By David Hobbs
August 4 2005

Phil Neville has made a sensational switch to Everton after Manchester United agreed a £3 million fee with the Toffees for the versatile defender and midfielder.

Neville is expected to pass a medical shortly with the Merseyside outfit, who are 180 minutes away from the Champions League Group Stages if they pass the tough obstacle of Diego Forlan's Villarreal.

The 28-year-old has been a Red Devil since a school kid after progressing through the ranks at Old Trafford to pick up Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League medals.

The move will help Neville's chances of a place in the World Cup with England next summer and Everton boss David Moyes is delighted the secret deal. "Phil is a quality footballer who will, I feel certain, improve and enhance the squad we are putting together. He is very much a professional's professional and I am very happy to have signed him," he said.

"Primarily I see Phil as a holding midfield player but he is so versatile that he gives us not only much-needed cover but also several additional options.

"We have staved off a great deal of competition to get him but from the first minute I spoke to him he only wanted to come and join Everton. His attitude throughout the entire negotiation process has been first class." 

Best of luck to Phil Neville from all at ManUtdWeb...

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]