Everton look set to bring diminutive Sporting winger to Goodison Park.
Everton are said to be closing in on the £4million signing of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Marat Izmailov.
Reports in both Russia and Portugal claim the clubs are in advanced talks about a player who has previously interested Goodison Park boss David Moyes.
Izmailov, who can play on the right wing or more centrally, has fallen out with his Sporting bosses, particularly since a row last season over his fitness to play in a Europa League match against Atletico Madrid.
The 27-year-old was close to a move back to former club Lokomotiv Moscow in March, but Sporting used reported interest from Manchester City to push their asking price to a prohibitive £10m.
With no takes at the inflated price tag, Sporting are now ready to accept a similar fee to that which they paid for his services three years ago. At Everton, he would team up with former club-mate Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. (Daily Mail)
David Moyes has quietly assembled a formidable squad at Everton. On the rare occasion that the Toffees manager actually gets out his chequebook to sign a player, they tend to be worth the money, and Moyes views the £4m quoted for Izmailov as good value.
The Russian tends to play on the right wing, as his wiry 5’7″ frame is more suited to the flank. In possession of a neat trick and with extremely rapid acceleration and pace, Izmailov could add an extra dimension to Everton’s play – particularly on the counter attack. He also possesses a vicious shot, and is capable of striking from distance.
Having made his national team debut in 2002 at the age of 19, Izmailov is established at international level. As long as his row with Sporting Lisbon officials was a unique occasion, he could well be another fantastic acquisition for David Moyes’ team.