What The Papers Say - July 21

The views on these pages are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton. 

Joao Moutinho has emerged as a major target for Everton as David Moyes prepares to begin his recruitment drive.

The Goodison Park manager is a known admirer of the Portugal international midfielder, who plays his club football with Sporting Lisbon in his home country.

Moutinho caught the eye during the recent Euro 2008 finals, helping Portugal reach the quarter-finals before their elimination to Germany.

Although Sporting are quoting a prohibitive £20million for the 21-year-old playmaker, Everton are confident they can lower that asking price.

Also under consideration is £4m-rated Rennes defensive midfielder Stephane Mbia, a 22-year-old Cameroon international who can also play at right-back.

Moyes has scoured Europe in his search for replacement for the departed Lee Carsley, with Mbia the latest to come under assessment.

And Everton continue to track Real Zaragoza striker Diego Milito with the Goodison outfit hopeful of brokering a deal for the £10m-rated Argentina international.

Everton's manager, David Moyes, is looking to make as many as six signings before the transfer window closes next month.

Having guided the Blues to fifth in the Premier League last season, the Scot has yet to bring in any new faces so far this summer.

A central midfielder remains a priority after Lee Carsley's departure for Birmingham.

But Moyes has revealed he wants five more additions before the end of August: "I think we'll be working right up until the window closes like everyone else.

"We need to bring in probably five or six players and we haven't brought any in yet. We need to be quite busy in the coming weeks. We're missing bodies and we've got injured players not available. Our numbers are so short and we've got injuries, too."

Fulham are ready to seal a £10.5million swoop for Everton’s England striker Andy Johnson this week.

The Cottagers are close to finalising a deal with the Toffees for the Goodison favourite.

Johnson moved to Merseyside in an £8.6m switch from Crystal Palace two years ago.

He scored 11 league goals in his first season and 10 in all competitions last term.

But AJ has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of Nigerian hitman Yakubu last August.

Johnson, 27, has been linked with big-money moves to Wigan and West Ham and told pals he would prefer a move back to London.

Now he is set to become the second striker Fulham have signed in a week. Bobby Zamora joined from the Hammers in a £7m joint deal with defender John Pantsil.

Everton could miss out on Argentina striker Diego Milito after asking to take him on loan.

The 29-year-old Real Zaragoza  star is club captain  and one of the Primera Liga's top marksmen - but Everton want to see him for a season first before making a final decision.

This has shocked the Spaniards - who rate their man at around £7m - and who have been negotiating with his former club Genoa, according to reports in The Mirror.

The Toffees are also negotiating a cheaper price than the £12m Spurs want for Darren Bent.