Andrew Johnson's future is increasingly unclear after Everton insisted they have not received a £10.5million offer for the striker from Fulham.
That raises questions over why the England frontman left Preston's Deepdale
ground last night before his team's friendly with the Coca-Cola Championship
side.
Johnson was due to play in the match but after discussions with club officials
he was omitted from the squad and departed.
Sources suggest that Johnson believed Everton had accepted a bid from the west
London club.
But today chief executive Keith Wyness insisted no such deal has been agreed,
and told www.evertonfc.com: 'Contrary to some reports that have surfaced
throughout the course of today, the club can confirm that no offer has been
received nor has any deal been agreed for Andrew Johnson with Fulham Football
Club.'
Johnson, it is believed, wants to return to London with his wife and family for
personal reasons.
His departure from Goodison Park has been expected for some weeks, with both
Wigan and Sunderland chasing the striker.
And it had been suggested that he would have been given permission to talk to
Fulham today in light of his actions at Deepdale.
Fulham were believed to be the only side prepared to make Everton an offer that
will provide them with a healthy profit on the £8.6m they paid for him in May
2006.
Johnson has scored 22 goals in 74 appearances for the Toffees.
But despite Everton's insistence that no offer has been forthcoming from Craven
Cottage, it seems certain that the former Birmingham and Crystal Palace man has
played his last game for the Merseysiders.
Everton boss David Moyes - who wants to make 'five or six' new signings - has
intensified his search for a new striker, with Real Zaragoza's Diego Milito and
Darren Bent of Tottenham high on his wanted list.
