Johnson´s Everton future in doubt

The future of Andrew Johnson at Everton appeared in doubt Wednesday after he missed a pre-season friendly at Preston amid reports the 26-year-old forward is poised to join Fulham.

Reports on Merseyside said Wigan and Sunderland were chasing Johnson but added Fulham were favourites to land his signature for around 10.5 million pounds (13 million euros) with Toffies' boss David Moyes needing cash to strengthen his squad.

Moyes, yet to make a summer signing, has been linked with Sporting Lisbon's Joao Moutinho, Tottenham striker Darren Bent and Real Zaragoza's Argentine star Diego Milito but told Everton's website earlier this month that “Andy Johnson is not for sale – it is that simple.”

Johnson joined Everton from Crystal Palace in 2006 and only signed a new five-year deal in November amid reports West Ham wanted him.