Everton's senior squad seemed almost on the verge of being shredded yesterday as a posse of clubs closed in on Goodison Park in the hope of picking up pre-Christmas bargains. Although Everton's manager Howard Kendall played a straight bat to suggestions that several of his senior professionals would be playing their football away from Merseyside in the New Year departures from a club deep in trouble seem inevitable.

Indeed, the England wing-back Andy Hinchcliffe would probably be lining out for Derby County against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday but for a dispute over his valuation.

Everton wanted to exchange Hinchcliffe for Dean Sturridge but with Derby's manager Jim Smith demanding £2 million cash adjustment in his club's favour, so valuing his player at £6 million, the deal has been placed on ice.

"We are always interested in quality players and Andy Hinchcliffe is one of them," Smith said. "But, from what I have seen, we are a million miles apart on the valuation."

Gary Speed moved a step closer to Goodison's front door yesterday when Newcastle officially made contact with Everton.

Mindful that he is almost certain to be in Everton's team to face Wimbledon at Goodison on Saturday, Speed yesterday insisted he was happy to remain at a club he has supported since childhood.

In truth, Saturday's appearance may be his last if Newcastle agree to meet Everton's seemingly nonnegotiable asking price of £6 million for a player that cost £3.5 million when he crossed the Pennines from Leeds 18 months ago.

Middlesbrough of the First Division are believed to have contacted Everton yesterday in the rather forlorn hope of signing, for £4 million, the enigmatic Scotland forward Duncan Ferguson.

Gary Beckett's rumoured transfer from Derry City to Omagh Town is off. This was confirmed last night by Omagh Town's manager, Roy McCreadie, and the player. Glentoran are also rumoured to be interested in Beckett.