Source: Liverpool_Echo
Everton FC are not looking to offload striker Yakubu to West Ham
Yakubu 300[LNB]EVERTON are not looking to sell Yakubu despite signing Jermaine Beckford to boost their forward line.[LNB]The Nigerian striker has been linked with a summer exit from Goodison Park, and the free transfer capture of ex-Leeds United hit-man Beckford has intensified speculation he could leave.[LNB]Reports have suggested that David Moyes might accept a bid for Yakubu from Avram Grant's West Ham, in order to strengthen his own transfer budget.[LNB]But the ECHO understands that the 27-year-old, who scored in Nigeria's final friendly before the World Cup against North Korea on Saturday, remains part of Moyes' plans for next season.[LNB] A severe Achilles tendon injury in November 2008 meant Yakubu endured a frustrating 12 months on the sidelines, but Moyes views him as a natural goalscorer when fully fit.[LNB]In the 2007/08 season, Yakubu became the first Everton player since Peter Beardsley to net 20 goals in a season. But he only managed six strikes last season as he struggled to recapture top form.[LNB]The former Middlesbrough forward has played under Grant before at Portsmouth, and Israeli agent Pini Zahavi represents both men.[LNB]But he would not be sold by Everton unless he asked for a move and made it clear he wanted to leave and play for Grant again.
