Deadline day

Last updated : 01 September 2009 By Les Roberts
Quite why managers leave it right up until the last minute is beyond me but that's inevitably what happens every year.

All the usual suspects are still doing the rounds for Everton with Johhny Heitinga now going all 'will-he-won't-he' on us over his pay structure and Valencia now look like they want to keep hold of their jug-eared midfield nark Ever Banega.

And, seeing as Banega  came on as a 69th minute substitute during  Valencia's Europa League victory over Stabaek, there doesn't seem to be much point in focussing our efforts on a cup-tied player.

And it doesn't look like any players are too keen to trade Madrid for Merseyside - can't think why - as the Dutch duo of Johnny Heitinga and Rafael van der Vaart both seem to quite like life in the Spanish capital.

Although Everton have agreed a fee with Atletico Madrid for Heitinga, the player himself seems to be in a state of denial about the whole thing and is talking like someone that can't accept they've just been binned off by their girlfriend.

The Dutch full back said: "The clubs came to an agreement about the transfer, however Atletico didn't want me to leave. I am a first team regular and feel very appreciated by the club."

They've accepted a fee for you, they don't want you so stop fannying about...and take their bloody number off your speed dial!

van der Vaart, on the other hand, never really seemed likely and the out-of-favour Dutch international was very candid in his appraisal of the situation.

He said:  "I heard Everton wanted me. Directly I have said I want to stay in Madrid. This is also to do with my personal life."

He then added: "I want to fight for my place for at least a half year and then I know how good I am. If I don't play much, I can always leave in January."

So there's Januray's transfer target headlines already written in September.

Other names in the frame are West Ham's James Collins and Matthew Upson and we were reportedly meant to be making a move for Portsmouth Niko Crankjaer until happy Harry 'Naughtoned' us again!

So buckle in for a day of refreshing NewsNow every ten seconds, provided you can divert your gaze from the Sky Sports yellow 'Breaking News' bar.

16.59...Sky Sports breaking News: Moutinho signs for Everton....