West Bromwich Albion striker Victor Anichebe has revealed that David Moyes’ departure from Goodison Park paved the way for him to move to The Hawthorns on transfer deadline day, Sky Sports understands.
Anichebe, who joined Everton at the age of 10, signed for West Brom for a fee that could rise to £6 million on 2 September following the Toffees’ loan signing of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea.
The Nigeria international, 25, scored 21 goals in 149 appearances in all competitions for the Liverpool-based club, including a career-best six league goals in 26 appearances last term.
“David Moyes has been such a help for me. He has been like a father figure,” said Anichebe
“He brought me through when I was just a boy and he has stuck with me through thick and thin. It was a wrench and there were moments even when I was driving down when I thought, ‘is this the right decision?'”
Anichebe made his final appearance for Everton against Norwich City on the opening day of the season, replacing England international midfielder Ross Barkley in the 90th minute.
The 25-year-old should get more opportunities at The Hawthorns despite the presence of five strikers — Markus Rosenberg, Matej Vydra (on loan from Udinese Calcio), Nicolas Anelka, Saido Berahino and Shane Long — in Steve Clarke’s current squad.
Holtby happy with squad
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lewis Holtby is happy with the club’s squad following a summer spending spree which brought about a number of new signings, including Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela, Etienne Capoue, Nacer Chadli, Paulinho, Roberto Soldado and Vlad Chiricheș, to White Hart Lane.
Holtby, 22, joined Spurs from Schalke 04 last January.
The former Germany Under-21 captain scored in his only appearance for Andre Villas-Boas’ side this season in the club’s 3-0 victory over Dinamo Tiblisi in the UEFA Europa League on 29 August.
Holtby will have plenty of opportunities to impress Andre Villas-Boas and Jogi Löw this term, with the North London club having already booked their rightful place in the Europa League group stages.
“I am very pleased to be in this squad,” said Holtby.
“You need a big squad if you want to challenge for trophies and be strong in every competition.
“To be part of a big squad, it just makes your game better.”
Holtby, who has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool in the past, tallied four goals and 12 assists in 44 combined appearances for Schalke 04 and Tottenham Hotspur last season.
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