Blomqvist released by Everton

Everton have released Swedish winger Jesper Blomqvist after just 17 appearances for the Goodison Park club.

Everton have released Swedish winger Jesper Blomqvist after just 17 appearances for the Goodison Park club.

The 28-year-old has failed to win a regular place in the side since David Moyes took over as manager in March and has now been told he does not feature in the Scot's future plans.

It is a blow for the former Manchester United midfielder who, after two injury-ravaged seasons at Old Trafford, had hoped to rebuild his career on Merseyside after being signed by Walter Smith last year.

The Swede, who had been on a short-term contract, is the third player released by the club this week following the departures of David Ginola and Alec Cleland.

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Moyes told the club's official website, evertonfc.com: "It was a very difficult decision because I felt Jesper Blomqvist had a made a contribution since my arrival.

"But I have Idan Tal, Mark Pembridge, David Unsworth and Kevin McLeod who are all comfortable on that side that of the field.

"Everyone at Everton Football Club wishes Jesper Blomqvist all the very best for the future."

Blomqvist, who has previously played at IFK Gothenburg, AC Milan and Parma, will now spend the summer searching for a new club after also missing out on Sweden's World Cup squad.