Everton move for Lomas

Lomas can choose between Man City and Everton

Everton have stepped into the battle to sign West Ham's Steve Lomas after having a £3.7m bid accepted.

Boss Walter Smith has launched a last-ditch attempt to grab Lomas from under the noses of Manchester City, who have been negotiating all week to re-sign their former player.

But Hammers boss Harry Redknapp insists he does not want to sell Lomas - and still expects him to stay at Upton Park.

Royle must wait

An Everton spokesman confirmed: "We have had a bid for Lomas accepted, and been given permission to speak to the player."

City, who have also bid £100,000 for Stockport keeper Carlo Nash, responded through spokesman Chris Bird.

He said: "We thought we had agreed a fee with West Ham."

City have been chasing Lomas for a fortnight, and it was believed their £3.5m bid had been accepted by West Ham, whose manager Harry Redknapp earlier described the offer as "very reasonable."

We have had a bid for Lomas accepted, and been given permission to speak to the player

  Everton spokesman

But Everton have jumped back into the race, having previously suggested that they would be pulling out because the fee was too high.

Now it seems that West Ham have accepted both bids and will let the player decide his future club after talking to both north west sides.

But Redknapp said: "I had a chat with Steve and I really want to keep him here.

"We had good offers from Man City and Everton, £3.7m was decent money, but I think he is happy to stay."

Lomas added: "I'm settled here and have never asked for a transfer. There have been teams in for me before and I have never once banged on Harry's door.

"I would not have signed a five year contract if I didn't think I could honour it and that's what I intend to do. Unless the club tell me any different I am more than happy to be at West Ham and proud to play for them."

Lomas added on West Ham's official website: "Manchester City was a big part of my career and I enjoyed my time there apart from the last seven or eight months.

"They chose to get rid of me, I never asked for a transfer, but I have moved on from that."

City's desire to acquire cover for number one keeper Nicky Weaver has prompted the move for Nash, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

England youth keeper Stephen Hodgson has been allowed to join Irish club Cliftonville for a three-month loan spell.