Kendall renews search for striker

Everton manager Howard Kendall yesterday began a fresh search for a new striker following a snub by Middlesbrough's Fabrizio …

Everton manager Howard Kendall yesterday began a fresh search for a new striker following a snub by Middlesbrough's Fabrizio Ravanelli. The deal, which has been shrouded in speculation for the past fortnight, finally fell through after the Italian's agent contacted the Merseyside club after two days of talks to say he was not happy with the personal terms being offered.

Kendall said: "It's disappointing because we've gone so far, but we've got other targets and we'll start pursuing them."

However, Kendall refused to completely admit defeat over the transfer and said: "If there's a change of mind on his behalf, then we'll listen."

Ravanelli, who scored 31 goals for relegated Middlesbrough last season, was reported to have wanted a similar weekly wage to the £42,000 he reputedly earned on Teesside.

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But Everton's commercial director, Clifford Finch, refused to reveal how much Ravanelli, nicknamed the "White Feather", was asking for.

He said: "The problem of high salaries is one we recognise within the club and we felt we offered a sensible deal.

"At the end of the day, as good a player as he is, he's not the last player available and Howard's got other plans and other irons in the fire."

Earlier, Everton unveiled the name of the Goodison Park outfit's new sponsors, mobile phone suppliers One-2-One, at a press conference.