Andy Johnson Looks Set For Everton Move

After Crystal Palace agreed fees of ?8.5m with Wigan Athletic, Bolton Wanderers and Everton last week, England striker Andy Johnson has made it clear that he sees his footballing future at Goodison Park.

With so much upheaval at Selhurst Park over the past fortnight with failing to reach the play off finals and the resignation of manager Iain Dowie, it had become apparent that their star man Johnson was going to be allowed to leave and once Everton entered the race for his signature, he decided that they were the club for him.

Andy Johnson has told www.evertonfc.com:

“After several days of careful consideration, I have decided that my footballing future lies at Goodison Park with Everton.”

“I find the prospect of playing for one of the biggest names in British football impossible to resist, and I am now just hopeful that I can swiftly complete my medical so that I can sign on the dotted line and commit myself to the club.”

“Whilst I do believe that Everton will afford me the best opportunity to fulfil my twin ambitions of winning major honours and again representing England at senior level, the last few days have been both hectic and demanding,”

“I would like to thank both Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers firstly for having sufficient faith in my abilities to lodge a bid and secondly for being so courteous and professional during the course of our negotiations. I was very flattered by the interest of both clubs.

“I would also like to thank everyone at Crystal Palace – especially (former manager) Iain Dowie and the fans – for their support and dedication during my time at Selhurst Park. In many ways I am sorry to be leaving but I wish them well for the future.”

Johnson should now complete his medical tomorrow and finalise the deal this week after being given time off from international duty by Sven Goran Eriksson to discuss the deal with the Merseyside club.