McBride set to leave Everton as talks fail

Everton's home supporters probably saw the last of the US striker Brian McBride when he was taken off after 54 minutes of Saturday's 0-0 draw with West Ham United.

The club are in dispute with Major League Soccer, the American league that owns McBride's contract. Everton had hoped that they would be able to persuade the MLS to allow McBride to stay for a further season on loan, which would have cost around £500,000 in fees and wages.

But the Americans are insisting on a permanent transfer and want £1.7m, money Everton do not have. They will hold final talks before making a decision early next week, but the signs are not good.

McBride is due back with his US club Columbus Crew on 1 April, so it appears his final appearance in an Everton shirt will be at Arsenal on Saturday.

Moyes said: "Brian understands we would not want to spend such a lot of money on him at his age. He has done very well for us and played a big part in what we have done over the last few months."

Hearts are to receive another £250,000 thanks to the performances of their former player Gary Naysmith at Everton. Naysmith has now made 75 first-team appearances for Moyes's side, which means another installment. Hearts were paid an original £1m when Naysmith went to Everton and receive £250,000 every 25 games.