Everton gaffer confirms McCann interest

Everton manager David Moyes has confirmed that he'd be interested in buying Gavin McCann as part of a move to strengthen the Toffees' midfield - but only at the right price.
Moyes today told The Journal: "He is a player we admire and it's true that we're very interested in him.

"I have made an enquiry about but, at the present time, the price that is being asked for him is too much."

Sunderland are unable to sign players until they raise significant funds, and although there has been much reported interest in several players the only move to happen so far that raised any capital was the transfer of Bernt Haas to West Brom for an estimated £400,000.

Speculation that Michael Gray, Thomas Sorensen, Tore Andre Flo and Kevin Phillips were all on their way has so far failed to materialise as signings, although Phillips' agent confirmed today that there has been "inherent interest" in his client from Rangers, but no bid as yet.

Thornton to miss Grimsby friendly

Sunderland rising star Sean Thornton will be unable to take part in tommorrow's pre-season friendly against Grimsby after picking up a training ground injury.
Mick McCarthy was intending to include Thornton in the squad to travel to Blundell Park but he sustained a shoulder injury in training today (Fri 18th) and is unfit to play.

The club's official website speculates that the resulting reshuffle will see Paul Thirlwell is set to start in the middle of midfield alongside Jason McAteer.

Kevin Kilbane, Kevin Phillips and Gavin McCann are also injured and will not travel.

Better news however is that Matty Piper has been declared fit, and is available for selection. Piper, 21, also pledged his loyalty to McCarthy saying "I just want an injury-free run and to prove to the manager that I can do a job for him."

Tickets go on sale for home matches

Tickets for the home games against Millwall, Watford, Rotherham and Crystal Palace will be on sale from the ticket office and all usual outlets from Monday 21st July.

Phillips' agent plays down Rangers interest

The agent of Kevin Phillips has played down speculation that the striker could be on his way to Rangers.
Phil Smith told BBC News "There has been interest from Rangers, but, as yet, no offer has been made.

"Kevin just wants the whole thing sorted out. He would like to know where he is playing next season, but I can't see this being resolved quickly."

However there are rumours that a transfer to Rangers could well be the way for Phillips to move on AND for Sunderland to sort out unfinished business as the Black Cats are said to still owe Rangers the final instalment of the fee they agreed for Tore Andre Flo last August; Flo signed for Sunderland only a few hours before the summer transfer window closed.

But Portsmouth, with whom Phillips have also been linked, have confirmed they won't be making a move for the player.

Pompey manager Harry Redknapp said "I'd love Kevin Phillips but I couldn't afford him. I just think he's beyond us."