Van der Meyde in hot water
17 Aug 2007 - 16:51:28
Everton manager David Moyes has suspended Andy van der Meyde and hit the troubled winger with 'the maximum fine possible' after another breach of club discipline.
The Dutch wideman has not made an appearance this season and will not be considered for Saturday's trip to Reading after failing to appear at a training session during the week.
Van der Meyde has been suspended for seven days and Moyes has hinted his days at Goodison Park could well be numbered.
"Andy has had numerous warnings about this type of thing and we won't tolerate it any longer," he told the club's official website.
"I will make a decision regarding the player's future next week."
The former Ajax and Internazionale winger has endured a troubled two-year spell on Merseyside in which he has started just 12 league games.
He was sent off on his first Merseyside derby appearance and has been dogged by a series of injuries and rumours about his private life.
Meanwhile, Moyes has confirmed he expects midfielder Manuel Fernandes to become an Everton player within the next 24 hours.
The 21-year-old impressed on a six-month loan deal from Benfica last season and is poised to join the Toffees on a permanent basis.
"He had the first part of his medical yesterday afternoon and we are hoping that he completes the second part today so we can get the agreement done as soon as we possibly can," revealed Moyes.
"It might be that we can get it done for tomorrow. I am not sure."