Moyes set to move for £6m Petrov

The Everton manager, David Moyes, is lining up a bid for the Celtic midfielder Stilien Petrov in the close season.

Moyes is tracking the Bulgarian and has been to see him twice in the past few weeks after hearing about his contract dispute at Parkhead. Petrov is the type of mobile and skilful player Moyes needs for next season – when he hopes to be in European competition and have some money to spend.

Petroz performed well against Stuttgart in the Uefa Cup, under the watchful eye of Moyes, who was at Hampden Park for the CIS Insurance Cup final only to discover his target had been surprisingly dropped. Celtic would want around £6m for Petrov, who is in dispute with the club over the terms on offer for a new deal – his old one expires in a couple of years.

Everton would not have the funds to bid that much but could compromise or even offer swaps if Moyes decides that the left-sided Petrov is his first choice in that area. The Scot thinks he will need fresh legs in his side to carry on their work this season and Petrov's talents would fit into his plans perfectly.

Moyes could have a windfall if Everton win a place in the Champions' League next season although a Uefa Cup spot is more likely.

But their attempt to finish as high as possible in the Premiership is being undermined by injury problems. Both of the Toffees right-backs could be out just as Everton come up against Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool and Chelsea in the next month.

The latest setback comes with the youngster Tony Hibbert needing a scan on an ankle injury. Alessandro Pistone is in Milan, expecting to be told he will need a hernia operation which will effectively end his season.

Hibbert only made his comeback on Saturday in the 0-0 draw with West Ham after being out for three months following hernia surgery. He had only played one reserve game but was pressed into action because of the late withdrawal of Pistone and then suffered his latest injury. It is feared Hibbert has ankle ligament problems which could rule him out for a few weeks, and certainly out of Sunday's trip to Highbury.

Moyes said: "Tony picked up a knock during Saturday's game with West Ham and at this stage he is doubtful for the weekend.

"A scan has revealed no lasting damage, which is good news, and it is now just a case of waiting to see if the problem settles down in the next few days."