MLS

Moore's assignment to Everton is complete, he signs $2.3 million pact.

NEW YORK (Thursday, November 11, 1999) -- Major League Soccer has officially confirmed British press reports that the New England Revolution's Joe-Max Moore is about to sign a multi-million dollar, four-year deal, with English Premier League team Everton.

Moore's contract MLS expires on January 1. He was offered a new contract, but one source indicated it was at a lesser salary than the league maximum of $250,000 he reportedly has been paid over the past four seasons.

According to the English press reports, the contract Moore will sign will be for $2.3 million for the remainder of this season and the next three. If that is the case, the contract is worth about twice what Moore has been making in MLS.

Given his play with the United States national team over the past several years, it would appear that Moore will have no trouble gaining a British work permit. The regulations require that he play in 75 percent of national team matches over the previous two years.

Reports say that Moore was introduced to Everton officials by his former Revs teammate Richard Gough, now playing on Everton's back line. Moore reportedly impressed club officials during a one week trial at Everton's Goodison Park.

Everton secretary Michael Dunford told reporters: "We're talking to the player and his representatives and we are optimistic about reaching a successful conclusion by the weekend."

As far as New England is concerned this is a done deal. "Joe-Max was a tremendous player for our club and he will be sorely missed," Revolution chief operating officer Brian O'Donovan is quoted as saying in an official MLS press release. "We respect his decision to pursue the opportunity to play in one of the world's top leagues and wish him great success. The task for the Revolution now is to sign a player of his caliber to replace him."

It appears that Moore will be allowed to play for Everton as soon as his work permit comes through. Technically, he is still under contract to MLS until January 1. After that date he is a free agent and is a free transfer. Everton likely paid a token transfer fee (in the $50,000 range) to allow Moore to be immediately available.

SoccerTimes correspondent Robert Wagman contributed to this report.