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JAGIELKA FAVOURS EVERTON SWITCH

JAGIELKA: On the move

Tuesday May 29,2007

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PHIL JAGIELKA will this week tell new Sheffield United manager Bryan Robson he wants to join Everton.

The midfielder was left devastated by the Blades’ relegation but is determined to stay in the Premiership with another club.

Jagielka, who impressed as a substitute for England B against Albania on Friday, is convinced he needs to play top-flight football next season to further his international ambitions.

Newcastle, Bolton, Wigan and Aston Villa are also keen on signing him, but Jagielka’s favoured destination is Goodison Park. His decision will force the Blades to cash in on their prize asset by accepting the highest bid for the 24-year-old.

Jagielka signed a new three-year deal only this season and is expected to be at the centre of a £6million bidding war.

Goodison boss David Moyes has already had a £4.5m offer rejected but is expected to make an improved bid in the hope of securing a player whom Everton rejected as a youngster.

His departure will be a massive blow to the Blades, who are continuing to challenge their relegation after the Premier League’s failure to deduct West Ham points for a serious breach of transfer regulations.

The Blades have been warned their membership of the competition will be forcibly removed if they fail to resign during the forthcoming AGM.

But plc chairman Kevin McCabe says the club plan to hold on to their card until the arbitration panel, commissioned to examine the decision to punish West Ham with a £5.5m fine, deliver their verdict next month.