Everton hope to unleash Yakubu

Aug 24 2007 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Footballer Ayegbeni Yakubu _158

EVERTON are hopeful Aiyegbeni Yakubu will complete his club record £11.25million transfer in time for a debut tomorrow.

The Nigerian striker has agreed terms on his move from Middlesbrough and yesterday underwent a medical after the two clubs thrashed out a fee.

However, the finer details have yet to be ironed out leaving Everton until later today to finalise the transfer in order for the 24-year-old to appear against Blackburn Rovers tomorrow evening.

Everton were particularly keen to rush through the deal for Yakubu – who will be handed the number nine jersey vacated by James Beattie – after Andrew Johnson was forced out of the England squad this week with fluid on his knee.

But Johnson is now expected to be available, giving Goodison manager David Moyes the mouth-watering prospect of unleashing a £20m strikeforce on

visitors Blackburn.

Moyes is likely to have to wait a little longer to call on Manuel Fernandes, though, with talks still ongoing between Everton and the Premier League over a suitable contract for the Portuguese midfielder.

Fernandes’s contract was co-owned by Benfica and investment bankers Global Sports Agency, and the Premier League are keen to clear up any concerns over third-party ownership in light of last season’s Carlos Tevez affair.

Everton have allowed Anderson de Silva to join Barnsley on a month’s loan.

“Anderson needs some match practice and experience and he's not getting that chance here just at the moment,” said Everton assistant manager Alan Irvine.

“The door certainly isn't closed for Anderson and we look forward to having him back here at Goodison at the end of next month.”