Moyes responds to Arteta disaster by stepping up Moutinho interest

23 February 2009 16:47
Joao Moutinho has emerged as Everton's top midfield target after it was confirmed that Mikel Arteta faces up to nine months on the sidelines.[LNB]A scan revealed the Everton [LNB]playmaker suffered cruciate ligament damage in the opening minutes of Sunday's 0-0 draw at Newcastle, and he was immediately ruled out for the rest of the season.[LNB] Calling the shots: Moutinho plays a pass in Sporting's win over Benfica on Sunday[LNB]Goodison insiders fear he will miss the start of next season as well, and manager David Moyes has responded by stepping up his long-term interest in Moutinho.[LNB]Moyes is aware of the 22-year old's ambition to test himself in the Barclays Premier League and sent scouts to watch him orchestrate Sporting Lisbon's 3-2 win over city rivals Benfica on Saturday night.[LNB]A versatile box-to-box midfielder who has been described as the new Rui Costa of Portuguese football, Moutinho has been on Moyes' radar for the past 12 months and could have become an Everton player last summer but for the clubs failing to agree a fee.[LNB]Everton bid £11.8million, but Sporting tried to hold out for nearer £20m, despite Moutinho making it clear he was in favour of moving to Goodison Park.[LNB]Arteta's long-term absence makes the need for midfield reinforcements all the greater, and Moyes has been heartened by a signal that Moutinho is still urging Sporting's board to lower their sights and help facilitate a fresh start in the Premier League.[LNB]The Everton manager prides himself on signing up-and-coming young players, eager to improve themselves, and is ready to launch another bid for Moutinho after being convinced he falls into that category.[LNB] Massive blow for Everton as Arteta is ruled out for the season[LNB]Newcastle 0 Everton 0: Sorry Kevin, but this was the real talking point in a dire match[LNB]EVERTON FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail