Goodison record needed for Baros
Aug 3 2005
By Ian Doyle Daily Post Staff
EVERTON must break their transfer record if they are to sign Milan Baros.
Liverpool are refusing to lower their £7million asking price for the Czech striker, with the Goodison club having yesterday confirmed their interest in the 23-year-old.
And David Moyes will have to surpbutt the record £6.5m spent on purchasing James Beattie from Southampton in January if he is to persuade Liverpool into selling to their Merseyside neighbours.
Everton must complete a deal within the next 48 hours to ensure Baros is available for next Tuesday's Champions League third qualifying round tie at home to Villarreal.
The deadline to register any new signings for the game is midnight tomorrow with Moyes believed to be closing in on other transfer targets.
Inter Milan midfielder Andy van der Meyde remains on the wanted list, with the Dutch international available for £1.8m.
But it is the capture of Baros that would represent a major coup for Moyes, with Everton encouraged by the fact the player is keeping an open mind over a possible transfer.
Everton chief executive Keith Wyness confirmed yesterday: "We are looking at a number of different striking options and we are currently reviewing them all. Baros is one of the names on the list."
Beattie would welcome the arrival of Baros, despite the subsequent added competition for a first-team place.
"He's a top striker, a Czech international who did very well in the European Championship," said the 27-year-old.
"The only problem I would see is probably because he's coming over Stanley Park but it wouldn't be a problem to us.
"He'd be welcomed if the manager signed him. We'll see what happens."
Moyes has been frustrated in his efforts to bring in striking reinforcements so far this summer, with another slipping away yesterday when Andy Johnson signed a new five-year contract at Crystal Palace.
