Chinese star confident of sealing permanent deal with Everton

Chinese international midfielder Li Tie believes he will join English Premiership side Everton on a permanent basis despite wrangling over his transfer fee.

The 25-year-old starred for Everton in his role as a defensive midfielder last season making 29 Premiership appearances and the club's manager Daivd Moyes is keen to sign him, though the clubs disgree over the transfer fee.

His Chinese club Liaoning Bodao want 1million pounds (1.5million dollars) while Everton believe they should pay half that asking price and it has led to two weeks of talks between the sides and his agent .

However Li told the Liverpool Echo that he thought the problem over the fee would be resolved.

"I can safely say the negotiations are moving along quite smoothly," said Li, who has been capped over 80 times.

"While I am not involved directly, I'm confident my agent can iron out any the details of the contract in due time."

Li said his one season in England had already improved his game tenfold.

"Playing in Europe will not only help increase my body strength.

"But more importantly being exposed to the tactics and higher tempo of games will make me a better player.

"As I look back on a largely successful season in England, I have come to realise that overseas leagues are much more competitive, not only because of the intensity of the games, but also because of the professionalism."

Li moved to Everton shortly after the World Cup - despite interest from Dutch giants Ajax - along with fellow international defender Li Weifeng, who failed to make the grade at Goodison Park and returned to China in January.