Source: Daily_Mail
Everton boss Moyes eyes Spartak winger Bystrov after Banega swoop
Everton have targeted flying Spartak Moscow winger Vladimir Bystrov after securing a work permit for Valencia midfielder Ever Banega.
There were concerns over Banega's application because he has not played in 75 per cent of Argentina's international games over the last two years, winning only three senior caps so far.
But Manchester sports lawyer Chris Farnell successfully argued for the permit to be approved during a hearing at the Premier League HQ.
Banega, who struggled to settle in Spain after a �15m transfer from Boca Juniors 18 months ago, will now move to Goodison Park on a season-long loan with the option of a permanent deal next year. Boss David Moyes hopes to finalise a �9m deal for Bystrov.
Moyes is looking to employ Banega in a similar role to Mikel Arteta, who is currently sidelined with a knee ligament injury. Moyes said: 'Our application for a work permit has been passed and hopefully we will get to see him in a few days.
'He has very good ability and is a little bit similar to Mikel Arteta in lots of ways in that he can retain the ball and pass it.
'Ever is on a year's loan. If he's good then we will keep him, if he's not we can always send him back.'
Meanwhile, Phil Neville could be set for an extended run at centre-half as the Joleon Lescott saga continues to swirl.
The club captain made a winning start in midweek when he stepped into the role with his side chalking up a 4-0 victory against Sigma Olomouc in the Europa League play-off first leg.
Neville looks certain to retain that slot tomorrow against Burnley at Turf Moor as speculation grows that Lescott is edging ever closer to a move to Manchester City.
Lescott was banished from the squad by David Moyes for a bad attitude after two bids were rejected, leaving the manager short of options in that area.
Moyes said: 'Phil did a great job as centre half is not his position. He is a terrific pro. He may well have to do it again until the situation changes.
Phil Neville
Phil in: Phil Neville (left) may get an extended run at centre-half
'There were one or two rocky moments but there are going to be until we get at least one centre half, maybe two, depending on what we need.'
Moyes looks set to name the side that won in midweek thanks to two goals each from Jack Rodwell and Louis Saha.
Former Manchester United striker Saha has scored three goals in two games - he also found the target in the drubbing by Arsenal at the weekend.
Moyes believes Saha is already feeling the benefit of extra summer shifts.
'Louis did a lot of work in France during the holiday and had a good pre-season, ' said the Everton boss.
'I don't think he missed a training session. 'He feels much better in himself and hopefully he is over his injuries as he is a fantastic talent. We want to get the best out of him.'
Moyes is still hurting by the 6-1 defeat by Arsenal but knows it will be tough against a Burnley side, managed by fellow Scot Owen Coyle, that defeat Manchester United in midweek.
Moyes added: 'I feel a bit better after our result against the Czechs but it's one game and we've a bit more to go before we recover from the opening day defeat.
'Owen's got Burnley doing really well. They deserved to beat United because of their energy and that will give them great confidence.'
