AS Roma striker Edin Dzeko turned down a January move to Everton over the Northwest weather.

The former Manchester City centre-forward was linked with the Toffees before Christmas.

Premier League commentator Ian Darke told ESPN FC's Extra Time revealed: "We were out covering a Roma game in the Champions League.

"And Owen Hargreaves, who was the co-commentator with me, got to speak to Edin Dzeko, who played for Roma, after the game and said: 'Everton are interested in you, you know'.

"And he said: 'What do you think I'm going to decide? I can stay in Rome or go to the pouring rain of Merseyside to play for Everton? Please don't ask me that one again'."