Toffees deny Stubbs snub

Everton insist Alan Stubbs rejected a new contract because of its length.

Toffees boss David Moyes had been keen to retain the services of his tough-tackling captain but the Merseyside outfit were unwilling to take out a clause relating to his illness unless he first visited an independent specialist.

The same clause had been part of his previous contract, but Stubbs had hoped his loyalty would have been rewarded by having the stipulation removed for a 12-month deal.

However, Everton have dismissed these claims and have now stated that Stubbs rejected the terms offered because he desired a two-year deal rather than 12 months.

"While the very last thing anyone at Everton wishes to do is become embroiled in a public row with a player who served the club so well during his four years at Goodison Park, we feel it is essential that the record is set straight,'' Everton head of communications Ian Ross told the club's official website.

"When Alan joined us from Glasgow Celtic in the summer of 2001 he was in remission after recovering from testicular cancer. A clause was inserted in Alan's contract with Everton relating to the fact that he had previously suffered from a form of cancer.

"In October of last year, Alan, through his management company, was made the offer of a 12-month extension to his contract. Although that contractual offer did still contain what is known as a 'special notice condition' relating to his previous medical condition, Alan asked that, as he had been in remission for a number of years, it be removed.

"The club informed both Alan and his management company that we were perfectly happy to do just that once the player had been examined by a doctor of consultant status.

"Although Alan indicated his willingness to undergo just such an examination he subsequently informed the club that he was seeking not a 12-month extension to his contract but a 24-month extension.

"Alan eventually decided to reject the offer of a 12-month extension and, having become a free agent, he joined Sunderland.

''The medical examination which Alan had indicated he was more than content to undergo never took place.''