May 29 2006

Andy Johnson

Andy Johnson has set his heart on a move to Everton.

Johnson had to choose between Everton, Bolton and Wigan after Palace accepted offers from all three Premiership clubs.

The England striker, 25, seems certain to make an £8.5m switch to Merseyside after talks with Blues boss David Moyes went well over the weekend.

Johnson told Everton's website: "After several days of careful consideration, I have decided that my footballing future lies at Goodison Park.

"I find the prospect of playing for one of the biggest names in British football impossible to resist.

"I believe Everton will afford me the best opportunity to fulfil my twin ambitions of winning major honours and representing England again at senior level.

I would like to thank both Wigan and Bolton, firstly for having sufficient faith in my abilities to lodge a bid and secondly for being so courteous and professional during the course of our negotiations."

Johnson is expected to complete the transfer, which will be an Everton club record, by the end of this week.