Nyarko blow for Everton

Alex Nyarko will be unable to see out the final year of his contract at Everton after being refused an extension to his work permit.

The club’s official website, www.evertonfc.com, reports the decision has brought an end to the 30-year-old’s Goodison Park career.

When the Ghanaian midfielder signed a five-year contract at Goodison in 2000, Nyarko was only able to secure a work permit until the summer of 2004.

Under new rules, players from outside the EU are now able to gain permits to cover the length of their contract but an independent tribunal in Sheffield have ruled Nyarko ineligible.

It is believed the fact that he has not been a regular for Everton, or loan clubs Paris St Germain and Monaco, in the past three seasons has counted against him. He made 15 appearances for Everton last season.

In addition, he has not played for Ghana since retiring from international football in September 2001.