Everton have agreed a deal to sign Manchester United's forgotten winger Jesper Blomqvist.

And Toffees boss Walter Smith has revealed his surprise move for the Swedish midfielder came on the recommendation of Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson.

Blomqvist - out of contract at Old Trafford following two years of injury problems - will sign a deal at Goodison Park until the end of the season.

Smith told BBC Sport Online: "Alex phoned me to tell me the lad was now fit and available.

"He rated him highly, but obviously had to bring cover in to fill his position when he was out injured for such a while.

"But he still feels he has plenty of ability, and he is also a player I liked myself when I saw him in the past."

Blomqvist joined United in a £4.5m deal from Parma in July 1998 but only managed one goal in 38 appearances.

And a serious knee injury has kept him out of the first-team picture since United's 1999 Champions League Final win against Bayern Munich in Barcelona.

'Undoubted ability'

Smith hopes the deal will revive the talented Swede's career as well as giving Everton's small squad a boost in numbers.

And he hinted he would consider extending the initial deal beyond the end of the season if Blomqvist is a success.

Smith added: "The deal is a chance for him to revive his career at Everton, and is an opportunity for us to add a player to our squad because his track record and the clubs he has played for shows he has undoubted ability."