THE ultimate insult was added to the excruciatingly painful injury of relegation today when Everton were touted as the latest club to join the chase for Alan Thompson.

The Merseysiders, who dramatically survived in the Premiership at Wanderers' expense, are reported to be preparing a close season bid for the Geordie midfielder.

No formal approach has been made - not by Everton, Aston Villa, Leeds or any of the handful of clubs said to be interested. But sources in Liverpool are suggesting Thompson could be used by Goodison boss Howard Kendall as the first test of whether he is to receive the financial backing promised by under-fire chairman Peter Johnson.

The speculation comes just four days after Everton escaped the drop by the skin of their teeth at Wanderers' expense and less than 48 hours after Colin Todd expressed his determination to hold onto Thompson and all his better players.

If Everton were to confirm the speculation by making a formal bid it would incense Wanderers fans and anger Todd, who has become increasingly distressed by the amount of 'unofficial' approaches coming via the media.

Angered by widespread tabloid rumour touting Thompson for a summer move, the Reebok boss said: "If anyone wants to speak to me about any of my players, I would want them to come straight to me and not make their approaches through the media. It's annoying."

Todd is currently more concerned with adding to his squad rather than seeing it depleted.

He plans to take in at least three games on the Continent this weekend and hopes to have targets identified and in place within the next two or three weeks.

Wanderers are also trying to tie up deals that will keep Gerry Taggart and Bob Taylor at the Reebok.

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