Everton have received a double blow ahead of the Merseyside derby with boss David Moyes wary of being dragged into a relegation battle and the club set to have plans for a new ground at Kirby rejected. The Toffeemen were beaten 3-2 at Hull City in the Premier League on Wednesday night to slip down to 14th place - just four points above the bottom three. After the game Moyes refused to comment on reports he could leave Goodison Park but the preparation was far from ideal ahead of the visit of city rivals Liverpool on Sunday. The Scot blasted his side’s performance at the KC Stadium as “up there with the worst of them” before adding: “It is up to the players to take responsibility but I take responsibility for the team I select. “We could be dragged into a relegation fight – particularly because of the injuries and individual performances. “But I am the one who has to take responsibility for the team. I pick the team and I sign them. I’m the one who has the ultimate responsibility.” Meanwhile, club sources have reportedly confirmed that Everton's plans to relocate from Liverpool to a new £400million stadium and shopping centre in Kirby had been rejected following a public inquiry.