<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Sporting Lisbon claim they have turned down an £11.8m offer from Everton for midfielder Joao Moutinho. Moutinho, 21, was part of Portugal's side at Euro 2008 and has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs. Everton have turned their interest into an official move and, according to Sporting, their bid also had add-ons for Champions League qualification. Moutinho has told Sporting Lisbon that he wants to leave and has a £19.7m buy-out clause in his contract. But this can only be exercised until 15 June each year and if that price is met after this date then certain requirements have to be met for any deal to go through. Everton are yet to make a major signing this summer but have been linked with selling striker Andy Johnson. Johnson's exit could give them the ability to raise the funds to up their bid for Moutinho, who is seen as one of his country's emerging talents. More to follow.</div> [Source] I think this is also because of the players choice. Moving to the Toffee's is too much of a lateral move and really isn't worth it. If he got a bid from a club like Newcastle, Manchester City, Arsenal (please?), Spurs, or Pompey then he may take the challenge. Everton need to step-up their off-season though...
I feel sorry for Sporting FC.. #1 Im Portuguese and #2 is that everyone is stealing their talent from them...1st Figo then C.Ronaldo after that was Nani, and now Moutinho and Miguel Veloso are speculating to leave... Shows Portuguese Youth system is really working.
