The club's ill-fated attempt to land Robbie Savage ended yesterday when the Welsh midfielder vowed to sign a four-year contract with Birmingham.
A verbal agreement made with City manager Steve Bruce eight weeks ago will now be followed up on Friday when Savage (right) signs a new four-year contract, with the final season optional.
Although Savage insisted last night that he always wanted to stay, the possibility of a move to Goodison Park had a real attraction for the midfielder given his boyhood support of the club and his family connections in the area.
"I never wanted to leave Birmingham," said the Welsh international. "I had a good chat with the gaffer and I'm delighted it's agreed. It was agreed eight weeks ago. I'm a man of my word.
"Because I've kept quiet on the situation, and for some reason the contract has never been signed, then it was brought to a head, which was best for both parties because it has dragged on for a long time.
"But it's not my fault other teams wanted to buy me."
Savage's decision has also pleased co-owner David Sullivan, who could not resist another pot-shot at Everton's bid.
"We weren't impressed with the fact that they made it public," said Sullivan.. "Why they make these things public I do not know. It unsettles players. The offer was ludicrous. I just don't know why they did it."
Meanwhile Bolton manager Sam Allardyce last night scrapped a move for Marseille captain Brahim Hemdani - a player Everton were linked with a week ago.
The Algerian midfielder's potential switch to the Reebok Stadium broke down on financial grounds.
Allardyce said: "We will continue our search to strengthen the squad. We are hopeful of bringing some new players in soon."
Moyes had admitted the versatile 26-year-old, who spent the bulk of last season in central defence as Marseille reached the UEFA Cup final, was on his wish-list.
HAVE your say on our Blues Messageboard - click 
RSS News Feed