Moyes targets four new signings

Posted Thursday, August 27, 2009 by PA

Everton striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu has been included in the squad to face Sigma Olomouc in the Europa League play-off second leg in the Czech Republic on Thursday.

Manager David Moyes named the Nigerian in his travelling party after watching the striker mark his comeback on Tuesday night with a goal after only 31 seconds in the reserves 3-0 victory against Burnley.

It was his first game since last November when he ruptured his Achilles at Tottenham.

Everton hold a 4-0 lead and also on the flight were youngsters Kieran Agard and Hope Akpan who both impressed for the reserves.

The Toffees head into the tie a defender down - but Moyes expects to have at least four new faces in his squad by the time the transfer window closes next week.

The Everton squad touched down in the Czech Republic for their first match since Joleon Lescott completed his protracted big-money move to Manchester City.

But instead of dwelling on the former Wolves player's exit, Moyes focused on his plans for the future and a number of players he has in his sights now the Goodison Park coffers have been swelled.

"I would be disappointed if we didn't get at least four, maybe more," Moyes told the club's website.

"We've made quite a bit of progress I feel and maybe I'll be able to announce something shortly, but not yet.

"The job is to try and make it [the squad] stronger every year and that's what we'll aim to do."

For now the Scot will have to work with what he has, though a 4-0 cushion from the first leg should ensure the make-up of his side tomorrow will not be too important.

The Toffees will be without Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta and Victor Anichebe through injury while new man Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is currently ineligible.

Olomouc coach Zdenek Psotka vowed his side would not make the mistakes they did at Goodison Park.

"We will try to do everything not to repeat the first match with Everton," he said. "We will have to be productive and score from our chances.

"I believe that if we score at the beginning of the match we could make Everton a bit nervous and make Everton's way to the Europa League less simple."