Source: Daily_Mail
Everton renew their interest in Sporting star Joao Moutinho
Joao Moutinho has emerged as Everton'stop midfield target after it was confirmed that Mikel Arteta faces up to nine months out of action. A scan revealed Arteta suffered cruciate ligament damage in the opening minutes of Sunday's 0-0 draw at Newcastleand he was immediately ruled out for the rest of the season. Goodison insiders fear he will miss the start of next season as well and as a result boss David Moyes has stepped up his long-term interest in Moutinho. Port of call: Everton will renew their interest in Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho My lucky escape: How a pair of £12 shin pads helped to Anichebe's careerEVERTON FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEBMoyes responds to Arteta disaster by stepping up Moutinho interest Moyes is aware of the 22-year-old's ambition to play in the Barclays Premier League and sent scouts to watch him in Sporting Lisbon's 3-2 win over city rivals Benfica on Saturday night. 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. Everton bid £11.8million, but Sporting tried to hold out for nearer £20m, despite the midfielder making it clear he was in favour of moving to Goodison Park. Moyes has been heartened by a signal that Moutinho is still urging Sporting's board to lower their sights and help facilitate a move to the Premier League. My lucky escape: How a pair of £12 shin pads helped to Anichebe's careerEVERTON FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEBMoyes responds to Arteta disaster by stepping up Moutinho interest