Mehmet Topal's delight at link with Everton move
EVERTON target Mehmet Topal has declared he would welcome a move to Goodison Park.
Goodison manager David Moyes has earmarked the Turkey international as he attempts to fill the midfield void left by Lee Carsley.
Topal, who plays for Galatasaray, made four appearances for his country in the recent Euro 2008 finals as Fatih Terim's side reached the semi-finals.
Reports in Turkey suggest the 22-year-old would be available for around £2.5million
And Topal said yesterday: "I am aware of their interest and if Galatasaray felt it would be good for them to do a deal then I would be more than willing to go there."
Topal is among several players on Moyes's wanted list, with Real Zaragoza striker Diego Milito the preferred choice to replace the outward-bound Andrew Johnson.
And Sporting Lisbon's Serbia international goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic begins a short trial at Finch Farm today with a view to making a 12-month loan move.
Of his own future, Moyes yesterday confirmed meaningful talks have started with owner and chief executive Bill Kenwright over a new contract
Moyes, who has been in charge at Goodison since March 2002 but has entered the last year of his present deal, held preliminary discussions with the club towards the end of last term. It had been suggested that Moyes wanted to see what transfer budget he would have, and whether the club concurred with his long-term plans for Everton's future before committing his future to the club.
But Moyes met with Kenwright at the weekend and said yesterday: "We have started talks and we are hoping things will be wrapped up quickly."
Meanwhile, Andy van der Meyde is adamant he can still make a contribution at Everton despite continually being linked with a move away from the club.
The Dutchman, who made just five reserve team outings last season and hasn't played for the first team since April 2007, played the full 90 minutes of the 1-0 friendly defeat to FC Sion in Switzerland on Saturday.
And van der Meyde said: "I need to stay as fit as I can and not get any more injuries.
"If I can do that, then maybe everything will be all right. I want to do my best.
"It's difficult but I hope I can still be important for Everton. I don't want to get too carried away. There is still lots of work to be done and there is big challenge ahead," he added.
Of reported interest from Red Bull Salzburg, van der Meyde replied: "I'm not looking to go anywhere else. I want to stay with Everton and that has always been the case.
"I have had difficult times but I want to give something back to everyone.
"I also want to do it for myself. It has been too long since I played well. I've been thinking about pre-season all summer and now I just want to get myself right."
Older/Newer
« Last chance saloon for maverick Andy van der Meyde | Everton waiting on firm bids for Andrew Johnson »
0 TrackBacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Mehmet Topal's delight at link with Everton move.
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.evertonbanter.co.uk/cgi-bin/mt421/mt-tb.cgi/14108
Leave a comment