Louis Saha can make winning impact at Everton - David Moyes

DAVID MOYES has hailed the match winning qualities of Louis Saha that could see him become Everton's shrewdest transfer in years.

The France international, who has agreed a three-year, deal was due to undergo a medical today at Goodison Park to rubberstamp his move from Manchester United.

Everton have not had to pay United any money up front, instead brokering a deal that will see them make regular instalments depending on the amount of games Saha plays.

Those economics are down to the fact Saha has been troubled by injury at Old Trafford but a look at his record shows that when fit, the 30-year-old is a top performer.

And Moyes - who is not putting a time scale on when Saha will be seen in a Blue shirt - is hoping that the former Fulham striker gets ample opportunity to show his worth.

"Louis has had no pre-season games, so there is no estimate when he may play," he said. "As far as I know, he is in pretty good nick, he had just picked up a calf strain in training.

"That's not far away from being okay now. Yes, he's had injury problems and if he had been playing every game, we wouldn't be getting him for next to nothing.

"There will be some money (to pay) after he's played games but there is no initial outlay.

"If you speak to people who have worked with him, they will tell you he is a top centre forward.

"If I can get him out 20 times a season, that would give us a chance of winning 20 games. I won't use him sparingly. I'll use him at every opportunity if he is fit."

Saha cost United £12.8m in January 2004 but only made 86 League appearances.

Moyes is hoping Saha will now bounce back to show he can cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

"The thing is that your body misses the contact and rigours of playing games regularly," said Moyes. "If you are not used to that, you get concerns.

"You wonder whether they will be able to take the contact from challenges. We can't tell until he has played."

Saha will see his new team-mates tackle Portsmouth today and may be available before Everton start their UEFA Cup campaign against Standard Liege.

dominicking@liverpoolecho.co.uk