Moyes joins queue of suitors for out-of-favour Butt

The Everton manager, David Moyes, has confirmed he is interested in signing the Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt, though he would be "surprised" if he managed to secure his services.

The England international is on the transfer list having failed to hold down a regular first-team place. Middlesbrough, Tottenham, Newcastle and Birmingham have been linked with the player, who is available for around £5m, and Moyes said: "We have made an inquiry for Nicky Butt. Whether that happens, particularly in the transfer window, I would be a bit surprised. Everybody knows I am always looking out for good players and, hopefully, Nicky Butt would be interested."

The Blackburn manager, Graeme Souness, is making a £2m move for the Everton striker Tomasz Radzinski. Souness, who lost out to Fulham for Brian McBride last week, wants the Canadian and will make an offer for the forward, who is 18 months from the end of his contract. Radzinski was back in Moyes's side at the weekend, but he may be prepared to sell because he has enough strikers but little money.

Rovers are ready to sign Sunderland's Michael Gray on a free transfer. Souness has opened talks with the former England left-back, who is just back from a loan spell at Celtic.

The Wigan manager, Paul Jewell, has his eyes on Blackburn's Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan Mahon. Mahon was recalled by Souness from Ipswich, where he was on loan, but has since been overlooked.