By Paul Holmes
July 15 2002

Derby County have told Everton that they will have to increase their valuation of keeper Mart Poom if they expect to buy him. The Estonian international is expected to leave Pride Park this summer following a fine season between the sticks despite The Rams relegation.

Derby boss John Gregory needs to sell players in order to bring new faces in and Poom is one of the more sellable assest at his disposal. Derby chief executive Keith Loring told the Derby website that they will not sell below Poom's value. "We made it clear in May we would have to sell to help us to readjust financially to life in the First Division.

"But that doesn't mean we're going to let top players go for less than their value.

"Everton's bid did not meet our valuation of a player who John Gregory would like to keep at Derby County.

"Every player has his price but, unfortunately for Everton, they were off-mark in their offer for Mart Poom."

Everton boss David Moyes told the Everton website that the deal is close to breaking down. "As things stand now the deal is not off but it is very close.

"As I have said we are determined not to go above the figure we have in mind for Mart Poom.

"Bill has been in regular contact with Derby to try and resolve the matter but obviously things are going to have to come to a head one way or another soon.

"This can't go on and on. I need to know very quickly because I don't want to be left trying to fill a key position at the last minute."