van der Meyde and Ferrari set to sign

By Rhys Lewis
August 26 2005

Everton have confirmed that deals to bring Matteo Ferrari and Andy van der Meyde are nearing conclusion having Ferrari already completed a medical and van der Meyde arriving today to have a medical.

The news of the Ferrari signing was broke on here earlier in the week and it now seems the deal is about to be completed by the end of today. Ferrari completetd a medical on Wednseday and has agreed terms and Everton are trying to conclude the deal before midday today so he can play at Fulham tomorrow. However with time running out this is unlikely. Ferrari was believed to be one of Italy's top young defenders a couple of seasons ago after after a sensational season with Parma. However after a dissapointing year with a struggling Roma side the left sided centre back wanted a change and after months of negotiations the transfer saga finally appears to be over with a loan move first of all with view to a permanent deal which would cost Everton £3.7Million.

Also David Moyes is close to signing the long term transfer target of Andy van der Meyde. Moyes was first interested in the Dutch winger last summer but could not convince van der Meyde that it was the right time to join Everton. However now van der Meyde, who is out of favour at Inter, feels this is the right move to re-ignite his career which was so promising at Ajax. The fee is believed to be around £2million and would be some what of a transfer coup if van der Meyde can regain his form. Van der Meyde is a versatile midfielder who can play on either wing and also as a striker, which will prove valuable with David Moyes still having a small squad.