WALES starlet Jason Koumas is poised to join Everton - having sensationally stopped talks about his proposed move to First Division play-off hopefuls West Bromwich Albion.

The 22-year-old Tranmere Rovers playmaker capped once by Wales, who hinted last week about his ambitions to play in the Premiership, said last night: "I'm still in negotiations - thinking about my future."

It looked certain that Koumas was heading for The Hawthorns, in a £2.75m switch from Prenton Park, but Goodison Park new chief David Moyes could be set to hijack Gary Megson's attempts to lure him to The Baggies.

And Moyes, who has tried to snap Koumas up, while at his former club Preston North End, revealed he's in the hunt for Koumas.

"Jason is a player I watched while at Preston," admitted Toffees boss Moyes. But Moyes, who has been given £5m transfer funds, wouldn't be lured into anything more on Koumas. Moyes added: "My priority is to assess the players I have here at my disposal - before I think about new players."

Midfielder Koumas would cost Moyes £1m down payment, plus £1m after a year's service - with an additional £750,000 based on appearances - a deal that wouldn't swallow up his kitty.

And Koumas added: "It's a big decision to make - but the decision is mine." Moyes, always one to play his cards close to his chest, added: " It's far too early to be talking about transfers."

But Koumas said: "I want to play in the Premiership."