Tal leaves Everton

After a week of waiting, Idan Tal has been given permission to complete his free transfer from Everton to Rayo Vallecano.

The Israeli winger initially thought the Football Association had blocked his transfer to Spain because it was signed two days after the transfer window shut.

The Spanish FA had agreed an extension until 8.00pm on Monday for domestic transfers, but the English FA refused to issue an international clearance.

Appeals to FIFA, football’s world governing body, failed to get a decision initially, but the English FA changed their minds late last night and agreed to the move, with Everton wanting the deal to go through and being willing to tear up the 26-year-old’s contract and let him leave on a free transfer.

Israeli international Tal made just 13 first-team starts and 19 appearances a substitute in two years at the club and did not figure in boss David Moyes plans.

Although he is now off Everton’s wage bill, the club will not be making any additions to the squad.

Tal said: “I want to play in the Spanish League, where it seems they are more interested in me than Everton.”