David Moyes's player drought goes on
EVERTON have been dealt another transfer setback after Tiago snubbed the offer of a 12-month loan deal.
And the Goodison Park outfit have been warned that Rennes have no intention of parting with their highly-rated midfielder Stephane M'bia.
Former Chelsea man Tiago has declined the chance of a return to the Premier League despite his club Juventus agreeing a season-long loan for the player with Everton.
Goodison officials had negotiated a deal which would have given them the option to make the transfer permanent next summer.
But Tiago's preference for a move to Spain has scuppered Everton's hopes, with the player saying yesterday: "I will not be going to Everton."
It's the second time the 27-year-old has backed out of a move to England, having been in a similar situation with Tottenham Hotspur 12 months ago.
Tiago's decision has been confirmed by Juventus.
Sporting director Alessio Secco said: "We had reached an agreement with Everton for the loan of Tiago. All that was needed was the player's agreement, and that never came.
"We take it, therefore, that Tiago will stay with us."
Everton manager David Moyes will now concentrate his energies elsewhere, and remains confident of capturing M'bia.
Moyes, who has again been linked with Marseille captain Lorik Cana, will have been encouraged by comments from the Cameroon international yesterday reiterating his desire for a move to Goodison.
Reports in France suggest Everton have lodged an £8million bid for the 22-year-old, with Rennes due to respond to the offer after the weekend.
But M'bia's subsequent declarations have forced the French side to release an official statement outlining their determination to keep the player at Stade de la Route de Lorient.
"Our position hasn't changed," said Rennes general manager Dreossi. "We are still determined to keep Stephane M'bia
" This decision, I repeat it, is firm and definitive."
M'bia, who is currently nursing a knee injury, says he will snub interest from Arsenal to pursue his Goodison dream.
"I have just been told that Arsenal are interested as well, but my position is clear - I want to start the season with Everton," he said. "What Rennes are currently offering me is far behind my demands. Both clubs have to find an agreement to help me leave.
"I'm aware that my directors have declared I won't leave, but it's just a means to make my price higher. I understand their position and I would do the same.
"It's politics. Regarding what I've heard, I know Dreossi is ready to let me leave. From my part, I don't want to play for Rennes anymore. Personally I don't worry because English clubs have the resources to sign me. When they really want a player they are ready to spent whatever amount.
"I'm hopeful it will be done by next week. That kind of opportunity only happens once. Even if I owe everything to this club (Rennes), I have a family to feed, regardless the challenge, which is very interesting. It's an ideal springboard for my career."
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This is my most disappointing summer as an Everton fan in a long time - because we had some expectation. We have a great manager and a good team that just needed strengthening. Kenwright has let Moyes down big style.
I wish Kenwright would just clear off and sell up. This is shocking.