Unhappy Nyarko must return to training, say Everton

Everton have told Alex Nyarko he must return to the English premier league club for pre-season training if his transfer hopes come to nothing over the next few weeks.

The Ghanaian international has been on the transfer list since he vowed to quit the game altogether in April after an Everton fan ran onto the pitch during a match against Arsenal at Highbury to remonstrate with him.

The fan claimed Nyarko had not been trying hard enough and attempted to swap shirts with the player - who promptly walked off the pitch demanding to be substituted.

Nyarko joined Everton last year from French club Lens for 4.5 million pounds ($6.36 million) but Everton say there has been no interest from any club since they publicised his transfer request.

And if that situation remains unchanged manager Walter Smith expects him back in training.

"He will report back with the squad but at a later date," Smith told the club's website on Tuesday.

"He has a few things to sort out wich means he will miss the start of training but he will report back after that if the transfer that he wishes has not been completed.

"We have not had anything yet, but a lot of the countries still have plenty of time before they start their football and we are hopeful there will be something within the next few days."