Moyes to face the press
Departing Everton manager David Moyes is due to hold his weekly press conference but the club insist he will not answer questions about his appointment as Manchester United manager.
The Scot on Thursday agreed a six-year deal to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford. The 71-year-old United boss will retire at the end of the season.
Everton had prepared for the eventuality of Moyes leaving, with his contract due to expire in the summer, but were taken aback by the speed of events over the last 48 hours. However, they are determined not to allow the issue to overshadow their final two matches of the season and the 1.30pm press conference is to preview the visit of West Ham.
In announcing details of their weekly press conference Everton said: "Please note Mr Moyes will not be answering any questions on the subject of Manchester United or his appointment as the club's new manager."
Celtic's Neil Lennon, Wigan's Roberto Martinez and Porto's Vitor Pereira are the front-runners to replace Moyes at Everton. However, the agent of Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has ruled out the Dane - who reportedly has a £10million buy-out clause - from the race.
"Michael is very happy at Swansea. We do not think about any other possibilities," Bayram Tutumlu is quoted as saying by the South Wales Echo.
"He will not be changing clubs. He likes Swansea and is very settled. People always talk about Michael becoming a coach of other clubs because he has done very well.
"But he is the manager of Swansea and that will not change. The Swansea fans do not need to worry. He will be there next season."
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has learned a lesson from losing Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool last summer - for somewhere between £3million and £5million in compensation - and has put an even higher price on Laudrup. But he does not feel that the clause will even be tested.
"Michael has made it clear he is not looking to move on," he said. "He is not a guy who needs publicity. He is doing a job he loves doing and he is happy here."
