Everton first to get busy on deadline day by agreeing striker fee
Published:The usual last minute rush on transfer deadline day may be slowed slightly by the midweek batch of Premier League fixtures, but a hatful of deals are still expected to go through.
Everton are set to be first to improve their squad by sealing a move for Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic.
A goalscorer has been what David Moyes has been craving for some time, with Leon Osman, defender Leighton Baines and Greek youngster Apostolos Vellios currently topping the club’s scoring charts with a paltry three Premier League goals each heading into February.
Louis Saha’s constant battles with injury have not helped their cause, nor has the fact that money has long been tight.
However, with Diniyar Bilyaletdinov securing his switch to Spartak Moscow for approximately £5m, some funds have been made available for Jelavic.
The actual fee agreed is unknown, best West Ham reportedly have had a £7m offer already turned down earlier in the transfer window, ruling them out of the race.
Meanwhile, Everton have also enhanced their chances of finishing in the top half this season by agreeing terms for a defender to help cover for injured duo Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin.
Kostas Manolas is highly rated in Greece and Everton will pay £500,000 to AEK Athens for the 20-year-old, should they have money remaining after completing the capture of Jelavic.
It is 4/5 in the Premier League odds that Everton finish in the top ten this season, despite the fact they currently lie 14th in the standings.
