BLUES TURN TO NEILL; Moyes targets Australia defender: Moyes is running the rule over Neill.

Byline: IAN DOYLE

EVERTON are attempting to complete the free transfer signing of Australia international Lucas Neill. Goodison officials have opened talks with the 31-year-old as David Moyes aims to bolster his defensive options.

Neill has been without a club ever since he rejected the offer of a one-year contract extension from West Ham United in the summer.

Everton manager Moyes has moved for the Australian following the knee ligament injury suffered by Phil Neville at Fulham on Sunday that could keep the skipper out until Christmas.

Neill, who has also played for Millwall and Blackburn Rovers, has forged his reputation as a right-back but can also play on the opposite flank and at the heart of defence.

With Neville injured, new signing John Heitinga illegible and Tony Hibbert suspended, Moyes faces a selection poser at right-back for tonight's

Europa League group game with AEK Athens.

Both youngsters Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell are being considered, with the former having played most of the draw at Sigma Olomouc last month following Hibbert's early red card.

"Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell are possibilities for right-back," said Moyes. "Dan's played there before but he's not a right-back, in truth.

"We also have problems in midfield because of losing Phil but we may have to move Rodwell anyway.

"But we don't have cover for centre-halves or left-backs at the moment either because Phil would cover there.

"We know he could have played at left-back because he's played 40 games for England there and he's played right-back and a couple of games at centre-half for us a few times too.

"Losing Phil is like losing several players."

Neville visited a specialist in Manchester yesterday for a further assessment on his left knee, which was sustained in a challenge with Dickson Etuhu.

CAPTION(S):

Lucas Neill Everton captain Phil Neville