David Moyes: Defensive Signings A Priority At Everton

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UEFA Cup: David Moyes, Standard Liege v Everton (PA)

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Everton manager David Moyes has admitted that adding to his defence before the start of the new season is the priority at Goodison Park.

With Joleon Lescott and Joseph Yobo the only fit centre-backs at the club, Moyes is desperate to dip into the market to bolster his options.

England defender Phil Jagielka is still recovering from a knee injury that will keep him sidelined until at least October, while speculation linking 26-year-old Lescott with a move to Manchester City refuses to go away.

Despite missing out on Sheffield United's Kyle Naughton, who signed for Tottenham Hotspur this week, the Toffees boss is still targeting new signings before the start of the new Premier League season.

"We have got a decent team but we have a concern as we’ve only got two centre-backs at the club just now," Moyes told Everton's official website.

"That means I am going to have to add a central defender. It's a priority – we don't have cover at left-back either.

"Joleon [Lescott] could cover for Leighton Baines but we just don't have the options to do that at the minute. There is a shortage there as well.

"We don't have Mikel Arteta fit, nor do we have 'Yak' [Yakubu Aiyegbeni], 'Jags' [Phil Jagielka] or Victor Anichebe, and our numbers are dramatically down, so it's something we need to address."

The former Preston North End manager went on to claim that, although arrivals at the club have been few and far between, Goodison Park still remains an attractive proposition for prospective signings.

"I'm pretty sure that players will be keen to come here," Moyes added. 

"I'm sure they will see a football club that has improved and will go on improving.

"You only have to look at the squad we have got to see that the players have made progress, they are a hard working group and hugely determined.

"The market is quiet at the minute and only Manchester City seem to be buying big but I think that others will start buying before too long.

"We know that we have got to add players. Yes, I would have liked them in before now – but I will definitely be adding to the squad as soon as the right one becomes available."

Stephen Darwin, Goal.com