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Everton insists Johnson is not for sale

28/06/2008

Everton have condemned reports linking striker Andy Johnson with a transfer out of the club.

It has been rumoured that Johnson wants a return south to be closer to his family in London. However, manager David Moyes insists the England striker remains part of his plans for next season.

It is claimed that Everton have been looking at other strikers knowing they may have to offload Johnson later in the summer.But Moyes is adamant the £8.6 million front man will remain with the Toffees.

He said: "Andy Johnson is not for sale - it is that simple. He is a highly-valued member of my senior squad and I look forward to seeing him when the players report back for pre-season training."

Chairman Bill Kenwright reiterated the sentiments of his manager, claiming there is agreement between the manager and the club's board that Johnson is not for sale.

"David [Moyes] and I obviously talk three or four times a day regarding his transfer targets," said Kenwright.

"He has asked me today to confirm what I already knew: that Andrew Johnson is not for sale."

Johnson joined Everton from Crystal Palace two seasons ago. Since then he has scored 22 goals in 64 starts in all competitions.

However, last season Johnson was out-scored by £11 million arrival Yakubu Ayegbeni, who netted 21 times in 36 starts in all competitions, leading some experts to speculate that Johnson has become surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.