Moyes confirms Cole interest

Everton manager David Moyes has confirmed an interest in Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole.

The former West Ham man is in Sven Goran Eriksson's provisional squad for Euro 2004 but could be available for a loan exit from Stamford Bridge next term if, as expected, Roman Abramovich bankrolls another huge spending spree.

Rangers have also expressed a desire to bring Cole to Glasgow but Moyes has thrown his hat into the ring after taking part in a question and answer session on Everton's official website.

"He is one of several players I'm interested in bringing in on loan as this may be the market we have to work in," stated Moyes.

"We certainly need midfield players but I also feel that we need strengthening defensively and possibly another forward if the right one becomes available."

Moyes, who also revealed he is hoping to sign youngsters Danny Szetela from the United States and Icelandic whizz-kid Bjarni Thor Vidarsson, reiterated his commitment to keeping England's Wayne Rooney at Goodison Park.

"No, I wouldn't (consider selling Rooney) and it wouldn't solve our problems anyway," he affirmed.

"I hope Wayne does well at Euro 2004 for Everton and for Wayne.

"It is a big challenge for the boy because of his lack of experience at international level but it can only be good for us having England's number nine.

"Everybody at the club is right behind him."

The Scot pinpointed the one major difference between the impressive season in 2002/2003 and the disappointment in finishing fourth from bottom in 2003/2004.

"I think the overall work-rate of the players last year was much greater," revealed the plain-speaking former Preston manager.