David Moyes will have to up bid for Mehmet Topal

Jul 16 2008 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

GALATASARAY are set to play hardball in their attempts to head off Everton’s interest in Mehmet Topal.

Initial reports in Turkey suggested the Galatasaray midfielder, who made four appearances as his country reached the recent Euro 2008 semi-finals, would be available for around £2.5million.

But it appears that Everton manager David Moyes will have to send in a more tempting offer to after the club insisted he was not for sale.

Galatasaray chairman Adnan Polat said: “Both in the league and in Europe we have big ambitions, with this in mind we are not thinking of selling anyone.”

Polat was reacting to the 22-year-old’s suggestion he would be willing to leave Galatasaray for Goodison Park.

He has been earmarked by Moyes as a potential replacement for Lee Carsley in the midfield holding role that has been vital to Everton’s back-to back European qualifications.

Topal said: “I am aware of their interest and if Galatasaray felt it would be good for them to do a deal then I would be more than willing to go there.”

Another option Moyes has pondered during the summer is Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson.

The 20-year-old, who was released by Everton as a youth player, seemed set to sign a new contract, but is yet to be offered terms.

Aston Villa are also monitoring Johnson’s situation.