Toffees close to Bilyaletdinov sale

24 January 2012 12:46

Everton hope to conclude the sale of midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov to Spartak Moscow in the next couple of days.

The Russian club claimed they had agreed a deal with the Toffees on Monday but that was dismissed as slightly premature by the Merseysiders. However, Everton have confirmed talks are currently taking place and they hope to seal the £5million sale of the Russia international before the weekend.

"Discussions over the possible sale of Diniyar are ongoing with Spartak Moscow and we would hope to conclude these in the next 48 hours," a club spokesman told evertonfc.com.

Bilyaletdinov's move will be subject to a medical and him agreeing personal terms.

The 26-year-old joined Everton from Lokomotiv Moscow in August 2009 for £9million and has made 77 appearances, scoring nine goals.

However, after scoring what was adjudged to be Everton's goal of the season in his maiden campaign he began to struggle in subsequent years.

In the summer he began to publicly air his frustrations and unhappiness and suggested if the situation did not improve he would have to move to find regular first-team football.

Bilyaletdinov has started just seven league matches this season and the club have decided he can now leave.

Source: PA