Everton prepared to play waiting game for transfer target Michael Bradley

Jan 29 2008

USA star Michael Bradley

EVERTON are prepared to wait for USA midfielder Michael Bradley.

The Blues have enquired about the Heerenveen star, but been quoted a fee of around 5million Euros (£3.7m).

David Moyes won’t pay that amount for a 20-year-old who has just 18-months remaining on his contract with the Dutch club, but could go back in for him this summer.

The Blues boss said today he does not expect to conduct any further transfer business before the January window closes on Thursday.

And Heerenveen coach Gertjan Verbeek added: “Never say never in football, but I count on Bradley staying here.”

The 6ft 1in American international, who moved to the Eredivisie in 2006, has scored 15 times this season, including eight in his last eight games as Heerenveen have climbed to third in the table.

The Blues have watched him several times and been quietly impressed.

Goodison officials, meanwhile, are urgently scouring African flight timetables as Nigeria stand on the brink of African Nations Cup elimination tonight.

Chelsea have a private jet on standby to bring John Obi Mikel back from Ghana should a draw between Mali and Ivory Coast knock out Nigeria.

But the Blues are trying to ensure Yakubu and Joseph Yobo return quickly by more conventional means.

African players have gone walkabout following major tournaments before, but the Nigerians are unlikely to want to return to their home country should their early elimination be confirmed.

They have failed to score in their two matches so far, and Nigerian sports commissioner Brown Ebewele said: “I wish I could see Berti Vogts right now.

“I will slap him so he can get a little feel of what Nigerians think about him presently.

“He will do himself, Nigerians and football in Africa a lot of good if he quietly sneaks out of Ghana and into his country.”

Blues midfielder Leon Osman is a doubt for tomorrow’s visit of Spurs.