Everton tie up second Chinese swoop

Li Tie was The Toffees' original target but their move for China's best player collapsed when the midfielder's club Liaoning failed to agree terms with Everton's new sponsors Kejian.

That prompted Everton to snap up Shengzhen's Li Weifeng as an alternative but they have now made a double raid on the Chinese market.

The original move for Li Tie hit the buffers amid concerns of a conflict in commercial interests between Liaoning and Kejian, although the latter insist they were not involved in the key decisions.

"As far as Kejian is concerned, we had no decision-making powers in this," said Kejian president Hao Jianxue.

"Li Tie and Li Weifeng are both excellent players. The decision was up to their clubs and Everton."

The reason for Liaoning's change of heart is unclear but the Chinese media believe the club were wary of a public backlash for denying Li Tie the opportunity to leave the country.

It was also felt Li Tie's confidence may have been affected but, following the U-turn, all parties will now be content.