Nil Satis Nisi Optimum : News

10 million M'Bia bid?

Si — 2008-08-21T19:33:12-04:00

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. ”M'Bia once again stated his desire to move to Everton yesterday.......discuss this on the forums

One last push

Chris — 2008-08-21T19:33:12-04:00

Victor Anichebe believes that one last push is needed if Nigeria want to claim the Olympic gold medal on Saturday.

Be wary of Blues

Si — 2008-08-21T19:33:12-04:00

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."But they will be in for a tough game."...discuss this on the forums

Howard blasts 'dirty' Ruiz

Chris — 2008-08-21T19:33:12-04:00

Tim Howard put in a fine performance last night as the USA beat Guatemala 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier.

Mbia confirms his Everton desire

Si — 2008-08-21T19:33:12-04:00

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.“It’s an ideal springboard for my career.”...discuss this on the forums

Cahill in no hurry

Si — 2008-08-21T19:33:12-04:00

Tim Cahill is not risking a quick return to the treatment table as he finds his fitness again and has stated that he won't be leaving anything to chance, so that when he does finally return from injury, he is back to stay."I'm taking it steady and leaving nothing to chance," he told the offal, without specifying when he does hope to return."But I'm getting closer every day. When I get the go ahead, I guarantee I'll be back in great shape and hopefully in a position to make an immediate impact for both Everton and Australia."The longer you are out, the more you appreciate what it means to play at the top level and there's no doubt in my mind I'll be back bigger and better than ever."The operation went well but the rehabilitation has taken a little longer than I'd have liked."I'd planned to be back for the start of the Premier League season but it wasn't to be."There's no way I'll be rushing back before I'm ready - that would be no good for myself, Everton or Australia." ...discuss this on the forums

Yak praises Mikel

Si — 2008-08-21T19:33:12-04:00

Nigerian striker Yakubu, who got his season off to a scoring start on Saturday, has praised team-mate Mikel Arteta, who scored a goal himself before creating the Yak's first goal of the season after an hour.The Yak said, "I was pleased with the goal. It was good to score."Mikel has the vision and he works for the team, if he doesn't play, the team doesn't play and we need players like that."He gives us more options."...discuss this on the forums

Mout deal dead - or is it?

Si — 2008-08-21T19:33:12-04:00

A new report from Portuguese newspaper, A Bola, is claiming that the quest for Everton sign Moutinho has come to an unsusccessful end for the Blues.The report claims that the "delegation" sent by Everton, which again included the player's agent Pini Zahavi, failed to submit an official bid of the 25 million Euros that Sporting are holding out for.It also claims that meetings ended without Everton securing permission to offer the player a contract and without agreeing a fee with Sporting.A conflicting report from another Portuguese media outlet, however, claims that Everton will seal the deal within the next 48 hours.......discuss this on the forums

Stubbsy Forced to Retire.

andybaker — 2008-08-21T19:33:12-04:00

Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs has been forced into retirement by a troublesome knee injury.Stubbs spent two successful spells at Everton, the second of which ended in January this year when he joined Derby County in search of first team football.The Kirkby-born player, a lifelong Evertonian, first joined in 2001 when he arrived from Celtic. He soon became an integral part of the backline and helped Everton qualify for the Champions League in 2005.At the end of the 2004/05 season, Stubbs moved to Sunderland after a rumoured contract dispute, but soon returned to his true home in January 2006 to help the side once more in European qualification.The defender spent his spare time traning for his coaching badges, and would regularly assist with Everton's reserve side during his time with the Toffees.Derby boss Paul Jewell paid tribute to Stubbsy when he said: ''It's a real shame because Alan isn't just a great pro and a terrific player but a leader and a great human being.''He's had a magnificent career and has every reason to be immensely proud of what he's achieved in the game, especially considering some of the adversity he's had to overcome.''We would like to take this opportunity to wish Alan all the best for the future and thank him for many years of great service....discuss this on the forums