Toffees chase Rangers striker

Everton boss David Moyes is set for a busy day as he looks to make a late addition to his squad before taking on Manchester City.

Moyes is thought to be keen on signing £8m-rated Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic before tonight's transfer deadline.

It is understood that an offer has been made to the Scottish champions but there has been no confirmation from either club that a fee has been agreed.

Moyes would not comment on speculation linking the Toffees with the 26-year-old Croatia international when asked at his pre-City press conference yesterday.

He said: "I never talk about players at other clubs, I wouldn't do that."

Moyes, who has already signed Landon Donovan on loan and Darron Gibson permanently this month, did admit however that he was still in the market for more players.

He said: "I said probably a month ago that I would hope to bring two or three players in during the window, so the answer to that is yes."

Everton have not paid a significant transfer fee since the summer of 2009 due to financial difficulties but Moyes is thought to have money available following the sale of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

The Russian winger joined Spartak Moscow at the weekend for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £5m.

As well as looking to complete a deal, Moyes must prepare his side for tonight's visit of the Barclays Premier League leaders.

Everton have a fine record against City having lost just one of the last 13 league meetings between the sides at Goodison Park.

But Moyes concedes that will count for little with City 28 points better off than his 14th-placed side.

Moyes said: "Over the years we have always had quite a good record against Manchester City.

"The difference is they have improved, and they have improved from last season. You can see that from their league position.

"We are coming up against a far better, far greater Manchester City side than even we played last year."

Donovan should feature after impressing in last Friday's FA Cup fourth-round win over Fulham by creating both goals.

The 29-year-old American is a big favourite at Goodison after an impressive stint in 2010 but there is no prospect of him extending his latest loan from Los Angeles Galaxy beyond the end of next month.

Moyes said: "It is completely out of the question.

"He is going back to the Galaxy and we will always be thankful for the short time we have been with him.

"We will continue to enjoy the next month or so."