Soccer - transfer news round-up:Everton defender Lucas Neill is to join Turkish club Galatasaray after this weekend's Premier League fixture against Manchester City.
The 31-year-old defender only agreed a one-year deal with the Toffees in September after becoming a free agent when his contract ended at West Ham in the summer, making 15 appearances.
The Australia international admitted he had not been expecting to leave Goodison Park.
“The move has come as a surprise to me,” he said on the club’s website, evertonfc.com.
“I’d like to thank the staff and fans but most of all my team-mates for making my time at Everton very enjoyable. I am pleased to have had a positive impact on the team and the club and wish them every success for the future.”
James set for Stoke switch
Stoke manager Tony Pulis is hoping to sign England goalkeeper David James in time for Saturday’s clash with Liverpool.
The potential transfer from Portsmouth is being discussed by the clubs’ chief executives Tony Scholes and Peter Storrie.
Pulis believes James will add to the competition for the number one spot at the Britannia Stadium, although has refused to rule out the chance of Thomas Sorensen leaving as the Dane has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
“We’ll have to see if the two clubs can come to a deal and we’re hoping it will be tied up for the weekend, but it will have to be right for us,” said Pulis.
“If we can get him we’ll be absolutely delighted because if there’s a weakness (in the squad) it’s been between the sticks in respect of having competition and back-up.
“We lost Thomas immediately before the Fulham game and if anything had happened to (deputy) Steve Simonsen, then we wouldn’t have had a goalkeeper. It would have been a tragedy for us, and it really opens up your eyes.
“So we’ve an opportunity to bring in a top-class goalkeeper because we have heard he might be available.”