AJ deal imminent

Owner and chairman Bill Kenwright held talks on Monday night in London with Craven Cottage officials to thrash out a deal.

The original move had stalled over the weekend because Fulham were concerned about signs of an old ankle injury that showed up on a scan last week.

Fulham were believed to have wanted to renegotiate the initial payment for the England forward.

It is believed, though, that the up-front payment was initially still less than half of a fee which could rise to around £13million.

Some minor adjustments over instalments have been negotiated, but from Everton's point of view the final fee could still reach that maximum figure dependent on appearances.

Kenwright also held talks with Everton officials in London last night in the wake of speculation that the theatre impresario wanted to put the club up for sale.

But Everton have played down that situation, insisting Kenwright's position is unchanged.

An Everton spokesman said: "As far as Bill is concerned, the club has been for sale for the last five years, this is nothing new.

"Bill has always said that he would sell the club if the right people with the right finance came along."