England and Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson has revealed that he wants to join Everton, rather than Bolton or Wigan, and is hoping to complete his move this week.

Palace chairman Simon Jordan has agreed a fee of £8.5m with Everton, after Bolton and Wigan bid the same amount for the 25-year-old England standby striker.

The former Birmingham striker has now decided on a move to Everton, and may have a medical on Monday in a bid to complete the move quickly.

"After several days of careful consideration, I have decided that my footballing future lies at Goodison Park," Johnson told Everton's website.

"I find the prospect of playing for one of the biggest names in British football impossible to resist," he added.

"I believe Everton will afford me the best opportunity to fulfil my twin ambitions of winning major honours and representing England again at senior level.

Johnson met with Wigan boss Paul Jewell and chairman Dave Whelan on Friday, while Bolton were also keen to hold talks with the player who scored 21 goals in the 2004-05 Premiership season for the Eagles in The Championship.

"I would like to thank both Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers. Firstly for having sufficient faith in my abilities to lodge a bid, and secondly for being so courteous and professional during the course of our negotiations," Johnson added.

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