Everton F.C. General Chat

[Freddy Adu]

Everton make new cash, player offer for Wigan's Baines
tribalfooball.com - July 28, 2007

Everton boss Dave Moyes has made a new offer to Wigan Athletic for fullback Leighton Baines. The Mirror says Moyes has offered £4million, plus the choice of a squad man, in a bid to sign Baines from Wigan.
And while Wigan have demanded that Everton pay the £6million that Sunderland were prepared to offer, Moyes is hopeful they will take less cash plus a player for the lifelong Everton fan.
Wigan chief Chris Hutchings would take Lee Carsley, who snubbed his club in favour of staying at the Blues when he was a free agent a couple of months ago.

[Freddy Adu]

Everton make new cash, player offer for Wigan's Baines
tribalfooball.com - July 28, 2007

Everton boss Dave Moyes has made a new offer to Wigan Athletic for fullback Leighton Baines. The Mirror says Moyes has offered £4million, plus the choice of a squad man, in a bid to sign Baines from Wigan.
And while Wigan have demanded that Everton pay the £6million that Sunderland were prepared to offer, Moyes is hopeful they will take less cash plus a player for the lifelong Everton fan.
Wigan chief Chris Hutchings would take Lee Carsley, who snubbed his club in favour of staying at the Blues when he was a free agent a couple of months ago.

[Freddy Adu]

Portsmouth boss: Campbell going nowhere
tribalfooball.com - July 27, 2007

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp again declared last night that defender Sol Campbell was going nowhere. Villarreal, Newcastle and Everton have all been linked with Campbell, but Redknapp said from Hong Kong: "He's under contract and he's going nowhere. He's the backbone of our team."

[Freddy Adu]

Portsmouth boss: Campbell going nowhere
tribalfooball.com - July 27, 2007

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp again declared last night that defender Sol Campbell was going nowhere. Villarreal, Newcastle and Everton have all been linked with Campbell, but Redknapp said from Hong Kong: "He's under contract and he's going nowhere. He's the backbone of our team."

[Freddy Adu]

Portsmouth boss: Campbell going nowhere
tribalfooball.com - July 27, 2007

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp again declared last night that defender Sol Campbell was going nowhere. Villarreal, Newcastle and Everton have all been linked with Campbell, but Redknapp said from Hong Kong: "He's under contract and he's going nowhere. He's the backbone of our team."

[Freddy Adu]

Tottenham keen on Dinamo Zagreb fullback Corluka
tribalfooball.com - July 27, 2007

Tottenham have expressed interest in Dinamo Zagreb fullback Vedran Corluka. The 21 year-old is seen by Spurs as a potential replacement for Chelsea target Pascal Chimbonda, says The Times.
Corluka, 6ft 3in, has been capped nine times by Croatia. Manchester City and Everton have also inquired about Corluka, who is valued at about £4 million.

[Freddy Adu]

Tottenham keen on Dinamo Zagreb fullback Corluka
tribalfooball.com - July 27, 2007

Tottenham have expressed interest in Dinamo Zagreb fullback Vedran Corluka. The 21 year-old is seen by Spurs as a potential replacement for Chelsea target Pascal Chimbonda, says The Times.
Corluka, 6ft 3in, has been capped nine times by Croatia. Manchester City and Everton have also inquired about Corluka, who is valued at about £4 million.

[Freddy Adu]

Tottenham keen on Dinamo Zagreb fullback Corluka
tribalfooball.com - July 27, 2007

Tottenham have expressed interest in Dinamo Zagreb fullback Vedran Corluka. The 21 year-old is seen by Spurs as a potential replacement for Chelsea target Pascal Chimbonda, says The Times.
Corluka, 6ft 3in, has been capped nine times by Croatia. Manchester City and Everton have also inquired about Corluka, who is valued at about £4 million.

[Freddy Adu]

Tottenham keen on Dinamo Zagreb fullback Corluka
tribalfooball.com - July 27, 2007

Tottenham have expressed interest in Dinamo Zagreb fullback Vedran Corluka. The 21 year-old is seen by Spurs as a potential replacement for Chelsea target Pascal Chimbonda, says The Times.
Corluka, 6ft 3in, has been capped nine times by Croatia. Manchester City and Everton have also inquired about Corluka, who is valued at about £4 million.

[Freddy Adu]

Tottenham keen on Dinamo Zagreb fullback Corluka
tribalfooball.com - July 27, 2007

Tottenham have expressed interest in Dinamo Zagreb fullback Vedran Corluka. The 21 year-old is seen by Spurs as a potential replacement for Chelsea target Pascal Chimbonda, says The Times.
Corluka, 6ft 3in, has been capped nine times by Croatia. Manchester City and Everton have also inquired about Corluka, who is valued at about £4 million.

[Freddy Adu]

Tottenham keen on Dinamo Zagreb fullback Corluka
tribalfooball.com - July 27, 2007

Tottenham have expressed interest in Dinamo Zagreb fullback Vedran Corluka. The 21 year-old is seen by Spurs as a potential replacement for Chelsea target Pascal Chimbonda, says The Times.
Corluka, 6ft 3in, has been capped nine times by Croatia. Manchester City and Everton have also inquired about Corluka, who is valued at about £4 million.

[Freddy Adu]

Tottenham keen on Dinamo Zagreb fullback Corluka
tribalfooball.com - July 27, 2007

Tottenham have expressed interest in Dinamo Zagreb fullback Vedran Corluka. The 21 year-old is seen by Spurs as a potential replacement for Chelsea target Pascal Chimbonda, says The Times.
Corluka, 6ft 3in, has been capped nine times by Croatia. Manchester City and Everton have also inquired about Corluka, who is valued at about £4 million.

[Freddy Adu]

Tottenham keen on Dinamo Zagreb fullback Corluka
tribalfooball.com - July 27, 2007

Tottenham have expressed interest in Dinamo Zagreb fullback Vedran Corluka. The 21 year-old is seen by Spurs as a potential replacement for Chelsea target Pascal Chimbonda, says The Times.
Corluka, 6ft 3in, has been capped nine times by Croatia. Manchester City and Everton have also inquired about Corluka, who is valued at about £4 million.

[Oscar Cardozo]

Everton Calm Cahill Injury Fears Everton's assistant manager Alan Irvine has calmed fears that star midfielder Tim Cahill suffered a serious injury in tonight's pre-season friendly with Werder Bremen.

The Australian midfielder limped off during the 2-2 draw which immediately raised fears of a problem with the broken metatarsal that he has been recovering from since March.
However, Irvine told the club's website: “He felt his foot which is a bit of a worry.
“It is something that we will check out and Tim will have an x-ray this evening.
“I have just been speaking to him now and he feels a lot better. It obviously gave him a bit of a fright about but we will just make sure he is ok.
“I thought he played well in the time he was on tonight.”

[Oscar Cardozo]

Everton Calm Cahill Injury Fears Everton's assistant manager Alan Irvine has calmed fears that star midfielder Tim Cahill suffered a serious injury in tonight's pre-season friendly with Werder Bremen.

The Australian midfielder limped off during the 2-2 draw which immediately raised fears of a problem with the broken metatarsal that he has been recovering from since March.
However, Irvine told the club's website: “He felt his foot which is a bit of a worry.
“It is something that we will check out and Tim will have an x-ray this evening.
“I have just been speaking to him now and he feels a lot better. It obviously gave him a bit of a fright about but we will just make sure he is ok.
“I thought he played well in the time he was on tonight.”

[Oscar Cardozo]

Everton Calm Cahill Injury Fears Everton's assistant manager Alan Irvine has calmed fears that star midfielder Tim Cahill suffered a serious injury in tonight's pre-season friendly with Werder Bremen.

The Australian midfielder limped off during the 2-2 draw which immediately raised fears of a problem with the broken metatarsal that he has been recovering from since March.
However, Irvine told the club's website: “He felt his foot which is a bit of a worry.
“It is something that we will check out and Tim will have an x-ray this evening.
“I have just been speaking to him now and he feels a lot better. It obviously gave him a bit of a fright about but we will just make sure he is ok.
“I thought he played well in the time he was on tonight.”

[Amo-te Benfica]

:.: Jornal Record :.:

I can't see him going there, not this seaosn anyway. Things would so much easier if we just bought his rights like Porto has with Lucho, then he'd be certain to stay. I'm sure he'll be with us this season though.

[Amo-te Benfica]

Fernandes says he is only thinking about doing a good season with Benfica:

«Só penso em fazer uma boa época» (Manuel Fernandes)
Apesar do assédio inglês, o Benfica mostra-se pouco interessado em negociar Manuel Fernandes nesta fase da temporada. A Sky Sports, que hoje reagiu à notícia do interesse do Everton, avança com declarações de uma fonte anónima do clube encarnado que sublinha essa posição.

«O jogador tem um acordo connosco e não está nos nossos planos vê-lo sair este Verão», garantiram. O mesmo órgão de informação britânico apresentou uma curta declaração do próprio Manuel Fernandes, que terá mostrado sintonia com a posição benfiquista sobre o tema. «Estou feliz no Benfica e agora só penso em fazer uma boa época», terá afirmado o médio internacional português.

Manuel Fernandes tem mostrado, nesta temporada, que pode desempenhar um papel muito importante na equipa treinada por Fernando Santos.

Source: **abola.pt - «A BOLA on-line»

[Amo-te Benfica]

Fernandes says he is only thinking about doing a good season with Benfica:

«Só penso em fazer uma boa época» (Manuel Fernandes)
Apesar do assédio inglês, o Benfica mostra-se pouco interessado em negociar Manuel Fernandes nesta fase da temporada. A Sky Sports, que hoje reagiu à notícia do interesse do Everton, avança com declarações de uma fonte anónima do clube encarnado que sublinha essa posição.

«O jogador tem um acordo connosco e não está nos nossos planos vê-lo sair este Verão», garantiram. O mesmo órgão de informação britânico apresentou uma curta declaração do próprio Manuel Fernandes, que terá mostrado sintonia com a posição benfiquista sobre o tema. «Estou feliz no Benfica e agora só penso em fazer uma boa época», terá afirmado o médio internacional português.

Manuel Fernandes tem mostrado, nesta temporada, que pode desempenhar um papel muito importante na equipa treinada por Fernando Santos.

Source: **abola.pt - «A BOLA on-line»

[Amo-te Benfica]

Fernandes says he is only thinking about doing a good season with Benfica:

«Só penso em fazer uma boa época» (Manuel Fernandes)
Apesar do assédio inglês, o Benfica mostra-se pouco interessado em negociar Manuel Fernandes nesta fase da temporada. A Sky Sports, que hoje reagiu à notícia do interesse do Everton, avança com declarações de uma fonte anónima do clube encarnado que sublinha essa posição.

«O jogador tem um acordo connosco e não está nos nossos planos vê-lo sair este Verão», garantiram. O mesmo órgão de informação britânico apresentou uma curta declaração do próprio Manuel Fernandes, que terá mostrado sintonia com a posição benfiquista sobre o tema. «Estou feliz no Benfica e agora só penso em fazer uma boa época», terá afirmado o médio internacional português.

Manuel Fernandes tem mostrado, nesta temporada, que pode desempenhar um papel muito importante na equipa treinada por Fernando Santos.

Source: **abola.pt - «A BOLA on-line»

[Amo-te Benfica]

Fernandes says he is only thinking about doing a good season with Benfica:

«Só penso em fazer uma boa época» (Manuel Fernandes)
Apesar do assédio inglês, o Benfica mostra-se pouco interessado em negociar Manuel Fernandes nesta fase da temporada. A Sky Sports, que hoje reagiu à notícia do interesse do Everton, avança com declarações de uma fonte anónima do clube encarnado que sublinha essa posição.

«O jogador tem um acordo connosco e não está nos nossos planos vê-lo sair este Verão», garantiram. O mesmo órgão de informação britânico apresentou uma curta declaração do próprio Manuel Fernandes, que terá mostrado sintonia com a posição benfiquista sobre o tema. «Estou feliz no Benfica e agora só penso em fazer uma boa época», terá afirmado o médio internacional português.

Manuel Fernandes tem mostrado, nesta temporada, que pode desempenhar um papel muito importante na equipa treinada por Fernando Santos.

Source: **abola.pt - «A BOLA on-line»

[Oscar Cardozo]

Everton offer £6M for Benfica's Fernandes
tribalfooball.com - August 07, 2007

Everton boss Dave Moyes has made a £6 million offer for Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes. The Daily Mail says Moyes has turned to Fernandes - who was on loan at Goodison Park last season - after admitting defeat over Argentina's Lucho Gonzalez, who has resigned for Porto.

[egypt man]

Ahmed Hossam may well make a significant decision on his future today, according to Sunderland manager Roy Keane. The Egyptian is also in talks with Middlesbrough, it has been revealed. In the mean time, Birmingham manager Steve Bruce admits that he is sad not to have Hossam Ghaly in his side.

Blues:

Birmingham City have continued their interest in the striker. Steve Bruce spoke sarcastically of Hossam Ghaly, refering to him as "Mr Ghaly", and indicating that Blues had never lost their interest in his compatriot Mido. In the mean time, Spurs are having to be patient with the newly promoted club.

"It has been difficult for the last couple of weeks, especially with Spurs after what happened with Mr Ghaly," said Bruce.

"But our offer has always been there for Mido," he continued.

The Birmingham manager contemplated the Ghaly deal which simply went wrong. "It was just disappointing because all summer I'd tracked him," he said, before praising the Egyptian's footballing abilities and dubbing the saga both "horrible" and "sad".

"I know what happened but at the end of the day I've lost a really good midfield player.

"It was a horrible end because a lot of people did a lot of work on the deal.

"It was sad but the plain fact is he didn't want to be here."

Boro:

At Middlesbrough, Yakubu Ayegbini is about to head to Everton, and Gareth Southgate is keen on securing a deal for Mido.

Boro are ready to spend £6 million and are in talks with the Egyptian striker, who had revealed to a London paper that he has interest from three clubs.
Black Cats:

And on Thursday morning Sunderland manager Roy Keane stressed that he believes this is the decision day for Mido, at least as far as accepting or rejecting Sunderland is confirmed.

As EP had reported, Sunderland did make an offer. Tottenham have accepted it, but it is now time for Mido to decide.

Keane commented: "I'm convinced we'll have an answer from Mido today. I met with the player over the weekend, he's had a few days to think about it and as usual there are one or two other clubs interested.

"We're hopeful that he will make the right choice and to me the right choice would be to come to Sunderland.

"Things are agreed with Spurs, that's not the issue.

"The issue is whether the player wants to come and play for Sunderland. We'll wait and see. Whatever decision he makes, we'll respect it."


this transfer stuff is really amazing one sec u think that the deal is gonna be done and another its ruined

[egypt man]

Ahmed Hossam may well make a significant decision on his future today, according to Sunderland manager Roy Keane. The Egyptian is also in talks with Middlesbrough, it has been revealed. In the mean time, Birmingham manager Steve Bruce admits that he is sad not to have Hossam Ghaly in his side.

Blues:

Birmingham City have continued their interest in the striker. Steve Bruce spoke sarcastically of Hossam Ghaly, refering to him as "Mr Ghaly", and indicating that Blues had never lost their interest in his compatriot Mido. In the mean time, Spurs are having to be patient with the newly promoted club.

"It has been difficult for the last couple of weeks, especially with Spurs after what happened with Mr Ghaly," said Bruce.

"But our offer has always been there for Mido," he continued.

The Birmingham manager contemplated the Ghaly deal which simply went wrong. "It was just disappointing because all summer I'd tracked him," he said, before praising the Egyptian's footballing abilities and dubbing the saga both "horrible" and "sad".

"I know what happened but at the end of the day I've lost a really good midfield player.

"It was a horrible end because a lot of people did a lot of work on the deal.

"It was sad but the plain fact is he didn't want to be here."

Boro:

At Middlesbrough, Yakubu Ayegbini is about to head to Everton, and Gareth Southgate is keen on securing a deal for Mido.

Boro are ready to spend £6 million and are in talks with the Egyptian striker, who had revealed to a London paper that he has interest from three clubs.
Black Cats:

And on Thursday morning Sunderland manager Roy Keane stressed that he believes this is the decision day for Mido, at least as far as accepting or rejecting Sunderland is confirmed.

As EP had reported, Sunderland did make an offer. Tottenham have accepted it, but it is now time for Mido to decide.

Keane commented: "I'm convinced we'll have an answer from Mido today. I met with the player over the weekend, he's had a few days to think about it and as usual there are one or two other clubs interested.

"We're hopeful that he will make the right choice and to me the right choice would be to come to Sunderland.

"Things are agreed with Spurs, that's not the issue.

"The issue is whether the player wants to come and play for Sunderland. We'll wait and see. Whatever decision he makes, we'll respect it."


this transfer stuff is really amazing one sec u think that the deal is gonna be done and another its ruined

[Amo-te Benfica]

Luis Felipe Viera says Manuel Fernandes is going nowhere.....


«Manuel Fernandes não sai!» (Luís Filipe Vieira)
O Benfica não vai abrir mão de Manuel Fernandes. Em conversa com A BOLA, Luís Filipe Vieira colocou tudo em pratos limpos, manifestou confiança absoluta na capacidade do jovem médio e colocou a vertente desportiva acima dos proveitos económicos.

O espectacular início de temporada de Manuel Fernandes levou a que vários clubes da Europa rica ficassem especialmente alerta quanto ao jovem médio encarnado. Alguns deles, nomeadamente o Valência e o Manchester City, sondaram, sem nunca chegarem a contactos oficiais, os termos de uma eventual aquisição. Já o Everton, último clube a contar com Manuel Fernandes, sabedor da cláusula de rescisão do jogador, avançou, há algum tempo, com uma proposta que ficava aquém do estabelecido.

Significa isto que, de facto, o Benfica não possui em carteira nenhuma proposta para a venda dos direitos desportivos de Manuel Fernandes. Porém, mesmo que uma proposta dessas viesse a chegar ao clube da Luz, a resposta do Benfica seria negativa.

Luís Filipe Vieira, presidente dos encarnados, não teve dúvidas em afirmar a A BOLA que a SAD não aceitará propostas para a venda do médio: «Manuel Fernandes não sai do Benfica.»

Confrontado com as notícias que insistentemente colocavam o internacional português fora da Luz, Vieira foi taxativo: «o que nos interessa são as vitórias e Manuel Fernandes faz parte deste projecto. Não abriremos mão do seu concurso.»

Source: **abola.pt - «A BOLA on-line»

[Amo-te Benfica]

Luis Felipe Viera says Manuel Fernandes is going nowhere.....


«Manuel Fernandes não sai!» (Luís Filipe Vieira)
O Benfica não vai abrir mão de Manuel Fernandes. Em conversa com A BOLA, Luís Filipe Vieira colocou tudo em pratos limpos, manifestou confiança absoluta na capacidade do jovem médio e colocou a vertente desportiva acima dos proveitos económicos.

O espectacular início de temporada de Manuel Fernandes levou a que vários clubes da Europa rica ficassem especialmente alerta quanto ao jovem médio encarnado. Alguns deles, nomeadamente o Valência e o Manchester City, sondaram, sem nunca chegarem a contactos oficiais, os termos de uma eventual aquisição. Já o Everton, último clube a contar com Manuel Fernandes, sabedor da cláusula de rescisão do jogador, avançou, há algum tempo, com uma proposta que ficava aquém do estabelecido.

Significa isto que, de facto, o Benfica não possui em carteira nenhuma proposta para a venda dos direitos desportivos de Manuel Fernandes. Porém, mesmo que uma proposta dessas viesse a chegar ao clube da Luz, a resposta do Benfica seria negativa.

Luís Filipe Vieira, presidente dos encarnados, não teve dúvidas em afirmar a A BOLA que a SAD não aceitará propostas para a venda do médio: «Manuel Fernandes não sai do Benfica.»

Confrontado com as notícias que insistentemente colocavam o internacional português fora da Luz, Vieira foi taxativo: «o que nos interessa são as vitórias e Manuel Fernandes faz parte deste projecto. Não abriremos mão do seu concurso.»

Source: **abola.pt - «A BOLA on-line»

[Amo-te Benfica]

Luis Felipe Viera says Manuel Fernandes is going nowhere.....


«Manuel Fernandes não sai!» (Luís Filipe Vieira)
O Benfica não vai abrir mão de Manuel Fernandes. Em conversa com A BOLA, Luís Filipe Vieira colocou tudo em pratos limpos, manifestou confiança absoluta na capacidade do jovem médio e colocou a vertente desportiva acima dos proveitos económicos.

O espectacular início de temporada de Manuel Fernandes levou a que vários clubes da Europa rica ficassem especialmente alerta quanto ao jovem médio encarnado. Alguns deles, nomeadamente o Valência e o Manchester City, sondaram, sem nunca chegarem a contactos oficiais, os termos de uma eventual aquisição. Já o Everton, último clube a contar com Manuel Fernandes, sabedor da cláusula de rescisão do jogador, avançou, há algum tempo, com uma proposta que ficava aquém do estabelecido.

Significa isto que, de facto, o Benfica não possui em carteira nenhuma proposta para a venda dos direitos desportivos de Manuel Fernandes. Porém, mesmo que uma proposta dessas viesse a chegar ao clube da Luz, a resposta do Benfica seria negativa.

Luís Filipe Vieira, presidente dos encarnados, não teve dúvidas em afirmar a A BOLA que a SAD não aceitará propostas para a venda do médio: «Manuel Fernandes não sai do Benfica.»

Confrontado com as notícias que insistentemente colocavam o internacional português fora da Luz, Vieira foi taxativo: «o que nos interessa são as vitórias e Manuel Fernandes faz parte deste projecto. Não abriremos mão do seu concurso.»

Source: **abola.pt - «A BOLA on-line»

[Amo-te Benfica]

Luis Felipe Viera says Manuel Fernandes is going nowhere.....


«Manuel Fernandes não sai!» (Luís Filipe Vieira)
O Benfica não vai abrir mão de Manuel Fernandes. Em conversa com A BOLA, Luís Filipe Vieira colocou tudo em pratos limpos, manifestou confiança absoluta na capacidade do jovem médio e colocou a vertente desportiva acima dos proveitos económicos.

O espectacular início de temporada de Manuel Fernandes levou a que vários clubes da Europa rica ficassem especialmente alerta quanto ao jovem médio encarnado. Alguns deles, nomeadamente o Valência e o Manchester City, sondaram, sem nunca chegarem a contactos oficiais, os termos de uma eventual aquisição. Já o Everton, último clube a contar com Manuel Fernandes, sabedor da cláusula de rescisão do jogador, avançou, há algum tempo, com uma proposta que ficava aquém do estabelecido.

Significa isto que, de facto, o Benfica não possui em carteira nenhuma proposta para a venda dos direitos desportivos de Manuel Fernandes. Porém, mesmo que uma proposta dessas viesse a chegar ao clube da Luz, a resposta do Benfica seria negativa.

Luís Filipe Vieira, presidente dos encarnados, não teve dúvidas em afirmar a A BOLA que a SAD não aceitará propostas para a venda do médio: «Manuel Fernandes não sai do Benfica.»

Confrontado com as notícias que insistentemente colocavam o internacional português fora da Luz, Vieira foi taxativo: «o que nos interessa são as vitórias e Manuel Fernandes faz parte deste projecto. Não abriremos mão do seu concurso.»

Source: **abola.pt - «A BOLA on-line»

[Freddy Adu]

Portugal star Manuel Fernandes set to join Everton

EVERTON are hopeful of signing Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes within the next 24 hours. The Goodison outfit are closing in on a deal for the 21-year-old for a fee believed to be in the region of £8million. David Moyes opted to move for the Portugal international after seeing his attempts to sign FC Porto’s Luis Gonzalez flounder earlier this week. Fernandes spent the second half of last season on loan at Goodison, and made no secret of his desire to make the switch permanent after scoring two goals, including a memorable strike against Manchester United, in nine appearances. Benfica were originally asking for £12m, but reduced their asking price after conceding defeat in persuading the player to remain at the club. The Portuguese star is expected to open talks today and Everton are confident he can become their latest summer signing following the arrivals of Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and the on-loan Steven Pienaar. Meanwhile, Alan Stubbs believes Everton team-mate Joleon Lescott can break into the England set-up this season. Lescott’s stock has risen significantly since making the step up to the top flight from Coca-Cola Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer. The 24-year-old’s fine performances following his £5million arrival at Goodison led to international recognition in May when he appeared for the England B team against Albania. Jamie Carragher included Lescott in a batch of up-and-coming young English defenders as he revealed he was considering his own international retirement. And Everton defender Stubbs said: “It speaks volumes that another player from across the park is talking him up. “I think Joleon can become an England regular. I’d have no qualms about him stepping up to the international stage, he’s more than good enough to do that. I’ve played alongside him and been very impressed by him.” Lescott played much of last season in an emergency left-back role, but is likely to be used more often in his preferred central position with Leighton Baines having this week been signed from Wigan Athletic. And Stubbs added: “He had a great season last season, but this season will be tougher for him,” he said. “People will know what he is all about, and this season it will be another challenge for Joleon. It’s okay doing it over one season, but it’s over a number of seasons when people will start to sit up and take notice.” Mikel Arteta acknowledges the importance of beginning their season on a winning note. While Everton got off to a flier last season with victory over Watford en route to eventually finishing sixth, the previous season’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United was a signal of he struggle David Moyes’s side “It is very important that we start the season well and it is good that we are at Goodison for the first game,” he said. “When you win the first game it takes the pressure off and gets the confidence high. We do not want a repeat of two seasons ago. “I am ready and I am really looking forward to it. Hopefully we can get a result. “We have been preparing really well over the last six weeks and we want to show everybody how prepared we are.” Steven Pienaar, who has arrived on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund, will be available to make his debut tomorrow after his visa problems were rectified. icLiverpool - Portugal star Manuel Fernandes set to join Everton Change of plans....

[Freddy Adu]

Portugal star Manuel Fernandes set to join Everton

EVERTON are hopeful of signing Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes within the next 24 hours. The Goodison outfit are closing in on a deal for the 21-year-old for a fee believed to be in the region of £8million. David Moyes opted to move for the Portugal international after seeing his attempts to sign FC Porto’s Luis Gonzalez flounder earlier this week. Fernandes spent the second half of last season on loan at Goodison, and made no secret of his desire to make the switch permanent after scoring two goals, including a memorable strike against Manchester United, in nine appearances. Benfica were originally asking for £12m, but reduced their asking price after conceding defeat in persuading the player to remain at the club. The Portuguese star is expected to open talks today and Everton are confident he can become their latest summer signing following the arrivals of Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and the on-loan Steven Pienaar. Meanwhile, Alan Stubbs believes Everton team-mate Joleon Lescott can break into the England set-up this season. Lescott’s stock has risen significantly since making the step up to the top flight from Coca-Cola Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer. The 24-year-old’s fine performances following his £5million arrival at Goodison led to international recognition in May when he appeared for the England B team against Albania. Jamie Carragher included Lescott in a batch of up-and-coming young English defenders as he revealed he was considering his own international retirement. And Everton defender Stubbs said: “It speaks volumes that another player from across the park is talking him up. “I think Joleon can become an England regular. I’d have no qualms about him stepping up to the international stage, he’s more than good enough to do that. I’ve played alongside him and been very impressed by him.” Lescott played much of last season in an emergency left-back role, but is likely to be used more often in his preferred central position with Leighton Baines having this week been signed from Wigan Athletic. And Stubbs added: “He had a great season last season, but this season will be tougher for him,” he said. “People will know what he is all about, and this season it will be another challenge for Joleon. It’s okay doing it over one season, but it’s over a number of seasons when people will start to sit up and take notice.” Mikel Arteta acknowledges the importance of beginning their season on a winning note. While Everton got off to a flier last season with victory over Watford en route to eventually finishing sixth, the previous season’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United was a signal of he struggle David Moyes’s side “It is very important that we start the season well and it is good that we are at Goodison for the first game,” he said. “When you win the first game it takes the pressure off and gets the confidence high. We do not want a repeat of two seasons ago. “I am ready and I am really looking forward to it. Hopefully we can get a result. “We have been preparing really well over the last six weeks and we want to show everybody how prepared we are.” Steven Pienaar, who has arrived on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund, will be available to make his debut tomorrow after his visa problems were rectified. icLiverpool - Portugal star Manuel Fernandes set to join Everton Change of plans....