Everton midfielder John Collins has spoken to Fulham about a
possible transfer to Craven Cottage.
Fulham approached Everton last week and the club gave the First
Division
outfit permission to open talks with Collins.
Collins' former Monaco boss Jean Tigana, who took over as Fulham
manager this summer, has reportedly offered the midfielder a player-coach
role at the ambitious London outfit.
Everton boss Walter Smith confirmed talks had begun, but insisted
Collins had not made any decision.
"We have had a number of clubs making inquiries for our players
and John Collins is one of those," he said on ClubCall.
"Fulham last week asked for permission to speak to the player.
We granted that permission, but I would stress to everyone that
no decision has been made yet.
"We have had no further contact from Fulham or from John himself
indicating which way the talks had gone.
"So we take it that he is currently an Everton player and will
remain so."
Everton fans will be dismayed at the thought of losing yet another
midfielder, especially after Collins had recently claimed that
he wanted to see out the remaining two years of his contract.
But now it seems he could be joining Nick Barmby and Don Hutchison
in heading through the exit door at Goodison Park.