Hitzlsperger extends Everton stay until end of season

Everton boss David Moyes has confirmed German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger will stay at Goodison Park until the summer.



Hitzlsperger, having been without a club since leaving Wolfsburg last summer, signed a short-term contract with the Toffees in October that saw him through to this month.



The 30-year-old former Aston Villa and West Ham player has made seven appearances for the Everton and, when asked about Hitzlsperger's future this afternoon, Moyes said: 'We have decided to keep him on. Thomas is going to stay until the end of the season.'

Jagielka re-signs at Everton

Defender Phil Jagielka has renewed his contract with Everton to keep him at Goodison Park until 2017.



Former Sheffield United captain Jagielka arrived on Merseyside in 2007 and has made 21 appearances in the Premier League this season.



His only goal this term came in a 2-1 victory over Wigan in December and the Toffees currently sit fifth in the table.

Fellaini charged by FA

Marouane Fellaini has been handed one violent conduct charge following his running battle with Ryan Shawcross at the weekend.



The Everton midfielder is facing a three-match ban if he is found guilty of butting Shawcross during the second half of Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Britannia.



But a Football Association statement confirmed no action will be taken over two further clashes as the pair awaited Everton corners.Referee Mark Halsey saw both incidents at the time and decided neither was worthy of punishment.



Fellaini will start his suspension with immediate effect, ruling him out of the forthcoming games against West Ham, Wigan and Chelsea.

The Belgian, who apologised immediately after Saturday's game, is also likely to be fined by his club after manager David Moyes publicly condemned his player in a post-match interview.

Fellaini faces punishment for headbutt

Everton manager David Moyes said his Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini deserves to be punished for headbutting Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross in Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium.



Fellaini clashed with Shawcross on the hour mark as the players jostled for position at a corner, but the incident went unnoticed by referee Mark Halsey and his assistants.



"He deserves to get the punishment. I've seen it, it's a terrible thing to do and I expect him to be punished. It's down to the FA. I've told him it's not acceptable and whatever he gets, he and us deserve it," conceded Moyes.



A first-half own-goal from Shawcross had gifted Everton the lead, but Kenwyne Jones struck seven minutes after the break as Stoke stretched their undefeated run to seven matches, while Everton drew for the eighth time in their last 11 outings.



The stalemate left Everton fourth on 27 points, two adrift of third-placed Chelsea, as Stoke remained ninth on 24 points and behind Arsenal on goal difference.



Steven Nzonzi wasted an inviting chance to give Stoke the lead as he headed straight at goalkeeper Tim Howard after Jonathan Walters had steered the ball into his teammate's path, while only a fine goalline clearance from Shawcross prevented Steven Naismith from putting the visitors ahead.



However, Shawcross was the villain soon after as he inadvertently headed Steven Pienaar's teasing delivery from the left beyond a helpless Asmir Begovic to hand Everton a 36th-minute lead.



Leon Osman squandered a chance to double the Toffees' advantage when he failed to hit the target after being picked out by Leighton Baines in the Stoke box, but the hosts emerged from the dressing room after the break looking revitalised.



Howard denied Charlie Adam, but the US international was caught out as Jones equalised on 52 minutes, climbing expertly to meet Shawcross' long diagonal ball and plant a header low into the corner for his first league goal of the season.



The Trinidad and Tobago striker then had an opportunity to give Tony Pulis' men the lead but shot wide from close range under pressure from Phil Jagielka.



Everton should have been reduced to 10-men following Fellaini's senseless act, which could have proved even more controversial as Nikica Jelavic subsequently forced a smart low save from Begovic.



Substitute Cameron Jerome almost made an instant impact for the home side after replacing Adam, drilling just wide of the post after his initial attempt was blocked by Sylvain Distin.



Howard then made a sprawling stop to deny Jerome again before Distin intervened with a vital headed clearance off the line to prevent Peter Crouch from putting Stoke ahead.



Pienaar manufactured a late chance to snatch a winner for Everton, but the South African dragged a tame effort well wide of the mark after running at the hosts' defence as Stoke equalled their longest unbeaten streak in the top flight.

Pulis: Moyes deserves big job

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is at a loss why one of the Premier League's big guns has not poached Everton counterpart David Moyes.

Moyes has pushed Everton into the top four as we reach the halfway stage of the season and they will arrive at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday on a run of just one defeat in 11 games.



Given the Scot's managerial qualities, it remains a surprise to Pulis that he is still at Goodison Park.



"I know David very well. He is a top manager, has done exceptionally well there.



They'll be really pleased they've kept him and that he's still there," said Pulis.



"I'm surprised he is still there, to be honest, because I thought one of the big four might have taken him away after serving a first-class apprenticeship there.



"He's now been there a long time, the players know him, the club know him, he's put his stamp on the place, and they're reaping the rewards from it.



"Traditionally they've been a top, top club over the years, not out of the top flight for many years (since 1954).



"Everton are a benchmark for us in lots of respects. They're a very good club, with the way they've built and put things together.

"As I've mentioned, they've a great manager, but they've top players, and they've a real chance of pushing for the top four. They'll be top six without a question of a doubt this season.



"We haven't had as much time as Everton in the Premier League to lay the foundations, but we're getting there, and that's the main thing. We've had a great year this year. Every year we spend in the Premier League is an achievement. We just want to build the club properly, and over a period of time."

Saturday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Zenit St Petersburg have confirmed their interest in Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United.



- Manchester United have made an enquiry for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling, according to Goal.com.



- Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson could land £10million Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, 20, in January by letting him spend the rest of the season on loan at Selhurst Park, according to Dailymail.



- QPR boss Harry Redknapp says Robbie Keane and other MLS stars in America could be the answer to help the club's battle to stay in the top-flight.



- Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is leaving the door open for Newcastle to sensationally hijack Andy Carroll’s permanent move to West Ham, writes the Sunday People.



- Brendan Rodgers is confident Raheem Sterling will sign a long-term contract at Liverpool, but will not bow to any 'over-the-odds demands'.



Brendan Rodgers will consider a move for Swansea hitman Michu if he misses out on top strike target Daniel Sturridge in January, writes the Sunday People.



- Liverpool are planning to make a £5million swoop for Celtic striker Georgios Samaras, according to Dailymail.



- West Ham boss Sam Allardyce fears the club could struggle to hold on to in-form midfielder Mohamed Diame.



- Veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel says he is 'very happy' at Tottenham following reports he is wanted back at former club Blackburn Rovers.



- Tottenham will try to tempt Fernando Llorente into quitting Athletic ­Bilbao in January.



- Newcastle are ready to smash their wage structure for Demba Ba – but the Senegal striker is turning his nose up at the latest 70-grand-a-week offer, writes the Sunday People.



- Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill is ready to make a ­£5million January raid for Michael Dawson, according to Sunday People.



- AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has cooled speculation linking the Serie A giants with a move for Mario Balotelli in January.



- Roma coach on the still unresolved problem centred around the midfield player, said to be on the radar of a host of big clubs: "I hope he performs as well as he has in previous seasons. Manchester City after him? We have to see where these rumours are coming from, no one has enquired about him".



- Former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane has announced his retirement from football.



- Paris St German want to offer Arsenal contract rebel Bacary Sagna a way out of the Emirates.



- David Beckham will be offered a move to the Middle East as he weighs up where he should end his playing career.

Moyes would welcome Lescott back to club

David Moyes has not ruled out bringing Joleon Lescott back to Everton if Manchester City decide to sell.



The England centre-half has been sidelined at City in recent weeks by the emergence of Serbia youngster Matija Nastasic.



And despite the acrimonious nature of his move from Goodison Park to the Etihad Stadium three years ago, Lescott would be welcomed back by his former manager.



Moyes said: "If Joleon wanted to come back - if I thought we needed him - I'd be delighted to have him back.



"If he was available he'd be someone I'd maybe show an interest in."



The Scot was angered by Lescott's attitude while his £22m transfer was going through, but he said: "I can understand why the player wanted to go.



"When Joleon left, Everton were in a different place to where we are now. Everton look more likely now to be at the top end than they do now."

Everton confirm Pienaar deal

Everton have confirmed the permanent return of Steven Pienaar from Tottenham for £4.5million on a four-year deal.



The South Africa international midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at Goodison Park after failing to impress under then-Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.



He only signed for Tottenham last year for a reported £3million fee after spending four years, the first of which was on loan from Borussia Dortmund, with Everton.



Opportunities were limited for Pienaar at Tottenham, where he started just five Barclays Premier League matches.



But he excelled on his return to Everton, scoring four goals in 14 league games to help them finish seventh, with boss David Moyes stating at the beginning of the month one of his aims for the summer was to re-sign Pienaar.



Pienaar made no secret of his desire to return to Merseyside and Tim Cahill's move to Major League Soccer outfit the New York Red Bulls paved the way for the 30-year-old's comeback.



"I am happy to be here. It took a few weeks to sort out but I am delighted to be back and excited to play for Everton," he told evertontv. "There was no doubt in my mind that I would be back here. At the end of the season I told the manager how I felt and I am happy now it is all done."

Cahill open to Everton loan return

Tim Cahill has not ruled out the possibility of returning to Everton on loan during the Major League Soccer close season - if his new club the New York Red Bulls give their consent.

Cahill was presented by the Red Bulls on Monday after deciding to leave Everton for a new challenge in the United States following eight years at Goodison Park.



Several US-based players have had loan stints in Europe outside of the MLS season, including David Beckham, Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan, and Cahill was asked if that was something he was considering.



The Australia international insisted his main concern was getting off to a good start with the Red Bulls, but he refused to close the door in the prospect of a loan switch at the end of the campaign.



He said: "I'm totally focusing on the Red Bulls - getting fit, giving everything I can for the next three to four months.



"If something can work and fit to the training regime, because I've committed my future to the Red Bulls, and going on loan might not be the right thing for the football club... But if it works out that I can find the right happy medium to get the fitness and keep training and to play in certain games, then maybe yes.



"But I really think in the next three of four months we'll be able to tell closer to the end of the season."



Regarding his move to the MLS, Cahill still has plenty to give and is looking forward to a new chapter in his career.



He also insisted he would not have left Everton for another Barclays Premier League club



"When I had the opportunity to play for the Red Bulls I knew in my heart that if I ever left Everton I would never play for another Premier League team, out of respect for the chairman, the fans and the manger," the 32-year-old said.



"As a footballer I've achieved a hell of a lot in my career but also I feel that this is a big move for me.



"I know a lot of people might think otherwise, but I'm 32 years old, I respect the MLS, I'm coming here at a good age, I'm fit and I'm ready for a new challenge, something that's very special not only for me but also my family.



"I work hard, I give everything and one thing I'm going to do for the Red Bulls is to put my heart into it."

Red Bulls buy Tim Cahill

English Premier League club Everton says it has agreed to sell Australian midfielder Tim Cahill to the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer.



Everton said Monday on its website that Cahill "will move to the Red Bulls for a nominal fee, subject to agreeing personal terms and passing a medical."



Cahill is expected to travel to the United States in the next few days. The 32-year-old joined Everton from Millwall in 2004, scoring 68 goals in 278 appearances.

Moyes to miss target

Everton boss David Moyes will have to move quickly if he wants to land former Wigan frontman Hugo Rodallega.



The 26-year-old is out of contract at the DW Stadium and therefore available on a free transfer and Moyes is keen to land him as he rebuilds his frontline but Fulham boss Martin Jol now looks to be favourite for his signature.



Jol was closing in on talented Russian frontman Pavel Pogrebnyak but he was gazumped by Reading even though the striker had spent six months at Craven Cottage last season, so he has now moved to the Colombian and, according to reports, has agreed a deal.

Gosso keen on Everton switch

Ivory Coast international Jean-Jacques Gosso has revealed he would welcome a move to Everton from Turkish side Orduspor.



The highly-rated holding midfielder has previously enjoyed spells in Israel and France but the 29-year-old has made no secret of his desire to test himself in the Premier League.



Gosso claims he too has heard the rumours about a possible switch to Goodison Park and while he would love the opportunity to play for David Moyes' side, he admits at this stage there has been no dialogue between the relevant parties.



He said: "I am very interested if there is an option for me in England.



"My dream has always been to play in the Premier League and prove myself against midfielders and strikers at the top level.



"Everton? They are a fantastic team.



"I know David Moyes likes players who put a shift in, so if he is interested in me, like I am hearing, that means I must be doing something right.



"Everton are one of the biggest clubs in England, but I have heard nothing official as yet.



"At the moment I am still in France waiting for pre-season to start."



Gosso joined Orduspor on a free transfer from Monaco last season but earlier this week their chairman Nedim Türkmen expressed his desire to sell him and suggested that Everton had already began transfer talks with them.

Everton confirm Naismith signing

Everton have confirmed the free transfer of Steven Naismith from Rangers on a four-year deal.



The Scotland international has signed a deal until 2016 after he terminated his contract with the soon-to-be-liquidated Scottish side, having rejected the chance to move over to the newco club.



Naismith, 25, will now join up with his new team-mates for the start of pre-season training this week.



"It is a great honour to be joining a club of Everton's wonderful history and to have the chance to play with such a talented group of players in the world's best league in front of such a passionate group of fans," Naismith told evertonfc.com.



"I look forward greatly to working with the manager David Moyes and all the staff at Everton and working hard to deliver on the pitch to repay their, and the chairman Mr (Bill) Kenwright's, faith and belief in me."



Moyes was keen to add greater strength to the forward line and believes Naismith will fit in well at Goodison Park.



"We are delighted that Steven has agreed to join us," said the Scot.



"He will be an excellent addition to the players we already have and we look forward to him being fit and ready to play at the start of the season.



"He is an established international who can play in a number of positions.



"He has a flexibility we always like in our players and which will hopefully prove to be very useful for us."

Reds step up Baines move

Manchester United are set to turn their attentions back to Everton's Leighton Baines and want him on board before their African trip.



United had stepped up their interest in Jordi Alba from Valencia after his outstanding performances at Euro 2012, but Barca have now agreed a fee with their La Liga rivals according to reports in Spain.



United will shift their attention back to Everton's Baines as Sir Alex Ferguson targets a player who can push Patrice Evra for his place and bolster the depth in his squad.



Everton are in no rush to sell and want value their player at £20m but United are reluctant to go above £15m and will push to land him before their trip to South Africa, they leave on July 16th.

Everton heading to Indonesia

Everton are to play in a pre-season tournament in Indonesia next month as part of their preparations for the 2012-13 campaign.



The Toffees will participate in the Java Cup, which runs from July 26-29, at the 88,000 capacity Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.



Everton will open the tournament by taking on Turkish side Galatasaray on July 26, with the winners of that game then facing the winners of a clash between Indonesia and Malaysia and the two losers playing off for third place.

Everton miss out on Huth

Everton have missed out on defender target Robert Huth as he has penned a new four-year deal at the Britannia Stadium.



Huth still had a year to run on his current deal but there were fears he could look to move on this summer with both Everton and Sunderland said to be watching developments.



However the former German international has ended all the speculation by penning a deal that will keep him at Stoke until 2016 and now he cannot wait for the season to get started.



"I am delighted that it has all been sorted out before the start of the season," he said.



"I've had a fantastic time here, the best three years of my career. It's been great to play a big part in the club's progress over that period, but also to gain some personal recognition with the Player-of-Year awards which I won at the end of the last two seasons."



Everton may now turn their attentions somewhere else as they look to strengthen their squad.

Stoke favoured to land Owen

Michael Owen is expected to join Stoke City this month despite apparent interest from Everton.



Owen was released by Manchester United this northern summer after three years at Old Trafford which were scarred by injury problems.



The 32-year-old confirmed he had no plans to retire, having previously stated his intention to remain in the top flight.



And, despite playing just 10 times since January 2011, Press Association Sport understands there has been plenty of interest in Owen, with Stoke now looking like the preferred option for England's fourth highest scorer.



It does seem like an obvious move. Manager Tony Pulis recently admitted an interest in Owen "along with a number of other players", and Stoke is barely 30 miles from the striker's plush Manor House Stables complex which, under the guidance of trainer Tom Dascombe, is quickly gaining an impressive reputation in racing circles.



There is some competition from Everton, although whether Owen would be willing to join the Goodison Park outfit given his status as a former Liverpool player is open to debate.



Some uncertainty at the Merseyside outfit lingers anyway as David Moyes remains among the favourites to fill the managerial vacancy at Tottenham Hotspur, even though his odds have drifted from the immediate aftermath of Harry Redknapp's exit.



The arrival of Owen would represent a further move away from the perception of Pulis having a long-ball team.



Although they tended to rely on the aerial threat of Ricardo Fuller when they returned to the top flight in 2008, Peter Crouch has never been viewed as a target man despite his height and he spent much of last season in tandem with Jonathan Walters.



Fitness permitting, Pulis would presumably be looking for Owen's predatory instincts to maximise the goal threat of a side which found the net just 36 times last term, the worst record in the entire Premier League.

Jagielka fears Fellaini departure

Everton defender Phil Jagielka fears team-mate Marouane Fellaini could be prised away from Goodison Park by a big-money bid this summer.



Fellaini came up against Jagielka during England's 1-0 friendly victory over Belgium at Wembley on Saturday and caught the eye with a bustling performance in midfield.



The 24-year-old is part of a highly-rated, young Belgium set-up that includes expected new Chelsea signing Eden Hazard, Tottenham target Jan Vertonghen and a number of other players attracting a lot of attention from across Europe.



Fellaini has really progressed at Everton since his move from Standard Liege in 2008, so much so that Jagielka can see the midfielder becoming a target for a number of clubs.



Jagielka said: "We love Felli and we'd love him to stay. There's not been that much transfer talk but we know the situation we're in.



"Unfortunately, with the way the club is, if somebody comes in with a £20 million-plus offer, the chances are he's going to be sold.



"We bought him for £16 million and I don't think the club would take a loss.



"He's developed in that time, especially in the last few games of the season, just behind the front one, and he's destroyed teams."



Jagielka added in the Daily Mail: "In terms of marking Felli, he's faster than I remember. He must have put a yard on. I can't stop laughing when I see him and it's not just his hair.



"He's a fantastic player. Belgium have got a few players for the future and, once they kick on they'll be a team to watch."