Everton are reportedly bracing themselves for a double bid from Manchester City for play-maker Mikel Arteta and defender Joleon Lescott. Yesterday there were rumours of a bid from Arsenal, however a bid from the Middle-Eastlands club seems far more likely. Moyes is unlikely to want to sell arguably his two best players however with the riches available to City manager Mark Hughes, a bid of a £40 million plus may prove too good to turn down. Moyes has never been one to sell his best players as it gives out the wrong message to the rest of the squad so the FollowEverton verdict is that this won’t happen

On the transfers in front 24 year old Fiorentina striker Giampaolo Pazzini could join on a 6-month loan deal if you believe the back-pages. However the deal could hit a snag as Fiorentina are apparently going to ask for a fee. Pazzini shot onto the scene with a stunning hat-trick in the first ever game at the new Wembley Stadium between England and Italy’s Under 21s, scoring the stadium’s first ever goal after just 25 seconds!

Pazzini scores Wembley's opening goal

The arrival of Alberto Gilardino has left opportunities limited for Pazzini at La Viola so a move out on loan would seem likely. Moyes is in the market for strikers after Yakubu was ruled out for the rest of the season, and a delay to James Vaughan’s knee operation means he may not play again this term. Victor Anichebe is on his way back from a back injury and Louis Saha should be back in January, but it is highly unlikely that he will remain fit for the rest of the season.

Written by Ian Phillips

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