BUTT NOT OFF TO GOODISON

Last updated : 15 January 2004 By Editor

Everton boss David Moyes has ruled out a move for Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt, with no transfers expected at Goodison this month.

The £5m-rated star's availability has sparked a flurry of interest amongst Premiership clubs, most notably Middlesbrough and Tottenham, but Moyes says Everton will not be entering the race for his signature.

"Nicky Butt is a very good player but we will not be doing anything," said Moyes.

"We don't envisage there being any transfers either in or out of Goodison during the transfer window.”

Surely Okocha will be looking for a big money move after this. Fergie should get in there, no? From the Sun:

Jay-Jay Okocha has been sent reeling after his £4million fortune was wiped out by a Nigerian bank crash. Bolton star Okocha says his mind is in a whirl and he is desperately pinning his hopes on the Nigerian government sorting out the scandal.

But the African Footballer of the Year admits he may now have to miss the chance of captaining his country in the Nations Cup — because he needs every penny he can earn at the Reebok.

For now Okocha, 30, is delaying his departure to Tunisia because he wants to earn as much as he can from his £25,000-a-week Bolton contract to cushion the blow.

He had invested most of his money in a bank in Nigeria but the owners admit they face ruin due to a mismanagement of funds. The 59-cap star insisted:

“My mind is with Nigeria. I love the country. I’m captain of the team and I know my responsibilities. But, honestly, I am troubled.

“I have almost all my money in a bank in Nigeria. The bank has problems and I’m in real trouble, in a real mess. I really don’t know what to do. I feel devastated.

“That’s why I’m staying back at the club to see if I can make a little money by playing matches.

“I’ll lack the concentration to do well in Tunisia with this problem.

“What am I playing for? The money I made playing football is gone. It is really disturbing.

“My mind is in a whirl. If I get paid, I’ll be in a better mood. Right now, the loss is hurting badly. I’m just praying that something positive will happen.”

Boss Sam Allardyce said: “Jay-Jay will leave when he feels ready to go. The decision is up to him.”