Everton have reportedly joined the chase for West Ham striker Dean Ashton.

The 24-year-old forward - who bagged a hat-trick in the Irons' 5-3 friendly win over Ipswich last night - has been linked with a move away from Upton Park all summer.

Manchester United, Spurs, Newcastle and Sunderland have all been credited with showing an interest in the England man.

Now David Moyes - who is hoping to raise £13million from the sale of Andy Johnson - is believed to be keen.

The Toffees boss sees Ashton as an ideal partner for Yakubu Aiyegbeni and is ready to splash out as much as £20million to land his man.

However, he will have a fight o his hands to prise the forward away from east London, after chief executive Scott Duxbury this week insisted the player is going nowhere.

[Guardian-Series]

Subscribe to the post comments feeds or Leave a trackback