Football: Tal gets go-ahead for Spain transfer.

Byline: IAN DOYLE

IDAN TAL will today end his nightmare spell at Everton by joining Rayo Vallecano after the Football Association agreed to release his registration.

The Spanish side have been keen to sign the Israeli winger after it emerged he was free to leave Goodison Park after just two years.

But their attempts were hindered by the FA, who refused to give the green light to the move. They claimed the deal fell outside the new transfer window which closed in England last Saturday, despite Spanish clubs being given an extra 48 hours' grace due to a dual public holiday However, the FA last night confirmed their change of heart following discussions with their Spanish counterparts and FIFA. Everton secretary David Harrison said: ``The FA have agreed to release Idan Tal's registration which should see him sign for Rayo Vallecano in the next 24 hours.''

Tal's imminent departure could pave the way for Moreno Torricelli to step in at Goodison, with the Italian defender still claiming a move is a possibility despite Everton failing to step up their interest in the former Juventus and Fiorentina man last week.

The 32-year-old is a free agent following the demotion of Fiorentina to Serie C, and can therefore join a new club even outside the transfer window.

Meanwhile, Gary Naysmith has handed Blues boss David Moyes an early injury scare ahead of next Wednesday's game at Southampton after yesterday pulling out of the squad for Scotland's Euro 2004 qualifier in the Faroe Islands.

The defender suffered an ankle injury in the defeat at Manchester City last Saturday and despite treatment throughout the week was deemed unfit to travel.

l DAVID MOYES has given youngster Keith Southern per-mission to play for Blackpool in their Worthington Cup game with Burnley.

But Peter Clarke, who is also on loan at Bloomfield Road, will not be allowed to play to ensure he is not cup-tied.

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INJURED: Naysmith