David Moyes may move to strengthen his squad with the addition of Alan Smith from Newcastle.

 

The former Leeds United and Manchester United utility man, who has played up front and in midfield, has had his recent career blighted with injury and may welcome a fresh start. Moyes is keen to add to his current crop of players in a bid to break the stranglehold on the top four places and Smith fit’s the bill in terms of ability, experience and especially versatility given Everton’s injury problems this term. With the Geordies still in a perilous position, relegation is a real possibility on Tyneside. The likely fire sale of a large part of the squad is a very real possibility and with Everton already having guaranteed European football next season, Goodison Park may hold a definite appeal to Smith.

The progress of academy players has been one plus from this season. Dan Gosling, hero of the FA Cup tie with neighbours Liverpool, is just one of the young stars to emerge. And the Devon youngster has set his sights high, hoping to emulate Aussie striker Tim Cahill. “I watch him every day in training and try to follow his movement and the positions that he gets himself into in the box. I have just been trying to copy him.”