France U21 Star: Everton Are A Great Club
Posted by Louis, Jun 16 2009, 10:51 PM
Nineteen year old Le Havre defender Jean Armel Kana-biyik has told press he is flattered to be linked with Everton. He is currently a French under 21 international but has played for Cameroon's under 20 team. He's the son of Andre Kana-Biyik who played in two world cups and the nephew of François Omam-Biyik who participated in three.
"I am calm about the links to Everton, they are a great club, and it is appealing when you hear about them wanting you,"
"But I have a three-year contract with Le Havre. If they agree with Le Havre, I will join them, but it is in the hands of Le Havre. So let's wait and see."
M'bia: I'm Keen To Join Everton
Posted by Louis, Jun 16 2009, 7:37 PM
Cameroon international Stephane M'Bia has told the French press that he wants to join Everton: "I have been aware of Everton's interest since last year when I almost joined them," he said.
"I am keen to join them because, if what is reported is true, they have said that they want me and that they value me as a player."
"I am waiting on news. I have not heard anything yet, but for me it is time to move on in my career.
Although, according to the player the final say is out of his hands: "I have already told the club of my desire to leave but they have the final say.
"They know and understand my position."
Everton In For Naughton
Posted by Louis, Jun 16 2009, 3:48 PM
Everton have reportedly put in a £5million bid for England u21 right back Kyle Naughton. The 20 year old from Sheffield has impressed many people recently and Everton fans are no different, many would be happy to see him in a Royal Blue shirt.
He has played 40 games for Sheffield United and scored 1 goal and spent part of 2008 on loan at Gretna with recently released John Paul Kissock. Hopefully the likes of Phil Jagielka, David Unsworth, Gary Naysmith, Gary Speed and Liverpool Masters star Don Hutchison(!) will be queueing up to put a good word in his ear about Everton.
Update - The bid was rejected.
Further update - There was never any bid and SkySports seemingly made it all up!
The Yakademy
Posted by Louis, Jun 15 2009, 1:15 PM
The Yak has opened his own Academy for children under 15 in the Nigerian capital of Ajuba and largest City Lagos.
“The academy will be based in Lagos and Abuja. I want to get many of these young players off the streets and help them develop better as footballers. This academy will be in Abuja and Lagos for the time being,” he said.
“Talent abounds in Nigeria, but we need to direct these youngsters properly and professionally. It will be my own little way of giving back to the system that gave me the breakthrough before I left for Europe.”
Yobo Visa Problems
Posted by Louis, Jun 15 2009, 1:12 PM
The Nigeria Football Federation failed to obtain a visa for Joseph Yobo which means he can not play in Nigeria's friendly against Malta. He was not the only only player to have the problem; John Utaka and Dele Aiyenugba are also not able to play due to the administration error.
"We could not get visas for them, so we are travelling with 23 players for now," Media Coordinator Idah Peterside told KickOffNigeria.com. "However, they are still part of the squad and the NFF are doing everything possible to get their visas.
"As soon as they get them, they will join us in Malta, and we will all go to Tunisia together."
Everton Summer Clearance
Posted by Louis, Jun 12 2009, 11:11 PM
Twelve players have been released from their contract this summer. Portuguese international Nuno Valente, Dutch international Van Der Meyde and 10 youngsters who never made a first team appearance for Everton.
Youngsters John Irving, John Paul Kissock, Scott Spencer, Eunan O'Kane , Cory Sinnott, Tom McCready, Luke Powell, Michael Jensen and Daniel Redmond have now been released. Kissock spent some time in the Scottish Premier League appearing for Gretna on loan, Spencer shown promise at Oldham and was snapped up. Irving looked was regularly involved with the first team but never made it past the bench.
Segunda Castillo and Jo have returned to Red Star Belgrade and Manchester City respectively. Jacobsen is expected to sign a new deal. The Danish international signed a 1 year deal when he joined Everton last year.
No Everton Bid For Delph
Posted by Louis, Jun 10 2009, 1:48 PM
Leeds United's CEO Shaun Harvey has declared that rumours of England u21 midfielder Fabian Delph making his way to Goodison Park is unhelpful speculation. The Daily Mirror reported that he is expected to join Everton for an initial £4million.
"Despite the speculation, there have been no offers for Fab since the end of the season," he said.
"At this stage of the year speculation is always rife although it's never helpful."
Turkish newspapers are reporting that Everton have had an €8million bid inclusive of a 20% sell on fee clause rejected for Turkish international Mehmet Topal.
Pienaar's Agent: No Deal Just Yet
Posted by Louis, Jun 9 2009, 6:02 PM
Ivan Modia, a spokesman for Pienaar's Barcelona based management company Extratime has said that contract talks with Pienaar have not begun just yet but he is confident that there will be in the future.
He said:"Steven Pienaar is under contract and has two years left on his current deal."
"Anything regarding his contract, future and other clubs is pure speculation.
"He is currently in a training camp preparing for the Confederations Cup and that is what all his thoughts are on at the moment.
"There have been no discussions at this time about a new contract, I am sure there will be, but as said at this time there is nothing to report."
Pienaar signed a three year deal last year is currently one third of the way into it. He's still recovering from injury problems; "I am still feeling a small twinge in the hamstring and hopefully it is going to come right" he said.
Kendall: Injured Players Are Priority This Summer
Posted by Louis, Jun 9 2009, 4:39 PM
Howard Kendall insists that the priority for this summer is not a new signing but in fact allowing the likes of Yakubu, Jagielka, Arteta and Anichebe to recover from their long-term injuries. Yakubu recently started light training which is one positive piece of news.
Kendall said: "The priority will now be to get the injured players fit for next season. It has been remarkable the success that they have had with the number of problems they have had to deal with."
Pienaar Pleased With La Liga Interest
Posted by Louis, Jun 8 2009, 8:44 PM
Steven Pienaar has said he is pleased with the interest from Spanish team Athletico Madrid because he has always wanted to test himself in the best leagues in the world.
The mini baritone reacted to the speculation by saying: "I have played in a number of the best leagues in the world, and it has always been my ambition to test myself in La Liga.
"For a player of my type, La Liga will always be an attraction and to play in the Champions League again would be a real thrill.
"But at this time I can only reiterate that any speculation regarding my future is exactly that."
But he underlined his desire to stay at Everton for the time being: "I am a proud Everton player at present and would welcome it if the club moved to secure my long-term future, but that kind of thing is out of my hands.
"It is true that I only have two years remaining on my contract.
"It has been a happy two years at the club so far and I am delighted to have played a small part in the success we have achieved in finishing fifth in consecutive seasons and reaching the FA Cup final, but you never know in football what tomorrow will bring.
"Who knows in one or two years' time where I will be?"
Pienaar is currently struggling with a swollen ankle and limped off midway through the second half of South Africa's win over Poland.