Andy Hinchcliffe's second attempt to leave Everton was in jeopardy yesterday. The left back almost signed for Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month, but the £3 million transfer was called off when the London club said he had failed a medical examination because of a minor Achilles tendon injury.
The England international wingback agreed to join Sheffield Wednesday yesterday morning, but although he safely negotiated a medical over the weekend, the Yorkshire side have so far refused to meet Everton's asking price.
The Wednesday manager Ron Atkinson has offered £2.4 million, but his counterpart at Goodison, Howard Kendall, is adamant that Hinchcliffe will not be allowed to leave for less than £3 million.
Kendall has already moved to find a replacement for Hinchcliffe. The Manchester United reserve team defender John O'Kane arrived at Everton yesterday for a short trial period and will complete a £250,000 transfer at the weekend if he impresses.
Bolton Wanderers are the latest Premiership club to try and sign the unsettled Celtic striker Tommy Johnson on a three-month loan period. Johnson is expected to meet with Bolton today.
Denis Irwin is expected to overcome a knock on his ankle to be available for Manchester United's Premiership clash with Leicester on Saturday. The Republic of Ireland full back came off during the FA Cup victory over Walsall last Saturday after he picked up the injury. United did not want to take any chances with Irwin, who recently returned after two months out with knee ligament damage.
Leeds United's transfer-listed striker Rod Wallace could be bound for Middlesbrough. Wallace was put up for sale by United manager George Graham nine days ago after his patience finally snapped due to the reluctance of the 28-year-old to negotiate a new contract. Middlesbrough are believed to be lining up a £1.5 million bid after holding two sets of talks during the past week.
Sunderland manager Peter Reid completed the signing of former QPR striker Daniele Dichio yesterday for less than £1 million. Dichio, who scored 20 goals in 75 League appearances for Loftus Road club, left England to continue his career at Sampadoria in Italy last summer.
