EVERTON CONFIRM FERGUSON BID

Ferguson moved to Tyneside in November 1998, when former Newcastle boss Ruud Gullit paid The Toffees £7 million to bring the Scottish hit man to St James' Park, but he has been plagued by injury throughout his time at the club.

After signing from Rangers for £4 million in 1994, Ferguson scored 40 goals during his time at Everton, becoming a firm fans' favourite at the club, and Toffees boss Walter Smith is now ready to bring the player back to Merseyside, tabling a bid believed to be around £3.7 million.

"The Newcastle bid is more or less completed," said Smith. "We are now discussing the situation with the player's representatives and we have to await the outcome.

"Am I optimistic? I am always optimistic. I know all about Duncan and I need to add to our strike force."