AJ back in training

Everton striker Andrew Johnson returned to full training today six weeks after ankle surgery, with boss David Moyes insisting he can be even better next season.

The England international has worked on his rehabilitation all summer, and was able to join in with the rest of the Toffees squad when they reported back for pre-season training.

The first sessions will take place at the club’s old Bellefield training complex, with a move to their new home in Speke due for later in the summer.

Johnson was subjected to a continual debate about allegations over diving last term, and Moyes told the Liverpool Echo: “His goals were so important and they came at important times, at the start of the season and on the run-in as well.

“Things were possibly a little harder on him last term because of the decisions that went against him.

“It affected him but he still had a really good season and he will get better again.”

Everton are in the hunt for Manchester United striker Alan Smith, who has been told he can leave Old Trafford, as well as pursuing an interest in Preston’s David Nugent, although a bid has not been made.

The Toffees hope the recently-capped England youngster will maintain his desire to move to Goodison Park, rather than Sunderland or West Ham.

Those bids have been more than £6m and Everton believe that is too much for a player out of contract next summer. But Preston are unlikely to allow the situation to progress so his fee would drop in the January transfer window.

Everton opening their pre-season fixtures with a double header at Bury and a Northern Ireland XI on July 14.

They then play Preston at Deepdale on July 16 before heading off to the US for matches against Salt Lake and as yet unnamed opponents at the end of the month.

Everton are also at home to Werder Bremen on July 31 and away to Crystal Palace on August 4.