Everton make double swoop

Everton have agreed loan deals for United States international striker Brian McBride and Egypt defender Ibrahim Said, subject to work permits.

McBride was part of the US squad which exceeded all expectations at the World Cup to reach the quarter-finals and has now moved to Goodison Park on a three-month loan deal.

He has previous experience of working with Toffees boss David Moyes at Preston, where he had a loan spell in 2001.

Said, who trained with the club in the summer and even played in part of the club’s pre-season programme, is set to complete a deal to keep him on Merseyside until the end of the season.

Both players are expected to be available for their debuts, barring any work permit hold-ups, against Tottenham on January 12.