DAVID MOYES hopes to discover within the next 48 hours whether he can mark his Everton anniversary with the long-term capture of Brian McBride.
The Blues were in negotiations with Major League Soccer officials last night over extending the American international's Goodison stay for a further 18 months.
McBride (left) is due to return to Columbus Crew on April 1, leaving him just two more games to add to his impressive Premier-ship impact.
The striker scored four goals in six starts to help ease the loss of both the injured Kevin Campbell and the suspended Wayne Rooney and keep Everton in the European frame.
Moyes now wants to tie up a long-term deal that will keep McBride on Merseyside until the end of the 2003-04 season.
But with the Blues reluctant to go over £750,000 for a 30-year-old and the MLS wanting £1.5million to release his contract permanently, Moyes was last night waiting to see if a compromise deal could be reached.
The Blues boss said: "Brian has done very well for us, with four goals in six Premiership starts. We believe he would be a good acquisition to our squad.
"Because of Brian's age, I don't want to spend too much money on bringing him here, but I am also very aware he has played a big part in what we have done over the past couple of months.
"When I arrived among the things I questioned were commitment and attitude, but those are things Brian has in abundance."
* Everton have confirmed Colin Harvey has been granted a testimonial match at Goodison Park.
The game is likely to be the culmination of the 2003 pre-season plans. The Everton Former Players' Foundation have decided that Colin should be the beneficiary following 40 years of service.
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