Beattie attracts new suitors

Jul 16 2007 by Richard Williamson, Liverpool Daily Post

James Beattie (158)

EVERTON could be approaching a decision time over James Beattie.

The striker has been linked with both Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers, but manager David Moyes has made no public announcement over the former Southampton player’s future.

The £6million buy has endured a frustrating time at Goodison Park and has slipped down the pecking order behind his pal Andrew Johnson and emerging youngsters Victor Anichebe and James Vaughan.

But he remains a popular member of the squad and there is still the feeling that there is a good player in there who has yet to show his best to Everton fans. Given Moyes’s insistence that he will only bring in players to strengthen the squad, potential suitors may yet find themselves spurned.

Meanwhile attempts to bolster the backline further with Dario Simic will not be happening, according to the 31-year-old player’s agent.

Marco Naletilic, claims Everton and Marseille expressed an interest in the Milan player but the Italians have decided to reject all offers.

“The player has a contract with the Rossoneri until 2009,” Naletilic said. “The defender had some interesting offers from Everton and Marseille, but after a chat, Milan directors Ariedo Braida and Adriano Galliani decided that my client would not be sold.”

Which makes stories linking Joseph Yobo with Stuttgart all the less likely.