Brighton and Hove Albion have managed to convince David Weir to snub a return to Everton in favour of staying on the South Coast.
The Daily Mail claim that Everton were close to securing a deal to bring Weir back to Goodison Park over the weekend.
Weir played more than 230 times for Everton in eight years with the club before leaving for Rangers in 2007.
A fan favourite in his playing days and a man who knows Everton inside out just like fellow Scot Duncan Ferguson, Weir’s return could have appeased some angry fans.
Instead, Weir has been persuaded to stay at Brighton, where he is currently in charge of their loan players.
Weir may have taken on an even bigger role at Everton, but could now be in line for a Brighton promotion.
Ashworth to Newcastle sparks Weir rejecting Everton
The report claims that Brighton made a push to keep Weir when they realised Dan Ashworth could be leaving.
Technical director Ashworth looks set for a move to Newcastle after being given permission to hold talks.
That now means that Weir could be in line for a promotion as part of a restructure at the Amex Stadium.
After the exit of Marcel Brands, Gretar Steinsson and Dan Purdy, Weir joining Everton would have been a welcome addition.
Instead, Everton now have to look elsewhere – that is unless Ashworth’s Newcastle move falls through.
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