Path clear for Everton to pursue Cleverley deal

Everton are still in the hunt for Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley even with the clock ticking towards the transfer deadline.

Aston Villa were willing to pay £8million for the England international but talks reportedly broke down over wages. That left Everton as the only club in the running to sign the 25-year-old.

However, Everton are only willing to sanction a loan deal for Cleverley with his club Man Utd only willing to consider a permanent transfer.

Something clearly has to give.

Intrepid Sky Sports News presenter Alan Irwin has been told by sources within the club (when he is not being bothered by sex toy wielding Everton supporters) that the Toffees are willing to work right up until the deadline to secure Cleverley's signature, with manager Roberto Martinez reportedly still at Finch Farm.

Time is certainly against them though and all parties are going to have to move fast if they are to getting everything in place before the clock strikes 11pm.