Results tagged “Football” from Everton Banter - Join the debate with EFC fans, staff writers and club legends

DAVID MOYES paid Nuno Valente the ultimate compliment as he explained the decision to retain the Portuguese defender's services for another year.

Valente, who will be 34 in September, is currently the oldest member of Everton's playing staff and has been restricted to just 58 appearances since his £1.4m move from FC Porto in August 2005, due to a number of fitness problems.

The Blues' boss, though, had no hesitation in offering Valente a 12-month contract extension at the end of last season as Moyes believes the left-back is the "best" professional he has ever signed from overseas and can continue to make his presence felt in the squad.

WIGAN ATHLETIC will have to find at least £10million to tempt Everton into parting with Andrew Johnson.

Although no official bid has been made, it has emerged the Latics contacted Goodison officials last week with a verbal offer of £9m for the striker.

That falls short of Everton's valuation of Johnson, who would be receptive towards a move to the JJB Stadium ahead of expected offers from Sunderland and West Ham United.