manager David Moyes is lining up striker Alan Smith in a £3million deal as Andy Johnson's departure to moved a step closer.

Newcastle are willing to sell 27-year-old Smith to move his £60,000 a week wages off their books. He still has four years on his current deal and the club are willing to take a £3m loss on the £6m fee paid out last summer.

Main target: Everton boss David Moyes has identified Alan Smith as the perfect replacement for departing striker Andy Johnson.

The forward is not a popular figure at St James' having failed to score for the club in 37 games last term. But Moyes believes Smith is the perfect strike partner for Yakubu and is keen to make him Everton's first capture of a frustrating summer.

Johnson was putting the finishing touches to his protracted move to Fulham last night after Everton chairman Bill Kenwright stuck to his guns over a fee that will eventually rise to £13m.

Fulham wavered over the deal when a slight knee condition showed up on Johnson's medical, but decided to go ahead after being assured it dated back to his childhood and has never hampered his career.

Everton have appointed Robert Elstone as the club's acting chief executive officer following the departure of Keith Wyness last week.