Everton FC striker Jermaine Beckford expected to stay at Goodison Park despite interest from Southampton

Aug 31 2011 by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo

EVERTON expect striker Jermaine Beckford to remain at Goodison Park this transfer window despite late interest from Southampton.

The ambitious Championship outfit have expressed an interest in the former Leeds man, but their valuation is well below Everton’s, and a deal is unlikely to materialise ahead of tonight’s transfer deadline.

The Blues turned down a bid for Beckford, thought to be worth about £2m, from Leicester earlier this month and are reluctant to part with the 27-year-old, with David Moyes’ forward options limited.

Beckford scored 10 goals in his maiden Premier League campaign following a free move from Leeds last summer.

He started Everton’s opening game of the season against QPR, but suffered a slight knee injury and was forced to miss the Carling Cup win over Sheffield United.

He returned to action as a second-half substitute at Blackburn last weekend.

Beckford has no desire to leave Goodison at this stage. He is settled on Merseyside, retains the backing of his manager and is reluctant to drop down a division.

Also set to stay at the club is Yakubu, despite the fact the Nigerian has not seen a single minute of first-team action since January.

Blackburn made a late bid to sign the 28-year-old earlier this week, but their offer was too low.

Both Leicester, with whom Yakubu spent the second-half of last season on loan, and Turkish side Besiktas have been linked with moves for the former Middlesbrough man, who cost the Blues a then-record £11.25m in 2007.

Moyes revealed yesterday he would have no problem welcoming Yakubu and fellow outcast Joseph Yobo back into the first-team fold, if they are unable to agree a move away from Merseyside. That looks increasingly likely to be the case, with time running out ahead of tonight’s 11 o’clock deadline.

Meanwhile, Everton have announced two new sponsorship agreements with US technology giants Best Buy and Halewood International’s Crabbie’s brand.

Dave Biggar, the club’s commercial director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Best Buy on board as the club’s official technology partner.

“Best Buy is an internationally recognised brand and we’re proud to be working with a company which shares our commitment to developing the matchday experience.”

Ian Boyton, sponsorship and events manager at Best Buy UK, added: “Everton fans are up there as some of the most passionate and connected supporters in the country and we’re thrilled to be joining them at the start of this exciting new season in the Barclays Premier League.”

The Blues’ Carling Cup third round clash with West Bromwich Albion will kick off on Wednesday September 21, at 8pm.