Beattie completes Everton move
Tuesday, January 4, 2005
Article summary
Everton FC made the Southampton FC and England striker James Beattie their record €8.5m signing on Tuesday.
Article body
Villa rejected
The 26-year-old has agreed a four-and-a-half year contract after choosing Everton ahead of Aston Villa FC, the other Premiership side to have an offer accepted by Southampton. Beattie arrived on Merseyside on Monday but was unable to complete his medical that evening. "I'm sure everyone understands with a deal of this size that it takes a while to sort things out," said Everton manager David Moyes.
Goal attraction
Moyes, who tried to sign Beattie on August transfer deadline day following the €29.6m sale of Wayne Rooney to Manchester United FC, said of his acquisition: "His record is as good as anyone in the Premiership and it's important for me to get one or two British-style players in the squad. He can play up front on his own or work with a partner, but above all we have been attracted by the goals he has scored over the last few seasons."
Saturday debut?
Capped four times by England, Beattie scored 76 goals for Southampton in 233 games following his move from Blackburn Rovers FC in 1998. He was paraded before the Everton support ahead of Tuesday's Premiership victory against Portsmouth FC and will be available to make his debut in the FA Cup third-round trip to Plymouth Argyle FC on Saturday.
