Corriere dello Sport is reporting that Juventus midfielder, and flop, Tiago, has rejected a move to Everton, citing a move to Spain as his preferred choice.
Tiago failed to impress in his last spell in England, and it is reported that he is unwilling to try again in the Premier League despite Juventus being keen to get rid of him.
The Liverpool Echo is reporting that talks to bring Alan Smith to Goodison Park are still ongoing.
Talks were believed to have broken down after Kevin Keegan asserted that the player was not leaving, but the Echo claims that along with discussions with Stephane M'Bia and Joao Moutinho, the Blues are still in with a chance of bringing Smith to the club.
Everton have apparently made a new bid of 10 million Euros for Stephane M'Bia and can expect a response from Stade Rennes on Monday.
Website( [link] ) Stad-Rennes-Online claims that the Blues have made an improved offer and that the club will give an answer on Monday.
However, Rennes' official website carried the following quote from their manager today, “Our position did not evolve/move. We are always determined to preserve Stephan MBIA. This decision, I repeat it, is firm and final. ”
West Brom boss Tony Mowbray has warned his side to be wary of Everton going to the Hawthorns on Saturday full of intent to bounce back from an opening day defeat to Blackburn.
"You have to judge Everton on last season, when they finished fifth," said the Baggies boss.
"We've had a tough start, playing the team who finished third followed by the ones who finished fifth.
"To finish fifth was a great success and they will be hurting after Saturday's defeat so we have to be ready for them because they will want their first points.
"We need to rise to the challenge of playing a team who, on numerous occasions last year, got victories away from home.
"So we have to be ready and as competitive as we can be for what will be a very difficult weekend.
"Every manager likes to strengthen and, okay, they've lost a striker.
"But on their day they are a pretty awesome team. They will be looking to beat all the teams outside the top six or so and will come as a hungry side on the back of a defeat.
Stephane MBia has re-affirmed his desire to play for Everton, despite claiming that Arsenal are also interested in his signature as the transfer window draws to a close in the next fortnight.
“I have just been told that Arsenal are as well interested, but my position is clear: I want to start the season with Everton,” Mbia said.
“What Rennes are currently offering me is far behind my demands. Both clubs have to find an agreement to help me leave.
“I’m aware that my directors have declared I won’t leave, but it’s just a means to make my price higher. I understand their position and I would do the same.
“It’s politics. Regarding what I’ve heard, I know [general manager Pierre] Dreossi is ready to let me leave. From my part, I don’t want to play for Rennes anymore.
“Personally I don’t worry because English clubs have the resources to sign me. When they really want a player they are ready to spend whatever amount.”
Mbia stated that he is keen to join the Blues, who he also claims have offered him up to £25k a week wages - more than double what he gets at his current club, Rennes.
“I’m hopeful it will be done by next week. That kind of opportunity only happens once. Everton offer me €1.5 million (£1,2 million) whereas I don’t earn the half of it at Rennes.
“Even if I owe everything to this club (Rennes), I have a family to feed, regardless the challenge, which is very interesting.
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