Moyes gets rid of dead wood

Everton have today released Portuguese left-back Nuno Valente and Dutch winger Andy van der Meyde.

Portugal international Valente, who won the Champions League with Porto in 2004, moved to Goodison Park in 2005.

The 34-year-old found himself behind Leighton Baines in the pecking order last term, while Joleon Lescott has also been preferred on the left of the defence.

Van der Meyde joined from Inter Milan four years ago, but struggled badly with injuries and disciplinary and personal problems.

Everton have also released youngsters John Irving, John Paul Kissock, Scott Spencer, Eunan O’Kane and Cory Sinnott, while Segundo Castillo has returned to Red Star Belgrade after his loan spell came to an end.