Everton target ex-Chelsea star Tiago
EVERTON have made a last ditch bid to hijack Newcastle's move for former Chelsea midfielder Tiago, after their hopes of landing Vagner Love were dashed.
The Portugal playmaker, 27, who made 52 appearances for Chelsea in 2004/05, has been made available by Juventus and looked to be heading for Newcastle until the deal hit a hitch yesterday.
Sources in Turin claim the final decision is down to the player, but Atletico Madrid and Fenerbahce have now also been alerted and Tiago is believed to prefer a move to Spain.
Newcastle thought they had landed the midfielder yesterday in a loan move that could become permanent next summer for an £8million fee.
But while negotiations began on how much each club should contribute to the player's wages, Everton made their move.
Juventus defender turned agent Manuel Dimas is working on the deal and thought he had all but secured a move for his client to Newcastle, but the presence of Portugal team-mate Nuno Valente at Goodison, the Blues' ongoing interest in Joao Moutinho and their involvement in Europe this season has given him second thoughts.
Even if Everton can persuade Tiago to rejoin the Premier League, however, a deal is unlikely to be completed in time for the opening game on Saturday when David Moyes will be left with just 10 senior players to select from and a clutch of youngsters.
The Blues' interest in Brazilian striker Love ended when it was revealed they had been misled by one of the agents involved.
CSKA Moscow were never prepared to let the striker leave on loan, as the Blues believed, and Everton have now switched their attentions elsewhere.
Yakubu will be the only senior striker available to Moyes for the visit of Blackburn.
Nigeria defeated USA 2-1 at the Olympics yesterday, which means Victor Anichebe will stay in Beijing until Saturday at least when the Super Eagles play their quarter-final.
James Vaughan is also struggling with a foot injury, after escaping suspension for his pre-season red card in the USA.
Such is the lack of numbers that Jose Baxter may be withdrawn from the England under-17 squad for a tournament later this month.
Older/Newer
« Fantasy Football: Sign up to be the boss and win top £100k prize | Everton fans need to be the 11th Man on Saturday »
0 TrackBacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Everton target ex-Chelsea star Tiago.
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.evertonbanter.co.uk/cgi-bin/mt421/mt-tb.cgi/19863
Leave a comment