Oh No - Not Another Keegan-Ashley Bust Up!

However Keegan declared on Wednesday night that he did not want to sell Smith, as he has no other fit striker in his squad.

But Michael Owen, Oba Martins and Mark Viduka will soon be in contention for places and Ashley doesn't see it as a problem.

Mail: "That has once more highlighted the fragility of their working relationship on the eve of the new season.

"Smith is prepared to take a drop in his £60,000-a-week salary to move to Everton, who have cash to spend after finally completing the £10m sale of Andy Johnson to Fulham on Thursday.

Keegan is desperate for money to spend on new faces, although the proposed £2m is hardly going to bring in the three players he says he needs.