Moyes: Neville going nowhere

Everton boss David Moyes has poured cold water on speculation of a Tottenham move for Toffees captain Phil Neville.

Reports in the British media emerged on Tuesday suggesting Neville was the subject of a shock transfer bid by Spurs.

The Daily Mail reported Spurs had offered Everton around 1.5 million pounds to entice them into parting with Neville, and claimed negotiations were at an advanced stage.

But Moyes has ruled out losing Neville in the January transfer window and declared the 34-year-old full-back too important to sell.

“I spoke with (Spurs boss) Harry Redknapp briefly before the transfer window opened,” Moyes told Everton’s official website on Tuesday.

“(Tottenham chairman) Daniel Levy and Bill (Kenwright, Everton chairman) had an even briefer conversation at our recent game against Spurs and mutually agreed that this would go no further.”

“At no time was any offer made – nor would one have been welcomed. Phil Neville is our captain and is an important part of the Everton set-up.”

Redknapp spoke briefly about Neville before training at White Hart Lane on Tuesday but acknowledged a transfer would be an unlikely proposition.

“He’s a great player but I’m sure David Moyes knows just how important he is to his team,” Redknapp said.

“He’s a real leader for them and David wouldn’t want to lose him so it’d be a difficult one.”