IN-DEPTH NEWS

Moyes ready for action?

David Moyes is back from holiday, the squad is back in pre-season training and, after weeks of inactivity on the transfer front and growing unease among supporters, the Everton boss could be about to make his first foray into the transfer market.

Phil Jagielka, identified very early on as the Blues' first priority, has been in limbo while the FA deliberate over the Premier League futures of West Ham and Sheffield United but a decision confirming the Blades' relegation has been made and an independent arbitration panel has upheld the Hammers' fine and elected not to impose a points penalty that would have demoted them to the Championship.

Speculation has been consistent that Jagielka, who has long insisted that Goodison Park is his chosen destination, will complete formalities on a £4m move from Bramall Lane this week, perhaps as early as today.

And if the growing number of reports linking Moyes with a double swoop on Old Trafford for Alan Smith and Kieran Richardson and a move for West Bromwich Albion's Jason Koumas are correct, Everton could do £17m worth of business in the coming days.

While some Evertonians have cast doubt on whether any of four players is of the calibre required by a team still short on quality, there is no doubt that they would be good additions to a thin squad that will need beefing up numbers-wise before Everton embark on another Uefa Cup adventure.