Bily close to Russian return

Everton have agreed a deal with Spartak Moscow for winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, the Russian club have announced.

The 26-year-old Russia international will now undergo a medical ahead of a potential move back to his homeland.

A statement on the club's website, www.spartak.com, read: "Spartak have reached an agreement in principle with the English [club] Everton and 26-year-old midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov for a transfer to our club. The contract will be signed after the medical examination."

Bilyaletdinov has failed to make a big impression since his near-£9million to Goodison Park from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2009.

He took time to settle on Merseyside but showed potential during his first season at the Barclays Premier League club, scoring seven goals.

However he failed to build on that promise and has been unable to command a regular place in David Moyes' side.

He has started just seven league matches this season and was an unused substitute in Saturday's 1-1 draw with struggling Blackburn.

Bilyaletdinov's departure would be Moyes' third major piece of business of the January transfer window after the signings of forward Landon Donovan, on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy, and midfielder Darron Gibson from Manchester United.

Source: PA

Source: PA