Everton FC' s David Moyes vows to step up search for fresh talent

The only notable arrival at Goodison Park since the transfer window opened has been Jo, who joined on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

However, it has not been for a lack of trying that no new faces have arrived and the situation would have been much brighter had Sheffield United not gone back on their decision to sell Kyle Naughton to Everton.

Not surprisingly, some concerned supporters have started to draw parallels with last summer, when Everton did not make any moves until a flurry that included Marouane Fellaini and Louis Saha the week before the window shut.

Moyes, though, is doing his utmost to make things happen before too long but he will not put a time limit on when fans should expect the first unveiling.

"We know the situation and we know we have got to add to the squad," said Moyes, who will take a strong side down to the Ricoh Arena for tomorrow's friendly with Coventry.
"I let it be known at the shareholders' forum that we don't have the money to make major signings but we are looking all the time.

"You never want to bring players in who you feel aren't going to improve what you already have, so the search continues to go on.

"The search is to try and find those one or two players who can add something different to the squad and give us a little bit more depth to what we have at the moment.

"In an ideal world, I'd have liked to have had everything done a week after the end of last season. I can't say I'm any closer to doing anything but we are still looking and hopefully the right person will come up."

With money in short supply, Everton have made a conscious decision to pursue young players this summer whose best years are in front of them.

Though they missed out on Naughton, the Blues are still tracking Leeds midfielder Fabian Delph and are considering their next move for Sweden international Rasmus Elm.

Another priority is bringing in a central defender to provide cover for Joseph Yobo and Joleon Lescott, as Phil Jagielka continues on the long road back to full fitness.

But there will at least be some good news on the horizon soon when, all being well, Ayegbeni Yakubu will make his first appearance in a Blue shirt since rupturing his Achilles tendon last November.

Provided there are no hiccups, either the friendly at Blackpool on Tuesday or the Goodison date with Malaga next Friday are the targets to relaunch Yakubu's Goodison career.

Everton, meanwhile, are bracing themselves for another Manchester City bid for Joleon Lescott but insist they will not sell the England international even for £30million.

Lescott arrived back from the club's Canada and USA tour today and is expected to play at Coventry on Sunday.

Everton have turned down bids of £15million and £18million from City and there is now thought to be a £22million offer on the table soon.

But club sources at Goodison Park are making it clear their attitude has hardened over the issue to the extent even a bid approaching £30million would be rejected.

Lescott is also now aware the only way that stance will change is if he asks for a transfer.
Chairman Bill Kenwright and boss David Moyes have been adamant all summer they will not sell any of the side that reached the FA Cup final and finished fifth in the Premier League last season.

Everton may be working under financial restraints but sources underline they are under no pressure from the banks to sell players, as has been the case in the past.

City boss Mark Hughes has refused to rule out another move for Lescott but Everton are making it very clear he is wasting his time unless Lescott changes the dynamics of the situation by demanding a move.