UNITED EYES ARTETA

By NBF News

Manchester United is ready to make a swoop on Everton to try and prise Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta away from Goodison Park.

The Spaniard has two years left on his current contract and boss David Moyes will be desperate to keep hold of one of the star men in the squad. Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be ready to test the water for Arteta and he is not alone with both Arsenal and Manchester City also said to be very keen if Everton show any signs of weakening in their stance over the player.

Ferguson has a good relationship with Moyes and would not want to sour that by trying to steel a player away but any encouragement and he will be in with an offer of around £10m.

Everton don't want to sell and still believe the Spaniard will sign and they certainly do not want to do any business with City after Joleon Lescott's move to Eastlands last summer.