Everton make double transfer swoop
Monday, 1 September 2003Everton have completed a double transfer coup just hours before the close of the transfer window, with the signing of Arsenal striker Francis Jeffers and Leeds' goalkeeper Nigel Martyn.
Jeffers originally joined Arsenal from Everton in an £8million move in June 2001, however since that switch he has failed to make an impact and has been relegated to the sidelines at Highbury. Despite making his international debut for England last season - scoring against Australia in February - he continued to struggle at Arsenal and will hope to find his form at Everton.
Everton manager David Moyes believes that Jeffers can't reignate his career at Goodison Park. He said: "This is his chance to put right the things what many people have said about him. It will give him an opportunity to compete for a position in the team but there is no guarantee with Wayne, Kevin, Tomasz, Duncan and Nick Chadwick. I felt though that we needed to add a little bit more so as the season goes on we can have more goals from the squad and adding Francis should help that."
Meanwhile Martyn joins the Toffees on a full-term basis after Leeds accepted a nominal fee for the shot-stopper. Martyn, who won 23 international caps, has lost his place in the Leeds first 11 to Paul Robbinson.
Leeds manager Peter Reid said: "He's in the last year of his deal and he has been a fantastic servant to this club. We've got young goalkeepers - that's one of the reasons for letting him go. But the other is as a thank you for being so patient. He is a top professional and deserves a first team place somewhere."
Filed by Rob Wright
