Reports are suggesting Everton's sudden urge for obscure, right sided defenders comes as a result of Phil Neville needing an ankle operation.

If accurate, it would be another bitter pill for David Moyes to swallow, with Tony Hibbert also sidelined. It is believed Neville has been playing through the pain barrier since the back end of last season.

Record.pt, a respected Portuguese newspaper, is claiming that Everton could still go back in with an increased offer for Joao Moutinho, although the chance is "remote.

Everton have apparently had one enquiry ignored but could still go back with an offer of 20m Euros according to the paper.

Albert Riera is set to snub Everton and move to Liverpool after Espanyol and the Anfield club battled out a new deal which reflects the value of Everton's bid.

The Blues had attempted to hijack Liverpool's bid by offering the Spanish club what they actually want for the player, but he has stuck to his guns in his bid to move to Liverpool.

Being from hundreds of miles away, we can expect, in broken English, a statement saying that Liverpool were his boyhood club once he signs.