Everton manager David Moyes in talks with Sheffield United's Kyle Naughton
DAVID MOYES was poised to meet Kyle Naughton today intent on making him Everton's first summer signing.
The Blues have made a significant breakthrough having endured a rollercoaster 48-hours in their attempts to the land the exciting full-back from Sheffield United.
Tottenham had been hoping to hijack the deal and tried to gazump Everton with a bigger offer for Naughton on Sunday, even though Goodison officials had agreed a ã5m deal last week.
Harry Redknapp had wanted to sign both Naughton and his team-mate Kyle Walker but Everton are understood to have responded by making the same ã8m offer.
Naughton is desperate to move to Merseyside and, provided discussions go according to plan, he could even become an Everton player in time for the trip to America next week.
The situation with Walker, however, is slightly more complex: Everton would be willing to sign him with intention of letting the 19-year-old return to Bramall Lane for a season-long loan.
Walker has only made two appearances for United - he also had a loan spell with Northampton last season - and would be considered as one for the future.
But he has been swayed by Tottenham's advances and further discussions will be needed to thrash that situation out.
At least Naughton now looks like being relatively straightforward, as he has seen the success Phil Jagielka has had at Goodison and how Moyes is not afraid to give young players a chance.
Moyes, meanwhile, has seen his ranks strengthened by the return to training of Tim Cahill and Joleon Lescott after their extended summer breaks.
Both those men were involved in World Cup qualifiers until the middle of June but they reported back to Finch Farm on Monday and could be involved in Saturday's friendly at Rochdale.
Should they return to the starting line-up at Spotland, Everton are likely to give a much more polished show than their second half effort against Bury last Friday.
"The result last week made no difference to anything with our plans," said assistant boss Steve Round.
Everton will stage a Shareholders' Forum this evening in the Marquee at Goodison Park. Start is 7pm prompt.
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Hope you get both Kyles from us (SUFC) instead of Spurs or Villa. Actually Walker played at least 5 times for us, not twice, including both Play-Off Final Legs and the Final, plus a Centre-Back appearance against Hull in the Cup when he was excellent. Walker is the better defender, but Naughton loves to get forward and link up with right-side MF. Two CRACKING players, with every bit as much potential as Jags had. Good luck lads, and don't worry about the fee - they're worth every penny.
I hate my life but at least this makes it bareblae.
Superb information here, ol'e chap; keep burnnig the midnight oil.