Everton manager David Moyes is ready to make his mark on
the transfer market with £17million-worth of deals for Phil
Jagielka, Alan Smith, Kieran Richardson and Jason
Koumas.
After watching others force the pace this summer, Moyes intends to
add fresh faces to the announcement that midfielders Mikel Arteta
and Tim Cahill have accepted longterm contracts. Jagielka looks set
to move for £4million, while Smith, valued at £5m, and £3m-rated
Richardson are expected to follow from Manchester United, with West
Brom's Koumas also wanted.
The Everton manager could even land Sheffield United skipper
Jagielka today if his club are told, as expected, that their appeal
against relegation from the Premiership has failed. The versatile
defender has a £4m escape clause in his contract and it is
understood that a club of his choice need only meet that
figure.
Moyes, who failed to beat Manchester United to Smith when he left
Leeds three years ago, will be heartened the player rejected
Middlesbrough. His arrival would cast further doubt over James
Beattie's Everton future.
