David Moyes steps tries to bolster defence with Vladimir Bystrov: Everton FC latest

20 August 2009 06:46
EVERTON are closing in on an £8m deal to sign Spartak Moscow's flying right winger Vladimir Bystrov - as David Moyes stepped up his efforts to bolster his defence. Moyes has endured a frustrating summer in the transfer market but he is at last making headway and Bystrov should be the first of a number new faces coming through the door. Capped 24 times by Russia, Bystrov is regarded as one of the quickest players in Europe and his imminent arrival will give Everton's attack an exciting, new dimension. Talks are at advanced stage with Spartak and Everton officials are confident terms will be concluded for the 25-year-old to be signed by the time they face Burnley on Sunday. Once that business is done, Moyes will switch his attentions to bring in two central defenders, as Joleon Lescott's future at Goodison Park is hanging in the balance. Lescott has been axed from the squad that will play SK Sigma Olomouc tonight in the first leg of the Europa League play-off and faces an enormous task to reverse his fortunes. The England international has dismayed senior members of the squad with his attitude in training since Everton were beaten by 6-1 by Arsenal and Moyes has had to take action. He ordered Lescott to train on his own at Finch Farm yesterday and it now looks increasingly likely that he will end up at Manchester City before the window closes. A number of options have been discussed but Moyes is evidently starting to make plans for life after Lescott - even if he didn't go as far as saying that the 27-year-old has played his last game for the club. "Normally Joleon is a very good trainer and very focused but he doesn't seem to be that at this present time," said Moyes.

Source: Liverpool_Echo