Everton sign Oviedo and linked with Michael Essien as transfer deadline nears

First of all - DONE DEAL!

Everton confirmed the signing of FC Copenhagen winger Bryan Oviedo on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee – believed to be in the region of £1.6million.

The Costa Rica winger can play all down the left flank and is seen as back-up to both Leighton Baines and Stephen Pienaar.

Speaking to a friend who watches Copenhagen regularly, Oviedo is, apparently, very much a raw talent who loves to go forward – one of those rough diamonds Moyes loves to polish.

Welcome to Everton Bryan and good luck in the coming season!

Meanwhile....

The moment Jim White started his shift in the Sky Sports studio you knew things would step-up a notch, but I didn’t think it would involve Everton!

White announced out of the blue that Everton had made a £6million bid for Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland.

The 19-year-old is definitely a talent and it would be great to have such a young talented back-up goalkeeper.

However, I can’t help but think we need to spend the money elsewhere – which is why I doubt this deal with go through.

The only way I can see this transfer going through is if Moyes could not get his other targets, saw Butland was available, and pounced before other clubs could nip in.

*Update – Birmingham have since denied any bid from Everton for Butland. Surprise surprise.

As Evertonians got increasingly excited, Michael Essien was then sensationally linked with the Blues. We were rumoured to have had a loan deal rejected earlier in the day while Arsenal we heavily linked with the Ghanaian.

Then in s further twist, Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo, speaking ahead of his side’s Super Cup clash with Atletico Madrid, confirmed Essien was going out on loan but NOT to Arsenal.

Hmmm, interesting- it remains an outside chance but would be sensational if it came off.

If that does not happen, then Moyes has also held talks with Blackburn over midfielder Stephen N’Zonzi.

However, Stoke are also interested and his agent was spotted at the club’s training ground earlier in the day. That one may rest on the fee.

Sky Sports News have also reported that Everton have agreed a fee for striker Matthew Kennedy. The Toffees had a bid rejected for the 17-year-old earlier this week and labelled ‘derisory’ by the Scottish club. Should he sign then Kennedy would probably head into the reserve and youth set-up.

I am sure there will be plenty of twists and turns to come so to keep up to date make sure to check out our deadline day thread and follow us on Twitter @rbmersey.