Everton chase Joao Moutinho

According to a report on Setanta Sports, Everton have confirmed they are seeking to capture Portugal international Joao Moutinho from Sporting.

Moutinho was man-of-the-match in the opening game of Portugal’s Euro 2008 campaign and, at 21 years of age, is tipped for a huge future.

Everton need a central midfielder following the release of Lee Carsley to Birmigham and injury to Tim Cahill and in Sunday’s edition of Portuguese paper A Bola, Everton director Keith Wyness confirmed Moutinho is an option.

“The arrival of Joao Moutinho is a big possibility for us,” Wyness was quoted as saying in A Bola.

Sporting value Moutinho at around £16 million, but Everton hope they can negotiate that price down with a complex bid based on future achievements.

Chelsea had also been linked with the player, but chief executive Peter Kenyon confirmed ‘Chelsea are not interested in this player’.

[Source: Setantasports.com]