Saha signs for Everton but Obinna denied a work permit

AFP - 1 September 2008 16:40

Everton completed the signing of France striker Louis Saha, seen here in 2007, from Manchester United but will miss out on Nigerian winger Victor Obinna.

LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Everton completed the signing of France striker Louis Saha from Manchester United on Monday but will miss out on Nigerian winger Victor Obinna.

Saha had negotiated a two-year contract with an option for a further year's extension last week after Everton agreed an undisclosed fee with United.

The 30-year-old, who will wear the number nine shirt, has now been officially confirmed as an Everton player after passing a medical over the weekend.

"Everton have completed the signing of Louis Saha," a statement on the club's website confirmed.

Saha scored 42 goals in four injury-ravaged years at Old Trafford.

However, Everton boss David Moyes suffered a blow when Everton's attempt to get a work permit for Inter Milan youngster Obinna was rejected on Monday.

Moyes attended an appeal hearing in London which confirmed the 21-year-old would not be given the green light to play in England as he hasn't played in 75 percent of Nigeria's matches over the last two years.