances of reaching the Champions League
in 2009/10.
However, a fee of around £12million would represent a huge
profit on Arteta, and Moyes may be put under pressure to accept the
sale by the Merseyside club's moneymen.