Everton eyeing moves for Steve Sidwell and Michael Bradley

May 7 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON are considering rekindling their interest in Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell.

Sidwell has become surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge after suffering a miserable campaign following his arrival from Reading on a free transfer last summer.

The 25-year-old has made just 13 starts with his last appearance coming in the FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town in February.

Goodison manager David Moyes, who was keen to bring Sidwell to Everton last year, had contemplated a loan move for the former England under-21 international in January.

Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Reading were also interested in taking the midfielder on a temporary deal before the player decided to stay put.

But it is almost certain Sidwell will now seek a move away from Stamford Bridge to kick-start a career that has stalled following an impressive four-year spell at Reading.

The midfielder would cost in the region of £3million, and would have to take a cut in wages should Moyes follow up his interest with a concrete offer.

Everton have again checked on another long-time target, United States international Michael Bradley.

The midfielder was watched for the fourth time on Monday night while playing for club side Heerenveen in Holland against Ajax in a Champions League qualification play-off.

However, the 20-year-old was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 38th minute as his side crashed to a 3-1 defeat.

Bradley has attracted interest from a clutch of clubs, including Blackburn and Aston Villa and German Bundesliga duo Werder Bremen and Stuttgart.

Heerenveen are asking for around £4m, despite the American having only a year left on his contract. Moyes, though, rates the player nearer the £2.5m mark.

Reports in France have suggested Moyes is also tracking Marseille’s Cameroon international midfielder Modeste M’Bami, who is out of contract next summer and shown no desire to sign a contract extension.

And the Spanish Press have claimed Everton are also interested in Valencia winger Joaquin even though the Spain international’s £10m price tag would appear hugely prohibitive.

Meanwhile, Moyes has praised Tony Hibbert after the right-back’s man-of-the-match performance against Arsenal at the weekend.

“I thought Tony Hibbert was outstanding, as was Joseph Yobo and Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott,” said Moyes. “We play Hibbo in the games that matter because he is a good defender and he doesn't let you down. He is honest in his work and he is a really good player.”

The third annual Everton end-of-season awards dinner takes place at St George’s Hall in Liverpool this evening. The ceremony, which is hosted by Ray Stubbs, will be free to view on evertonfc.com live and exclusive from 10pm.