Irvine in the dark over Reo rumours

Everton assistant boss Alan Irvine admits he is in the dark about the possibility of Nigel Reo-Coker arriving at Goodison Park.

The talented West Ham midfielder has been linked with a move to Everton in the transfer window but the news apparently came as a surprise to Irvine ahead of the home match against Chelsea on Sunday.

"He is one of the top young midfielders in the country," said Everton's assistant manager. "I am sure most clubs would like to have him but I'm not sure why he has been linked to us. It has certainly not come from our end."

"It would be an expensive transfer that's for sure," added Irvine.

"West Ham have just had a change of manager and I am certain Alan Curbishley wouldn't want to lose him either."

Manager David Moyes has been promised some transfer funds when the window opens next month and he has already targeted one or two possible new faces.

Irvine said: "We are aware of a lot of players we would like to have in our squad.

"The problem lies in getting people out of clubs in January and that can prove to be very difficult."