Everton wait on Andrew Johnson Fulham move

Jul 24 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON are prepared to drag out the Andrew Johnson transfer saga despite Fulham closing in on a deal for the striker.

The Cottagers are understood to have had a £10.5million offer accepted for Johnson.

Fresh doubts were raised over the player’s future at Everton when he was not even included on the substitutes’ bench for Tuesday night’s 1-0 friendly victory over Preston North End at Deepdale.

Wigan Athletic and Sunderland had been leading the way for Johnson, who was a club record signing for Everton when he arrived from Crystal Palace for £8.6m two years ago.

But neither club has so far shown an inclination to match Fulham’s interest, although West Ham United – another potential suitor – could make a move if they part ways with Craig Bellamy.

Although Johnson’s departure is now inevitable, Everton manager David Moyes remains reticent to part with the player until a replacement has been captured, with Real Zaragoza’s Diego Milito and Tottenham Hotspur forward Darren Bent the main targets.

Until then, there is the likelihood Johnson’s career could be left in limbo with the club unwilling to risk selecting the striker in any remaining pre-season friendlies.

Moyes is wary of being short of forward players at the start of the season, with Tim Cahill and James Vaughan not expected to be fit enough for the opening game against Blackburn Rovers on August 16.

And Everton will also be without Victor Anichebe, after the 19-year-old was yesterday confirmed as part of Nigeria’s squad for the Olympic Games next month.

With so many senior squad members unavailable for the opening weeks of pre-season, an opportunity has arisen for some of the club’s youngsters.

Among them is Jose Baxter, the 16-year-old who impressed with encouragingly mature, composed performances against Sion, Cambridge United and Preston.

Baxter was in Switzerland at Everton’s pre-season training camp earlier in the month and believes his game has already benefited as a result.

“It’s been a great experience,” Baxter said to evertonTV.

“When you are around the senior players you look at them on and off the pitch and you want to do what they do.

“I’ve just got to stick at it, I just want to stick around the first team and try and be involved as much as possible.”

Bootle-born Baxter, who only left school this summer, added: “I’ve represented England under-16s and I’ve been picked for the U17 Nordic tournament later this month.

“It’s great when I join up with them and play with the best players from other clubs.

“My preferred position is attacking midfield, but I used to be a striker.”

Everton’s Megastore is open from 7am this morning to allow supporters an early chance to buy the brand new home kit.

The store will remain open until 7pm on what is traditionally the busiest day of the calendar year.

The original launch date for the state-of-the-art kit, priced from £35, was delayed following circumstances beyond the control of the club.