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      Sir Alex Ferguson interrupted Coronation Street to ask me to join Man Utd – but I’d already decided to join Arsenal

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      ARSENAL icon Alan Smith has revealed that he was personally asked by Sir Alex Ferguson to join Manchester United before moving to north London.Smith, 62, joined the Gunners from Leicester City in 1987 and went on to score 113 goals in 340 appearances.Alan Smith has revealed Sir Ale Ferguson attempted to persuade him to join Man Utd before he signed for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe legendary United manager called him while he was watching Coronation Street with his mumCredit: GettySmith scored 113 goals for ArsenalCredit: GettyHe famously scored in the historic First Division title-deciding match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Anfield in 1989 which saw George Graham’s side end their 18-year wait to be crowned champions.However, things could have been very different had the striker accepted an offer from Man Utd.Speaking to ex-team-mate David Seaman on the Seaman Says podcast with Betway, Smith revealed that he received a phone call from Ferguson regarding a move to Old Trafford.He said: “I spoke to Alex Ferguson. I was getting a bit of interest.Read More in Football”One January evening, I was living with my mum and dad still and we were watching Coronation Street, I’ll always remember it.”The phone goes in the hall and my mum picks it up and she says, ‘Alan, it’s Alex Ferguson on the phone for you.’ I thought she misheard the name.”Alex had only been at United for about a year and they were struggling. So it’s not like it was ‘the Sir Alex’ calling but he was obviously a big name, he’s the Man United manager.”I went into the hall and spoke to him. He said he wanted me to wait until the summer when I would have been a free agent.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I said, ‘Mr Ferguson, I’m sorry but I’ve made up my mind, I want to join Arsenal.'”Arsenal wanted to sign me on deadline day, I had already spoke to them in a roundabout way. ‘Love this for him’ – Arsenal fans go wild as Aaron Ramsey, 34, goads Stoke supporters 15 years after injury horror”It was a short conversation, I put the phone down and thought, ‘have I done the right thing there, saying no to the Manchester United manager?'”But they went four of five years really without winning anything and Alex was close to getting the sack.”After an eight-year spell with Arsenal, Smith decided to hang up his boots in 1995.He is now a co-commentator and pundit for Sky Sports. More

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      Jadon Sancho in major one-word Man Utd dig on Marcus Rashford’s Instagram post despite still being Red Devils’ player

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      JADON SANCHO aimed a dig at Manchester United in response to Marcus Rashford making his Aston Villa debut.The forward came on in the 66th minute of Villa’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Tottenham.Jadon Sancho aimed a dig at Mancheater UnitedCredit: AlamyHe wrote ‘freedom’ after Marcus Rashford made his Aston Villa debutCredit: AFPRashford thanked fans for their warm welcome before Sancho’s commentsAfter the match Rashford shared some pics from his day at Villa Park and thanked fans for their welcome, saying: “Thank you for the warm welcome. Great team performance 🙌🏾”The Instagram post drew plenty of attention with more than 500,000 likes and countless comments, including from Rashford’s former team-mate Sancho.The winger, who is on loan at Chelsea from United, wrote: “Freedom 🙏🏼🙌🏼”Sancho finally departed Old Trafford last summer after almost 12 months exiled from the first-team following a bust-up with former United boss Erik ten Hag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe only joined Chelsea on loan but his comment seems to show he has cut ties with the Red Devils as the deal that took him to Stamford Bridge includes an option to buy.Rashford is also out on loan but Villa have a £40m option they could exercise to make his stay permanent.The England international fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim and was accused of poor performance levels in training.Rashford said he just wants to concentrate on playing football again in a statement released following the switch.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe wrote: “I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen.”I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me but Aston Villa was an easy decision.Aston Villa boss Unai Emery opens up on how Marcus Rashford has trained after shock loan transfer from Man Utd “I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the managers’ ambitions.”I just want to play football and am excited to get started.”I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.” More

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      Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 1: Emery leaves Postecoglou on brink of the sack with Spurs’ second cup exit in four days

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      THE misery just continues for Ange Postecoglou. Although the moment his team conceded after 58 seconds with his keeper producing a howler, the beleaguered Aussie must have known it was going to be another rotten day.Aston Villa dumped Spurs out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win at homeCredit: AlamyAnge Postecoglou is on the brink after losing another key cup gameCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford made his debut off the bench as he helped Villa secure victoryCredit: RexSpurs have been knocked out of two cups in four daysCredit: RexHis spell as Tottenham manager is now turning into a proper nightmare.Three days after Spurs were annihilated by Liverpool in their Carabao Cup semi-final, Postecoglou’s team were beaten fair and square by Villa and the situation is becoming toxic to a point where a change is inevitable.Jacob Ramsey’s first minute goal was followed by the second by the outstanding Morgan Rodgers’ in the 64th minute. Tottenham’s new striker Mathys Tel, who did not have a kick all game, set up a nervous couple of minutes with a lovely finish in injury time but anything other than a home win would have been a robbery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs the home fans celebrated the second goal, Marcus Rashford arrived as a substitute for his debut along with fellow new boy Marco Asensio.Rashford’s first action was to accidentally elbow Kevin Danso in the head with the Spurs defender needing treatment.Yet for the on-loan Manchester United forward, he is only just getting his feet under the table at his new club although how much longer Postecoglou remains at Spurs is the big question.Aston Villa’s fans sang ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMeanwhile, Tottenham’s increasingly angry supporters sang for chairman Daniel Levy to leave their club. In fact, they chanted it nine times during the game.Although they were a bit better in the second half, this was still poor from Spurs. Postecoglou should survive for next Sunday’s home match against Manchester United and then an away trip to Ipswich.Under-fire Tottenham boss Postecoglou finally breaks silence on EFL boss’ injury jibe with brutal 10-word responseAgain, you had to have sympathy for Spurs as they were without an entire team. In total, 11 players were out plus the cup-tied Dane Scarlett. They have been forced to put out the type of team Liverpool decided to do at Plymouth – but every week.The only blow for Villa was the first half loss of Ezri Konsa, their only available centre-back, went off with an injury and he was replaced by Lamare Bogarde, the nephew of Winston Bogarde who famously flopped at Chelsea.Yet Villa’s defence were hardly given a tough test. And Tottenham’s manager will have hoped his team would, at the very least, remain solid at the back while finding their feet in the game.Ramsey opened the scoring after less than a minuteCredit: GettySpurs was torn apart in the opening momentsCredit: AFPInstead, they were put on their backsides in under a minute.Rogers had too much space when receiving a pass from Youri Tielemans. He navigated his way past Lucas Bergvall – a bit too easily for the Tottenham manager’s liking you would image – and threaded a pass through to Ramsey with Spurs right-back Pedro Porro having gone walkabout.Ramsey took the ball into the area with his first touch and while his shot was not particularly good, it still squeezed through keeper Kinsky. What an utter disaster for Spurs.Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would have expected that the club’s fans, at some stage during the evening, would be chanting for him to leave the club. Jacob Ramsey doubled Villa’s lead in the second halfCredit: GettyThe game looked out of reach after the second strikeCredit: ReutersBut even he would have thought this would occur a bit later than only the second minute.Spurs struggled to get the ball out of their half and they kept handing Villa chances on a plate.New Villa arrival Donyell Malen blazed his shot into the North Stand while visiting keeper Kinsky, in fairness, did push away a decent shot from Leon BaileyAs Tottenham’s fans sang: “‘we’re f****g s**”, Tielemans had a free run on goal before his strike bobbled wide while Ramsey also dragged a shot beyond the far post.Rashford looked sharp coming off the benchCredit: PAMarco Asensio also impressed on his debutCredit: PAIn their only meaningful attack of the first half, Spurs should have scored but Son Heung-Min struck his effort at Emiliano Martinez after an outstanding first-time pass from Mikey Moore.In fact, the finishing from both teams was pretty rubbish. Bailey shot straight at Kinsky, Ramsey hit the post with the follow-up while Malen hammered an effort into the side netting in first half stoppage time.Spurs did improve after half-time although they could not be any worse. Son was denied by a decent block from Bogarde, which is something we did not see from his uncle all those years ago, although he only played 12 times in four years in England before leaving in 2004.Mathys Tel pulled one back at the deathCredit: AFPIt was too little, too late for SpursCredit: ReutersRamsey should have made it 2-0 but Kinsky struck out his right arm to save.Yet with Rashford and Asensio waiting to enter the field of play, Villa got the second when Porro scuffed a clearance from Malen’s cross and Rodgers had an easy finish.Spurs defender Danso had a terrific chance to pull a goal back but he somehow missed the target from close range.Rashford had a chance at the end but Archie Gray took the ball off his foot. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd then Mathys Tel delivered a cracking finish in stoppage time to put away Kulusevski’s cross.Yet for Spurs, it was far too little, too late.The pressure is now on for Big AngeCredit: GettyUnai Emery will be dreaming of FA Cup gloryCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd ‘considered £58m transfer for Barcelona star in January’ but wonderkid snubbed move

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      MANCHESTER UNITED considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in January – but he reportedly rejected the switch.The Red Devils were allegedly willing to offer £58m for the 21-year-old midfielder, with Aston Villa also interested.Man Utd considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in JanuaryCredit: RexFermin Lopez opted to stay at BarcelonaCredit: RexUnited wanted Lopez to bolster their midfield options amid another dismal Premier League campaign, according to The Mail.While Villa – who brought in five new players, including Marcus Rashford on loan- were also keen to add Lopez to their ranks.But the Spaniard made it immediately clear that he wouldn’t entertain a move and was desperate to continue at Barca.United are known to be long-time admirers of Lopez’s talents amid their recent changes in midfield.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChristian Eriksen is expected to leave Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer and Casemiro is no longer considered a regular starter.Roma expressed interest in Casemiro in January and United could loan the legendary midfielder out in June.That could mean that Ruben Amorim’s side could go for Lopez again in the next window in a few months time. In October 2024, Lopez signed a new contract at the club until 2029, and it is understood that he has a £416.5m release clause.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLopez wants to fight for his future at Barca after seeing his playing time reduced under new gaffer Hansi Flick.He has scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 LaLiga games this season, having been named in the starting XI on five occasions.Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concernLopez – who came through the ranks at Real Betis before moving to La Masia – returned from the Olympics with an injury, which left him out for the first few weeks of the season. The youngster has to battle fierce competition in Barca’s midfield which includes Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado, Gavi and Pablo Torre.Meanwhile, United loaned out Rashford and Antony to reduce their wage bill.But Old Trafford chiefs spent £29.9m on wing-back Patrick Dorgu, while Ayden Heaven joined from Arsenal’s under-21s.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Chelsea fans fume at Enzo Maresca’s ‘fireable statement’ after another early cup exit to Brighton

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      CHELSEA manager Enzo Maresca enraged fans with his post-match statement after his team’s miserable FA Cup elimination.The Blues suffered another heartbreaking cup exit on Saturday after a 2-1 loss to Brighton, who came from behind at the Amex Stadium.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca sparked fury within the fansCredit: GettyChelsea fans slammed Maresca after another cup eliminationCredit: GettyThe West Londoners opened the scoring with an own-goal by the Seagulls’ goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen but equalised with Georginio Rutter and turned the game on its head with Kaoru Mitoma.Chelsea were knocked out in the fourth round of the FA Cup, which marks another early exit after their premature elimination in the Last 16 of the Carabao Cup to Newcastle in October.This comes amid a poor run in the Premier League as well with Maresca’s billion-pound side winning only two out of their last eight matches, of which they lost three, which puts their top-four hopes in peril.Chelsea’s disappointing run has left fans frustrated and the Italian tactician’s post-match comments didn’t make things better as he tried to present a silver lining.Read More on ChelseaThe ex-Leicester boss suggested they could all take comfort in the fact they can still win the Conference League and finish top four in the Prem.Maresca said after the match: “Being out of the FA Cup, it’s a shame. No doubt.”If there is something positive, we can be focused on the Premier League and the Conference League. Hopefully we can continue our journey there.”That didn’t sit well with fans who stormed social media, where some even suggested that was a “fireable” statement.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne fan tweeted: “I don’t hate Maresca but that is a fireable statement for a Chelsea manager.”That Chelsea supporter posted: “Another gem, ‘If there is something good after losing a leg, it is that we can focus on being really excellent at hopping’.”Cole Palmer shows off his goal scoring skills at Chelsea Training A third commented: “Imagine [Jose] Mourinho, [Antonio] Conte or [Thomas] Tuchel saying something like this.”This fan wrote: “This isn’t what Chelsea is about. Small club mentality drilled in from the top to the bottom and it shows on the pitch.”That one said: “Flexing the Conference League? We’ve fallen off so much.”And a sixth stated: “Sometimes it’s better to say ‘no comment’ or you get yourself sentenced. Ridiculous s**t to say this is Chelsea at least by name not by actions.”Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League table with two points ahead of defending champions Manchester City, who are fifth.The Blues also pose as favourites to win the Conference League after topping the league phase and making it straight into the Last 16 by winning all of their six matches.Chelsea ratings vs Brighton as pantomime villain Cucurella can hold head high but Nkunku has a shockerBRIGHTON came from behind to dump Chelsea out of the FA Cup with Kaoru Mitoma’s perfectly placed chip securing a 2-1 win for the Seagulls at the Amex stadium.But how did Chelsea’s players fare? Who was the biggest let down and who was the best of the worst? Check out SunSport’s player ratings…Robert Sanchez – 5/10Back in the side after being dropped by Enzo Maresca after a number of errors this season. The Spaniard looked shaky on the ball at the start of the game but seemed to brush off his nerves as the match developed.Nothing he could do about Brighton’s opener with Georginio Rutter’s perfectly placed header flying past him.Perhaps a little slow off his line for Brighton’s winner, but take nothing away from Kaoru Mitoma’s perfectly executed chip.Malo Gusto – 5Worked tirelessly charging up and down the right flank for Chelsea, but failed to have much joy going forward or defensively.Struggled to deal with the dangerous Mitoma throughout the game, and was caught napping out of position for the Japanese forwards winner.Tosin Adarabioyo – 5Alongside Trevoh Chalobah, was guilty of allowing Georginio Rutter to drift into space to fire home Brighton’s early equaliser.Played some confident passes at times, but also looked like a walking mistake on the ball at times. Was caught in possession on the halfway line by Georginio Rutter which almost led to a Brighton goal.Trevoh Chalobah  – 6Equally as responsible for Brighton’s opening goal alongside his centre back partner, allowing Rutter a free header in the box.Was more composed on the ball than his Tosin throughout the game, however, and already looks like Chelsea’s best centre back after being recalled from loan.Marc Cucurella – 6The pantomime villain of the evening at the Amex stadium, with Brighton fans spending the full 90 minutes booing their ex player everytime he got a hold of the ball.Was solid throughout the game, although failed to have the attacking impact that he has had for Chelsea in recent games.Moises Caicedo – 6Looked to be running a one man midfield before Enzo Fernandez was introduced in the second half.Worked tirelessly but was clearly frustrated with his sides efforts, putting in a couple of nasty tackles which led to him being booked.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 4A rare start for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Chelsea this season, and in truth, he failed to take advantage.A very poor challenge early on saw the Englishman booked, and he failed to have any impact on his side going forward or defensively in the first half.Was substituted fifteen minutes into the second half for Enzo Fernandez in the wake of Brighton’s second goal.Pedro Neto – 5An injury concern midway through the first half, which in truth he never quite looked to shake off.Looked confident he had the better of Tariq Lamptey, often beating his fullback. His final ball, however, was sorely lacking throughout the match, with a number of crosses flying over everyoneCole Palmer – 6Played his part in Chelsea’s opener with a first time cross into the box – although it’s difficult to mark that goal down as anything other than a Bart Verbruggen howler.Looked like he was missing his regular attacking partner Nicholas Jackson, with a clear lack of connection with the Frenchman Christopher Nkunku up top.Jadon Sancho – 5Looked uninterested for large parts of the first half, and failed to close down Joel Veltman who whipped in the cross for Brighton’s opener.He picked up in the second half with some direct dribbling, although never managed to find the final ball.Christopher Nkunku – 2It’s hard not to feel sorry for Nkunku, with the forward looking completely lost in Enzo Maresca’s system.It genuinely seemed like he wasn’t on the pitch at times, with the Frenchman missing in action for large parts of the game.The one clear chance he had running through on goal, he bizarrely elected to cross the ball rather than have an effort himself.SUBS:Enzo Fernandez (Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 59) – 7Brought an air of control to Chelsea’s midfield which was sorely lacking before. Played a few nice passes with the short time he had on the pitch.Nothing came of his efforts, although perhaps the result would have been different for Chelsea had he started the game.Tyrique George (Jadon Sancho, 73) – 5Spurned a great opportunity over the bar, and other than that failed to have any impact. More

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      Mikel Arteta to axe SEVEN Arsenal players to fund summer transfer spending spree for new striker

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      MIKEL ARTETA is set to let go of SEVEN players to fund a huge summer spreading spree, according to reports.The Gunners signed ZERO players in the winter window despite their obvious issues up-front.Mikel Arteta is eyeing a huge summer spending spreeCredit: GettyNewcastle’s Alexander Isak is on Arsenal’s radarCredit: AFPThe Gunners see Benjamin Sesko as a more realistic option but Real Madrid are also interested in the midfielderCredit: ReutersBut Arsenal will now be armed with a vast amount of cash at the end of the season to strengthen their attacking ranks.Arteta – who is currently enjoying a team break in Dubai – made it clear that he was “disappointed” with the lack of January activity and is ready to push for a new marquee striker in six months time.Newcastle’s talisman Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko are the top of the Spaniard’s wish-list.But Arsenal will need to have a proper clear out and cut the wage bill in order to fund any move for Isak – which would surely take a British-record transfer fee.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Magpies want to keep the 25-year-old Swede – who has scored 59 goals in 94 games for the Toon – at all costs and reports have suggested a £150million asking price.But Arteta has sanctioned the departure of seven first-team stars in order to facilitate a spree, according to The Mirror.For starters, loanee Raheem Sterling is set to return to Chelsea and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams remains on Arsenal’s radar.There will be major surgery in midfield with Thomas Partey and Jorginho out of contract in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJorginho is currently in discussions with Brazilian giants Flamengo over a pre-contract agreement.Notable groundwork has already been done on a £51million move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi although Real Madrid could yet enter the fray for the Spaniard, who snubbed Liverpool last summer.Arsenal wonderkid Lewis-Skelly’s mum reveals he’s ‘still on washing-up duty’… and how she nearly missed Man City goalThomas Partey is out of contract in the summer and Oleksandr Zinchenko could be lured elsewhere for game timeCredit: GettyRosenberg’s 18-year-old Sverre Nypan is a target that’s likely to be revisited this summer after the Norwegian prodigy opted to remain in Scandinavia for an additional six months.Meanwhile, left-back Kieran Tierney will likely rejoin Celtic on a free transfer and Arsenal will likely be open to offers for centre-back Jakub Kiwior.And Oleksandr Zinchenko looks poised to pursue a transfer due to his lack of minutes this season.Myles Lewis-Skelly has leapfrogged both Riccardo Calafiori and Zinchenko in the Arsenal pecking order in recent months.That could mean a replacement for the Ukrainian is not deemed as essential.Veteran loanee Neto – who was signed as a stopgap – is due to return to Bournemouth.And Espanyol No 1 Joan Garcia remains a player of interest since Arsenal saw two bids rejected by the Spanish club in August.Arsenal have splashed the cash on their backline in recent transfer windows and further defensive reinforcements are likely to be dependent on outgoings, with Ajax’s Jorrel Hato on their radar.Spain Euro 2024 star Nico Williams is on Arsenal’s radarCredit: APMartin Zubimendi, who has a £52million release clause, looks certain to arrive but Madrid have registered an interest nowCredit: GettyWhile the departure of the seven stars may not raise significant transfer funds, it will certainly free up plenty of space on the wage bill.The Emirates Stadium hierarchy are currently finalising the appointment of former sporting director Edu’s successor. Jason Ayto has stepped up on an interim basis and is a strong candidate to land the job permanently. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal are facing the prospect of another trophyless season after they were knocked out of both domestic cups.While their Premier League hopes are fading as the club sit six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand, the Gunners are hoping to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Winger who Trent Alexander-Arnold named his ‘toughest ever opponent’ is left unemployed aged just 28

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      BRANDON BARKER once “destroyed” Trent Alexander-Arnold – now he is left without a club. Alexander-Arnold named the former Manchester City forward as the toughest-ever player he faced. Brandon Barker was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s toughest-ever opponentCredit: GettyHe told Liverpool’s YouTube channel: “I would say Brandon Barker, played for City.”I was 18, playing for the Under-21s, first ever time at Anfield, got beat 3-0. He scored two and got an assist. I came off at 60 [minutes].”Still to this day, he’s the opponent I think that just destroyed me, man. I’ve never had it like that before.”At that point, I’m thinking ‘this kid is going to be the best player in the world’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Because I’d never seen someone move so quickly and sharp and effectively, so I’d say Brandon Barker.”Barker came through City’s youth -even winning their Academy Players’ Player of the Year during the 2013/14 season. But he left in 2019 after just one senior appearance and four loan moves, to Rotherham, NAC Breda in the Netherlands, Hibernian and Preston. Barker then moved to Rangers, had another loan to Oxford, joined Reading, then Omonia in Cyrpus and most recently Morecambe. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe then left League Two side Morecambe at the end of last season – leaving him in search of a new club. Barker, 28, told The Athletic: “I’ve never been too bothered about money. BBC makes half-time innovation in FA Cup clash between Leyton Orient and Man City”One goal I had when I started was to help my mum and dad buy a very nice house. I was lucky enough to be able to do that. “Me and my family have completely different lives now from when I was growing up, so I’m grateful for that.”Setbacks happen. I’ve been through a lot, but there are footballers who have been through more setbacks than me.”I’ve just got to keep trying and giving it everything I’ve got until I can’t do it anymore. I just want to play.”Responding to Alexander-Arnold’s praise, he said: “I’m sure he’s had more difficult games, given some of the superstars he played against, but it’s nice of him to say it. I’d never played against him before.”He looked very young and he was very small and skinny, whereas I was already established at that level. But I was pretty good that day, to be fair.”Brandon Barker had a stint with Omonia in CyrpusCredit: AFPHe also played for PrestonCredit: GettyAnd Rangers in ScotlandCredit: Getty More

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      Everton boss David Moyes pulled out of late January transfer move for former Chelsea title-winning striker

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      EVERTON boss David Moyes looked at a deal for Michy Batshuayi — before changing his mind.Moyes wanted an extra forward due to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury and made some thorough background checks on ex-Chelsea ace Batshuayi, 31.David Moyes pulled out of a late move for ex-Chelsea striker Michy BatshuayiCredit: RexBatshuayi spent six years at Chelsea but was often loaned outCredit: REUTERS/Eddie KeoghThe Belgian striker instead joined Eintracht Frankfurt from GalatasarayCredit: AFPBut reports on the star were not enough to tempt Everton for a loan until the end of the season.Batshuayi – who was loaned out to several European clubs during his six year spell at Stamford Bridge – instead joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Galatasaray on a permanent basis last month.The Belgian scored the goal that won Chelsea the Prem against West Brom in his debut season in 2016-2017.Everton also pulled away from a deal for France left-back Adrien Truffert, 23, as Rennes value him too highly.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd a deal for West Brom winger Tom Fellows, 21, was called off by the Toffees’ owners to save cash for the summer window.Moyes was previously linked with a move to bring Batshuayi to West Ham – during his first stint with the Hammers in 2018.Everton wanted to sign a striker during the winter window amid injuries to Calvert-Lewin, former Chelsea star Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti. This leaves the club with Beto – who is yet to truly hit the ground running – as their only No 9. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the Guinea-Bissau international forward responded to Moyes’ faith with a brace against Leicester City.Fans are hoping that “magician” Moyes will save them from battling Premier League relegation in their final season at Goodison Park.Everton boss David Moyes tries to look forward after Tottenham win Since taking over from Sean Dyche on January 11, Moyes has won three of his five games in charge.After losing 1-0 to a top Aston Villa side in his first match in charge, the former Manchester United boss went on a run of three straight wins.The Blues beat Tottenham, Brighton and smashed Leicester 4-0, before losing 2-0 to Bournemouth in the fourth-round of the FA Cup on Saturday.Antoine Semenyo and Daniel Jebbison fired the Cherries into the next round during Everton’s last-ever FA Cup tie at their famous old ground.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More