Everton are optimistic that they will be able to sign Nigel Martyn, the former England goalkeeper, in the next few days following the opening of negotiations with Crystal Palace.

They are believed to have bid around £1.5 million, although Selhurst Park chairman Ron Noades is insisting on a fee which is likely to be double that.

Palace have already signed promising 21-year-old goalkeeper Chris Day from Tottenham as a would-be replacement.

Martyn's signature, meanwhile, could spell the end of Neville Southall's illustrious career at Everton. The veteran Welsh international has recently signed a new contract, but insisted that the new deal included a clause which would enable him to leave the club at a month's notice if a successor was signed.

Everton manager Joe Royle wants to seal the transfer quickly so Martyn could play in this weekend's four-team tournament which also includes Liverpool, Borussin, Moenchengladbach and Oporto.