Everton to move for Bentley if Arteta returns to Spain

Everton will launch a determined bid to land David Bentley if fears over Mikel Arteta’s Goodison Park future prove well founded.

Goodison bosses believe they may have to sell Arteta to Atletico Madrid for around £8m following claims his advisers have been trying to engineer a move back to Spain.

If the deal goes through, Everton would step up their pursuit of Bentley after identifying him as the ideal replacement on the right flank.

Manchester City are prepared to bid £15m for Blackburn's unsettled midfielder, but Everton believe he would favour joining them.

If so, City could switch their sights to Genoa’s £7m-rated Abdoulay Konko.