STEVEN NAISMITH’S Everton move could be resolved this week – but claims that the Scotland international has already had a medical at Goodison are premature.
The 25-year-old remains a strong target for David Moyes, and is believed to favour a switch to Merseyside ahead of the host of other clubs vying to secure his signature, including West Ham and Stoke City. However Everton today denied speculation from Scotland that the former Glasgow Rangers hit-man has already passed a medical at the weekend.
The ECHO understands that Naismith is drawn to the prospect of linking up with former team-mates Nikica Jelavic and David Weir again, since he decided not to become a part of the new Glasgow Rangers ‘newco’.
Although Moyes would be keen to add Naismith to his ranks, his number one transfer priority for the summer remains sealing a permanent Goodison return for Steven Pienaar.
That process, however, has been complicated by the vacant managerial position at Tottenham Hotspur, and a lack of funds – with the likelihood Everton will have to sell before they can afford to do a deal for the South African playmaker.
Meanwhile, Croatian international Daniel Pranjic says he would be “honoured” to play for Everton and has sparked transfer speculation by adding that he expects “concrete develop- ments” this week.
Blues officials, however, have not confirmed interest in the 31-year-old.
Pranjic is a free agent after being released by Bayern Munich, and could be lined up as a replace- ment for Steven Pienaar if the Blues can’t agree terms with Tottenham over a permanent deal for the South African who sparkled on loan last season.
Pranjic told Croat newspaper Sportske Novosti: “I am honoured that such a successful coach wants to sign me, and would be honoured to play for a club like Everton with such a rich history.”
“We were very close to completing a deal in January, but then Bayern prevented it going through. I can’t say that everything is finished, but next week I’m expecting some concrete developments.
“I’m hungry to play again, to fight with my team-mates for success, to play for the fans. I missed all that sitting on the bench at Bayern.
“I’m 31 years old and physically I feel perfect. I have reached my maturation point as a player and as a person, and I think I’m capable of producing the best form of my career.”
Predominantly a midfielder, Pranjic was asked to play a more defensive role at Euro 2012.
Everton report back for pre-season training on Thursday and will hope to have at least one new face on show, with Naismith the most likely.
