Chinese whispers threw David Moyes' pre-season plans into confusion yesterday after the Everton manager, satisfied that he had signed the China international Li Tie, discovered he had instead recruited the midfielder's team-mate Li Weifeng.

With plenty clearly lost in translation, Moyes had expected Li Tie to move as part of the communications company China Kejian's two-year sponsorship deal with the club. However, a last-minute financial dispute with the 24-year-old's club Liaoning Bird prompted the transfer to be put on hold, with Kejian smoothing a year-long loan deal to sign Li Weifeng from Shenzhen Pingan.

The Everton manager, who is on a pre-season training camp in Austria, was only told of the switch in an early-morning telephone call moments before the club staged simultaneous press conferences to confirm the sponsorship deal in Beijing and Liverpool.

While the Scot was coming to terms with the change in plans, Li Weifeng, in Everton strip, was being introduced to crowds and signing autographs in China.

"It came as a huge shock to me," admitted the defender. "I only found out about it while I was training with my team-mates in Shanghai, and I have to say I'm quite nervous but excited. My first thought is to try my best to earn a place in the Premiership."

The Merseysiders still hope to resurrect Li Tie's move, though Moyes, understandably surprised at the turn of events, must now accommodate the unexpected new arrival into his squad. At least Li Weifeng has proved his quality, having accumulated 65 caps at the age of 24 and featuring in all three of China's matches at the recent World Cup.

"He is someone we have done our homework on," insisted the chief executive, Mike Dunford. "David now has the opportunity to see if one of China's leading defenders will be able to adapt to the rigours of English football."

Everton, whose deal with China Kejian is worth £1 million a season over two years, must wait for a work permit before the deal is finalised, but expect to have him available within the fortnight.

Middlesbrough are close to signing the Cameroon international Geremi from Real Madrid on a one-season loan, capturing a versatile player who was wanted by Chelsea.

The London club had to abandon their interest because of financial constraints, but Middlesbrough are hopeful of completing a deal with Real and the 23-year-old, who can operate at full back, wing-back or in midfield.

Geremi was understood to be keen to stay with Real but they are determined to trim their squad by seven. He has not always held down a starting berth at the Bernabeu but he played in all three of Cameroon's World Cup games this summer and has more than 50 caps.

A strong tackler and willing attacker, he is best known as a right-back but can also play right or central midfield - where Middlesbrough have lost Paul Ince and Robbie Mustoe - or even left-back.

Meanwhile, the Swedish winger Jesper Blomqvist is training with Middlesbrough this week in the hope of earning a contract. He left Everton at the end of last season and is keen to remain in the Premiership.

Bolton Wanderers have admitted they would be interested in signing Leeds defender Michael Duberry. The former Chelsea centre-back has endured a torrid time at Elland Road.

Duberry (26), has told new boss Terry Venables he wants to leave in search of first team football, with his agent yesterday revealing he had fielded interest from Blackburn Everton and Bolton. Guardian Service