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Everton and Aston Villa are going to go head-to-head in the race to sign Portuguese right-back Miguel from Spanish side Valencia. The cash-strapped Valencians have invited offers for their entire team, and it’s believed the Premiership duo have both earmarked Miguel as a possible target. Villa’s interest is thought to be keener, as they look for options to enhance their defence for next season with right-back a particular area for concern. Indeed O’Neill, Villa manager, tried a number of different players in the position over the course of last season including Craig Gardner, Nigel Reo Coker and Luke Young with none of them really excelling. Therefore the acquisition of a specialist right-back is certainly a priority, as Villa attempt to mount a serious assault on fourth place in the Premiership. Everton acquired Danish right-back Lars Jacobsen last season, but the Goodison Park faithful saw little of the international formerly of FC Copenhagen because of injuries. Tony Hibbert is perceived as a weak-link in the Everton defence, but so far has been played a great deal because of the persistent injuries to Jacobsen. It’s thought that David Moyes would like to improve his options in that area of the pitch, and the arrival of Miguel would not only add some class in that area, but also plenty of international experience at the very highest level. Miguel made 31 appearances for Valencia last season, and has been with the club for four seasons since arriving from Lisbon giants Benfica. Miguel though has lost his place in the Portugal side to Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa, but judging by the impression he made, Miguel would certainly be a terrific acquisition for either Villa or Everton. Valencia are badly in need of the cash as financial strife threatens to engulf the club. They failed to make the Champions League finishing just off the pace set by Atletico in sixth. They are attempting to build a new stadium but work on that has stopped as Valencia don’t have enough money to pay the builders, and have asked the players to go without salary on some occasions this season. An offer of around €3 million might be enough to tempt Valencia to part with Miguel, who would have cover in the form of Curro Torres, for the moment. Posted by Walter Townsend on Thursday, 18th June 2009 (Average rating 0 from 0 votes. Vote) (0 Comments) |