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Lisbon standing firm on Blues target
Everton, 13:26, August 8, 2008 ,
Sporting Lisbon insist Everton have not made a firm offer for Joao Moutinho, but its believed a bid could be forthcoming.
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright admitted this week that the Portugese star is one player definitely on David Moyes wish list, but the Blues face a real battle to persuade Sporting to sell.
The Lisbon club seem pretty adamant that Moutinho, who played for his country at Euro 2008, will still be their player when the transfer window closes this month.
Sporting president Filipe Soares Franco stated: "The subject of Joao Moutinho is closed.
"If there is any real news then the club will speak, but until now there have only been rumours in the papers.
"We do not have an offer from Everton on the table."
But having now sold Andy Johnson to Fulham, Everton are being tipped to offer around £13million for Moutinho as they look to make him the club's record signing.