TOFFS BIG SISS MISS Moussa set to face Everton instead of playing for them

N-EVER TON: The Toffees missed out on Sissoko MOUSSA SISSOKO has confirmed he was ready and willing to join Everton – just days before his £30million move to Tottenham.

Ahead of Spurs’ trip to Goodison Park today, the French ace revealed he could easily have been lining up for the opposition had talks with then-Everton boss Ronald Koeman progressed further in August 2016.

But the Toffees dragged their heels over making a bid, leaving the path clear for Mauricio Pochettino’s men to grab him off Newcastle in the final hours of the window. And, despite a tricky opening year with the North Londoners, Sissoko, 29, is adamant he has never once regretted ending up in North London rather than Merseyside.

The 55-cap France international said: “Before I signed here I talked to Everton boss Koeman on the phone. “He wanted me to join. I said: ‘You have to speak to Newcastle and my agent and if you can find an agreement, why not?’

“It was so funny because when I signed here I was in the office with the Spurs chairman and saw on the TV: ‘Sissoko was on his way to Everton but then went back and decided to come to Tottenham.’

“I was laughing because it wasn’t true. On that day, we didn’t have anything with Everton and everything was nearly done with Tottenham.

“And I was happy because I wanted to leave Newcastle and had the opportunity to sign here.”

With midfield powerhouse Sissoko proving to be such a key member of Pochettino’s high-flyers this season, Spurs’ gain appears to be Everton’s loss.

But it was not always that way. The former Toulouse star struggled so badly during his first season at White Hart Lane that he was written off as an expensive mistake.

Now fans chant songs in his honour and pundits rave about his consistency in Pochettino’s midfield.

He agreed that Spurs fans do treat him differently these days.

“Yes, but even when it wasn’t a great time they weren’t bad to me on the street,” he said.

“But now I can see they’re very happy because I’m doing well.

“The first time they sang their song for me was last year when we played Real Madrid away.

“My uncle was with the fans and filmed them singing it. It was funny. I like this song. I’m happy with it.

“Obviously, I’m very pleased and I am hoping I can do even more and give them lots of good things.

“Hopefully, we can win a trophy. I think this team deserves it because for a few years we are doing well.

“That’s why in my head I never wanted to leave because I knew I could have success here.”

Everton v Tottenham, Today 4pm, Sky Sports Main Event