Everton face Bilyaletdinov transfer dilemma
Published 22:30 28/11/11 By David Maddock
David Moyes is ready to give Diniyar Bilyaletdinov one final chance to secure a Goodison future - and with it a European Championship lifeline.
The Russian winger warned recently he could be forced to quit Everton if he doesn't get a regular start , because it is impacting on his international hopes.
Bilyaletdinov has lost his place in the national side because of his lack of regular games, and if that continues, he will miss out on next summer's Euro finals.
That could mean a departure in the January transfer window, but Toffees boss Moyes is loathe to lose a player with such a terrific attitude and, more importantly, the goal-scoring ability that Everton so desperately need.
That has left the Blues manager with a big dilemma.
"There are maybe times where the game here could be a little bit quick for him, but we've talked about it, and we've wondered, 'Do we miss his goals when he's not playing?'" Moyes said.
"He usually chips in with six or seven a season, and sometimes you wonder if you are missing those goals when he's not in the team.
"Against Bolton, he created a great goal for Fellaini, and was unlucky himself when he had a chance in the first half.
"You tend to find he gets two or three chances every game, creates two or three moments, and those chances are important to us, so it is something for us to think about."
Bilyaletdinov got a rare recent start at Bolton, and played a significant role in a victory that took Everton up to eighth.
He does seem to struggle at times, though, with the pace of the Premier League, and that has left Moyes wondering if he should cash in on the player.
There is interest back home from super-rich club Anzhi Makhachkala.
If Everton could recoup most of the £10million they paid for the player, Moyes would be tempted to cash in to help raise the money required to bring in the goal-scorer he so desperately needs.
The Goodison boss, though, admitted he is a big fan of Bilyaletdinov, because of the player's attitude.
"Bily is a boy who is desperate to do well - a really conscientious worker. What he wants is to be given an opportunity, he wants a chance like all players do," added the Scot.
"But he's never complained for a minute, he's got on with his work, he's been a pleasure every day in training. And the effort he puts in... if people aren't aware of that then they should realise he's a top, top professional."
The bottom line for Moyes though, is that he needs a striker, and the Russian's desire to secure his Euro 2012 place could secure him the funds to bring in the player he admits he is desperate to find.
"I think we have got the core of a good team: Good defenders, very good goalkeepers, good midfielders - and up and coming young midfielders, as well - but we have known we are just a little bit short up front," he said.
"I don't know what impact that will have over the season, if you've not got somebody who is going to score you 15-20 goals. I don't know yet what the outcome will be if we don't have that.
"That's why I'm still a little bit unsure exactly how it is going to be for us, but I think because of that we are going to have a tough season.
"We need to get to 40 points, like every other team, and then see where we can go from there."
