Source: Liverpool_Echo
Everton in transfer deadline day race to sign new stars
EVERTON were today racing against the clock as they battled to bring in some much-needed new faces before the transfer window slams shut.
The Blues have signed Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Sylvain Distin in the past seven days but boss David Moyes will be bitterly disappointed if they are the only two additions.
Atletico Madrid defender Johnny Heitinga is number one target and the club are still trying to put together a suitable financial package to bring him to Merseyside.
A number of discussions took place yesterday between Everton officials and Heitinga's representatives will continue until 5pm this afternoon, if necessary.
But Moyes needs to recruit more than just a defender - albeit a versatile one - and Everton are pursuing several leads to bolster their midfield.
Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson could, perhaps, be an alternative if negotiating a deal for Bentley is too problematic, but suggestions that they are pursuing a move for Javi Martinez of Atletico Bilbao are wide of the mark.
The chances of Ever Banega arriving are looking increasingly remote, as no further headway has been made over the weekend.
