'Keep off ' £25m Arteta

Toffees price Arteta out of Valencia's league

Last updated: 28th December 2007

'Keep off ' £25m Arteta

Arteta: £25m valuation

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Everton have warned off Spanish side Valencia by reportedly placing a massive £25million valuation on playmaker Mikel Arteta.

Arteta is wanted by the Spanish side after being in fantastic form this season but Everton - who are pushing for a UEFA Champions League place - do not want to sell.

Valencia's sporting director Miguel Angel Ruiz recently spent three days trying to persuade the Toffees to part with the playmaker.

He made a £15million bid but was told by Everton that they would be reluctant to sell Arteta even for £25 million.

The Spanish side were also prepared to offer midfielder Manuel Fernandes as part of the deal, but the Toffees rejected that offer as well.

Impossible

Speaking of the situation, a frustrated Ruiz told the Daily Mirror: "The sort of money Everton wanted was impossible for us and showed they are not interested in any kind of deal."

Arteta was the top transfer target of Valencia boss Ronald Koeman and it was thought the Spanish playmaker may wish to move home to boost his international chances.

But Arteta does not want to leave the Toffees, according to his agent Inaki Ibanez.

Ibanez said: "I am aware of the interest, but any deal is down to Everton and whether they want to sell but the player is also very happy and does not want to leave."