Blomqvist latest victim of Everton clear-out

Everton have released winger Jesper Blomqvist after only 17 appearances. The 28-year-old Swede, who failed to win a regular place after David Moyes replaced Walter Smith as manager in March, had hoped to rebuild his career after two injury-ravaged seasons at Old Trafford.

He is the third player released by Everton this week, following David Ginola and Alec Cleland.

"It was a difficult decision because I felt Jesper Blomqvist had a made a contribution since my arrival," Moyes said. "But I have Idan Tal, Mark Pembridge, David Unsworth and Kevin McLeod, who are comfortable on that side of the field. Everybody wishes Jesper Blomqvist the very best for the future."

Blomqvist, who has also played for IFK Gothenburg, Milan and Parma, will spend the summer looking for a new club after missing out on Sweden's World Cup squad.

The returning Barcelona coach Louis van Gaal has confirmed he is chasing the PSV Eindhoven midfielder Mark van Bommel, who is also thought to be a target for Arsenal in the unlikely event of Patrick Vieira leaving Highbury in the summer.