Manuel Fernandes sets sights on staying at Everton

Jan 14 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

MANUEL FERNANDES has already set his sights on securing a permanent move to Everton in the summer.

The Portugal international completed the formalities on a six-month loan deal from Valencia over the weekend.

It his second spell at Goodison having spent the second half of last season at the club on loan from Benfica.

Fernandes came close to agreeing a transfer to Everton in the summer, only to change his mind at the last minute and move to the Mestalla instead.

But with a deal in place for the Goodison outfit to sign the 21-year-old in the close season, Fernandes is intent on persuading David Moyes to make permanent his stay.

“I am really happy,” said the midfielder. “I was sad when I left in the summer, I wanted to stay here.

“But the most important thing is I am here and can help Everton out.

“The fact I know the people and the club helped my decision to come here. I believe this is the best decision for me. It’s going to be really easy to fit in.

“I knew what the team could do and this season they have brought in more quality players, they are a very strong squad.

“The fans I have seen so far have been good to me, and it’s always nice to be appreciated.

“When you are at a place and things don’t go well you start thinking if you have made the right choice. This is a good move, if it’s permanent better, but if it’s six months then I will enjoy it.

“If I hadn’t have wanted to come here in the first place, I wouldn’t have. But the other group that owns me meant it was difficult for me to come here, but hopefully it can happen this summer.”

Fernandes was ineligible for Saturday’s 1-0 win over Manchester City but is confident international clearance will arrive this week in time for him to be available for Sunday’s trip to Wigan Athletic.

“The spirit here is fantastic and something I haven’t seen at every club, but it is a strength here,” he said to evertonTV.

“I wouldn’t say I am in top form as I haven’t played as many games as I would have wanted. I just have to train hard, and try and get in the team against Wigan. I hope that the international clearance can come through.

“I hope we can get fourth place. Third place will be difficult as we are some points behind Chelsea.”

Fernandes’s signing will boost Everton for the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea as he is eligible to play in that competition.

But he can’t feature in the UEFA Cup as he has already played in the Champions league for Valencia this season.