Everton manager David Moyes has explained why he decided to accept an offer for Andy Johnson.
The Toffees confirmed on Monday that they had agreed a fee with Fulham for the striker's services.
The England squad man is now expected to be officially presented as a Fulham player after discussing personal terms and undergoing a medical at Craven Cottage.
Johnson became Everton's record signing when he joined the club for £8.6million in 2006 and he has played an important part over the past two seasons.
There has been speculation that Everton were only looking to sell one of their most prized assets to generate money, but Moyes insists that it was Johnson's decision to leave Goodison Park.
He said: "Why did I sell AJ? It was AJ's choice. He decided that he wanted to move on."
Everton have been quiet on the transfer front this summer but Moyes maintains there are funds to spend on new players.
Moyes wants to strengthen his squad in terms of quality but also quantity, with Everton hoping to enjoy a long European campaign.
The sale of Johnson could leave Everton around £12million better off, money which may be spent on Portugal international Joao Moutinho, Tottenham striker Darren Bent or Real Zaragoza's Diego Milito
Moyes added: "There is money to spend. I am not going to accept second best and I want to get the best players in.
"I am expecting us to play over 60 games next season. I am expecting to get to cup finals, I am expecting to have a long run in the Uefa Cup and I am expecting to do well in the league.
"So I will need lots of cover and lots of players."
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Comment 1 - 6 of 6
AJ has hardly been prolific and to make a profit on him is good business.
If players commited to clubs, the monopoly couldnt happen!
At least he his having a go at the big 4 teams in the PL. I hope that every other so called big team i.e. Villa, spurs, Man city, etc give their all and try to stop the monopoly that is happening in the "so Called" best League in the world. It's becoming as boring as the Scottish Pl, with the same teams winning all the trophies every year.
A big Well done last season to Harry Redknapp and his Portsmouth Boys, come on all you other teams, fight every inch of the way next season, Exactly what David Moyes and his Borin Boring Everton (comment from staubreyz)did last season, well done mate
neville tied up in a long contract aj gone good business???.....
Look at the names he's throwing around. Not very ambitious. He better hope his defense holds up. Boring, boring Everton.
good luck with that, moyes
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