Everton have completed the signing of Chinese midfielder Li Tie on a 12-month loan deal – just 24 hours after sealing a similar move for compatriot Li Weifeng.
Everton manager David Moyes was impressed by Li Tie’s performances for China during the World Cup finals. The current Chinese Footballler of the Year played all three of China’s first round matches and hthe 24-year-old as been cappped 78 times for his country to date.
“I travelled to the Far East this summer to watch some of the early rounds of the World Cup finals and, whilst there, took the opportunity to watch the Chinese national side,” he said.
“Li Tie, in my opinion, is one of the best the Chinese team has to offer,’ Moyes added. ‘But,we really mustn’t get carried away – he is a good player but he will have a great deal of work to do, and much progress to make, if he is to break into our first team.”
Earlier in the week, Moyes agreed a deal for defender Li Weifeng and the two players are expected to arrive at Goodison Park within the fortnight, subject to gaining work permits.
The 25-year-old Weifeng said: “I only found about the move while I was training with my team-mates in Shanghai and I have to say I am quite nervous but excited.
“It came as a complete shock to me. My first thought is to try my best to win a place in the Premiership.”
