By Mark Heys
May 28 2006

Crystal Palace and England striker Andy Johnson has confirmed that he would like to sign for the Wanderers Premiership rivals Everton. The 25-year old has been at the centre of much speculation this week after Bolton, Everton and Wigan Athletic all had bids of £8.5 million accepted by the Palace chairman Simon Jordan.

Johnson has been tracked by the Toffees for quite some time and a statement coming from the player himself reveals that he would like to make the move to the Merseysiders to enhance his prospects of domestic and international success.

The fee agreed would have been a club record for both the Wanderers and Wigan and it eclipes Everton's record transfer fee of £6 million paid to Southampton for the services of James Beattie in January 2005.

A statement on Everton's official website by Johnson himself read:

"After several days of careful consideration, I have decided that my footballing future lies at Goodison Park with Everton,"

"I find the prospect of playing for one of the biggest names in British football impossible to resist and I am now just hopeful that I can swiftly complete my medical so that I can sign on the dotted line and commit myself to the club.

"Whilst I do believe that Everton will afford me the best opportunity to fulfil my twin ambitions of winning major honours and again representing England at senior level, the last few days have been both hectic and demanding.

"I would like to thank both Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers firstly for having sufficient faith in my abilities to lodge a bid and secondly for being so courteous and professional during the course of our negotiations. I was very flattered by the interest of both clubs.

"I would also like to thank everyone at Crystal Palace - especially Iain Dowie and the fans - for their support and dedication during my time at Selhurst Park. In many ways I am sorry to be leaving but I wish them well for the future."

This rejection will come as a bitter blow to the Trotters manager Sam Allardyce who had hoped that the former Birmingham City striker would spearhead his forward line next season.

Furthermore it appears as if Bolton are losing out in the race for Quinton Fortune's signature after Scottish giants Celtic confirmed that they are interested in bringing the former Manchester United player to Parkhead.