Everton move for Pranjic clears way for Baines’ United switch

Everton look to have won the race to sign Croatia international wing-back Danijel Pranjic, fuelling speculation that Leighton Baines is on his way out of Goodison Park to Manchester United.

Pranjic claims he had been close to completing a deal to the Premier League outfit in January and is now a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

Pranjic said: “I am honoured that such a successful coach [as David Moyes] wants to sign me, and would be honoured to play for a club like Everton with such a rich history.

“We were very close to completing a deal in January, but then Bayern prevented it going through. I can’t say that everything is finished, but next week I’m expecting some concrete developments.”

Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini has played down talk of Arsenal captain Robin van Persie joining Manchester City this summer.

Van Persie is out of contract at the Emirates next summer and speculation has suggested the City boss is keen to bring him to his Premier League champions.

But the Italian last night dismissed the idea of Van Persie moving to the north-west — at least in the short-term.

He said: “Van Persie? He is an Arsenal player and I don’t want to disrespect Arsene Wenger. We have four strikers and we will start the pre-season in five days, it’s unlikely there will be major changes in such a short time.”

Mancini also said it was unlikely Carlos Tevez or Edin Dzeko would be leaving the Etihad before the start of next season, adding: “It will be difficult that Edin goes away. Tevez will remain too, unless he wants to change team.”

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has stated that French Euro 2012 keeper Hugo Lloris will be allowed to leave the club, but only for a “decent” price.

Reports have suggested a host of English clubs are interested in securing his services, including Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool, but the OL chief has warned that it will take a substantial offer to tempt them into accepting any bids.

West Brom manager Steve Clarke has revealed he is relishing the prospect of working with Ireland international Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie, quashing rumours the strikers are set to leave The Hawthorns this summer.

Clarke said: “I have spoken briefly to most of the players and I spoke to Shane. He said that he had a difficult first season with a lot of injuries. He’s told me that he’s over that and he feels quite good.

“Unfortunately, he’s not had a chance to really play in the Euros, but in a way that might be a good thing that he’s not been pushed and asked too many questions.

“He can now have a nice summer and come back refreshed. It’s quite an appealing prospect and both of them have proved that they are natural goalscorers.

“If you have two goalscorers who can score goals it’s a big plus.”

* West Ham have announced the signing of Sunderland defender George McCartney on a two-year contract for what will be his third spell at Upton Park.

McCartney played on loan at Upton Park last season having left the club for Wearside in 2008.