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Source: The People

EXCLUSIVE: MOYES BID FOR SMITH
By Steve Bates
ALAN SMITH is at the centre of a tug-of-war between FOUR Premiership clubs - with Everton boss David Moyes making the first move to land the Manchester United star.

Moyes, who has raided Old Trafford for Phil Neville and Tim Howard in recent seasons, made a personal check on Smith 10 days ago and was impressed to see the striker score for England B against Albania.

The Everton boss had hoped to make a comparison between Smith and David Nugent then, but the Preston star failed to make the pitch and was subsequently left out of Steve McClaren's squad for Friday's game with Brazil and Wednesday's crucial Euro qualifier in Estonia.

Moyes believes £8millionrated Smith would make a big impact with Goodison Park fans and form a potent partnership with Andy Johnson - but he knows he has a big job to persuade Sir AlexFerguson to part with the 26-year-old former Leeds player.

Ferguson understands Moyes would snap up Smith given the slightest sign he is available and is expecting an Everton bid this week.

But until United's own position regarding a new striker is clearer, Fergie will not let the gritty Yorkshireman go.


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Despite signing 19-year-old Brazilian forward Anderson from FC Porto for £17.5m last week, Fergie believes he may need one more proven goalscorer, with Louis Saha often injury-prone and unavailable. Smith is also reluctant to leave Old Trafford - a fact underlined by his refusal to go on loan while recovering from the horrific leg break he suffered last year.


But that will not deter Moyes - or Tottenham, Middlesbrough and Sunderland, who are also showing interest in the United attacker.

He'd be a waste of money for 8million in my opinion.