Angry Toffees' search goes on - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Angry Toffees' search goes on

Everton will continue to seek midfield reinforcements after hitting out at Manuel Fernandes for spurning them at the last minute to join Valencia.

The 21-year-old midfielder passed a medical and trained with Everton last week before attending Saturday's match against Blackburn as a guest but stunned Everton by agreeing a six-year contract at the Mestalla.

A statement on the club's website, evertonfc.com, said: "On Saturday we were informed that another club had come in with a rival bid and despite sustained efforts over the remainder of the weekend the player joined Valencia. David Moyes and his coaching staff are continuing to seek the extra addition to our squad, which they feel they require for this season."

Fernandes was presented in Spain on Monday and said: "I thank Valencia for their confidence and hope to be in my new team for many years. I have spoken before with Miguel (Valencia's Portuguese full-back), and he has told me that it is a great club, with the possibility to grow."

Fernandes, who Spanish media are reporting will cost his new club 18million euros (£12.2million), knows he faces a challenge to earn a starting spot at star-studded Valencia, but that is what he has set his sights on.

"It is never easy. I respect my team-mates, but I have come here to play and to be a starter," he added. "I am a player for the centre of the field, a team player. I am combative and I hope to help the team, I play for my team-mates."

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