Everton transfer news RECAP - Matheus Cunha deal, Salomon Rondon update, Dennis Geiger claim

Wolves kick off with a win ahead of Everton clash

Wolves returned to domestic action on a positive note this evening as they beat Gillingham 2-0 in the Carabao Cup, with a Boxing Day trip to Goodison Park looming.

New manager Julen Lopetegui named a strong side to welcome the League Two outfit to Molineux, arguably naming his strongest possible XI with the likes of Ruben Neves and Goncalo Guedes all in from the off.

Despite complete domination - they registered 80% possession and racked up 25 shots - it took the Midlands side 77 minutes to open the scoring, and even that was via a Raul Jimenez penalty.

Everton were knocked out of the cup before the break, so will enjoy an extra few days rest and preparation before Monday's crucial bottom of the table clash.

Frank Lampard will no doubt be hoping for a similar level of wastefulness from his Boxing Day visitors, with these two sides among the lowest scoring in the Premier League - 19 goals from 30 games between them.

Salomon Rondon 'the chosen one'

Salomon Rondon has emerged as the 'main target' for Spanish second division leaders Las Palmas, according to Canarias 7 (via Pasion Amarilla).

The Venezuelan last week mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Everton in search for more regular football, ending an underwhelming 18-month spell at Goodison Park since reuniting with Rafa Benitez.

Rondon played a bit-part role during last season's relegation scrap, but Frank Lampard's decision to experiment with Anthony Gordon leading the line all but confirmed his indifference to the veteran frontman.

Several sides across Europe have been linked with a move for the 33-year-old, seeing his form for Venezuela as proof there is still plenty on offer. One of which is Las Palmas, who lead Spain's Segunda Division, with Rondong said to be the 'focus of all Luis Helguera’s [sporting director] efforts'.

Everton shirt auction raises almost £20,000

Everton auctioned off a number of watch-worn and match-prepared football shirts in recent weeks with almost £20,000 going to the Royal British Legion.

Shirts from the Toffees final three games before the World Cup break were all embroidered with a poppy, with players signing their respective shirts and sending them off for auction.

Successful bids totalled a whopping £19,416, all of which will go to the Royal British Legion.

Top work boys!

@PoppyLegion!

— Everton (@Everton) December 20, 2022

Alexis Mac Allister to return for Everton clash?

Brighton have never had to think about rest periods following a World Cup win - none of their players have ever won one, until Alexis Mac Allister helped Argentina to a first world title since 1986.

The 23-year-old only really broke into the team while in Qatar and ended up both starting and starring in Sunday's chaotic final. He flew back to Argentina with the rest of the squad and will likely at this point be drunk or hungover.

It leaves the Seagulls with a decision to make as to when their man should return, and plenty on Merseyside will hope it's after Everton host them on January 3.

Speaking this week ahead of their Carabao Cup clash, Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi said: "It is important to rest and enjoy with his family after one month of World Cup camp."

And earlier this week, the club's chief executive added: "I think it would be pretty mean of us as a club not to allow him to go back to his country to celebrate with his family and friends. It’s actually his birthday as well on Christmas Eve."

In terms of actual dates, no one on the south coast has confirmed anything, but three weeks from Sunday would see him unavailable against the Toffees - a festive period without a Mac Allister seems right. He deserves the rest.

Asmir Begovic message

Asmir Begovic has called for calm heads as Everton continue preparations for their first competitive fixture in over a month.

Frank Lampard's side headed into the World Cup break on a run of one win in eight matches, which culminated in a dreadful double defeat to Bournemouth in the space of four days in the Carabao Cup and Premier League. Confidence has been rebuilt during the club's tour of Australia but it is now a case of backing that up now domestic football has returned.

Both the Everton squad and their manager Lampard will require no reminding that vast improvement is required during the second half of the campaign if a second successive relegation battle is to be avoided. Bbut Begovic is adamant the team can turn the tide after a period of reflection and hard work on the training ground.

Here's what the stopper told evertonfc.com:

I think it's very important to not get too bogged down by the week heading into the World Cup break. Overall, I think we've been progressing alright. There's been a lot of change over the past 10 months since the manager came in and then a big summer, so we're definitely a work in progress.

We were able to get a couple of decent results [in Australia] and now looking ahead we're together and ready to attack this good block of games we have in front of us to really kick on and shoot up the table. There's a determination between us to get to the place where we want to be.

MORE HERE.

Late heartbreak for Everton under-21s

Everton under-21s conceded a late equaliser against Colchester United this afternoon as the pair drew their Premier League Cup tie 1-1 at the Maldon and Tiptree Stadium.

Katia Kouyate opened the scoring for Paul Tait's side on 17 minutes, smashing the ball past Ted Collins to finish up a swift counter-attack.

The Toffees held firm for the majority of the game, but conceded in the 87th-minute, courtesy of Bradley Ihionvien.

Everton remain second in Group F with five points from five games - some way off Southampton on 13.

FT. #EFCU21 are held to a draw against Colchester this afternoon. #PLCup pic.twitter.com/NrTb5SfsAs

— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) December 20, 2022

Matheus Cunha missed

Everton have missed out on their hope of signing Matheus Cunha, with Fabrizio Romano reporting a move to Wolves is all but done.

Frank Lampard was one of several managers said to have made contact with the forward after it became clear he would be leaving Atletico Madrid in January. Wolves and Leeds United were also keen while the player was said to have been offered to the European-chasing sides.

The Midlands club - who Everton play in a crucial Boxing Day clash - were always favourites, with Cunha said to be interested in playing under new manager Julen Lopetegui. And now Romano has reported that a 'full verbal agreement' has been reached, with medicals and documents to be sorted in the coming days.

Wolves will take Cunha on loan for the remainder of the season, with an obligation to buy in the summer for around £40million.

Matheus Cunha to Wolves, here we go! Full verbal agreement reached between clubs with Atléti and also on personal terms. It’s a loan with obligation to buy clause, around €40/50m. #WWFC

Medicals being scheduled while all the documents will be prepared in the next days. pic.twitter.com/m6kIkB2t0m

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 20, 2022

Branthwaite explains why he is set for PSV stay

There were rumours last month Jarrad Branthwate's season-long loan spell at PSV could be coming to an early end.

The Everton defender joined the Dutch side ahead of the current campaign but has started only three league fixtures this term. A latest report has suggested he is set to remain in the Eredivisie, however, with the 20-year-old himself explaining why he wants to continue at the club.

This is just a very nice club, PSV. There are many committed people who want to form a family club together. I ended up in a nice team,” he told Eindhovens Dagblad.

This is a beautiful environment for me in all respects and moreover this competition is the good platform to grow further as a footballer. I am very satisfied here.”

Rondon latest

Salomon Rondon is attracting interest from clubs in Europe following his Everton exit.

A latest report by AS has stated teams from the main European leagues are 'studying the hiring of Rondon', who recently terminated his contract with the Blues.

The article adds the forward's main intention is to'keep playing at the highest level' to support his chances of continuing to represent Venezuela at international level.

Amadou Onana said four words to his agent after witnessing Everton play at Goodison Park

Amadou Onana has missed playing in front of Everton supporters and cannot wait for the return of the Premier League, explaining: "There is nothing else like Goodison."

Everton host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day - Frank Lampard's side's first home game since the defeat to Leicester City on November 5. Since then Onana has been on World Cup duty with Belgium but he is now looking forward to being home again.

Reflecting on a remarkable 2022, the midfielder singled out his relationship with Blues as one of the highlights of his short time on Merseyside since moving from French side Lille in the summer.

Onana's introduction to Everton supporters came before he had confirmed his signing, the 21-year-old emerging from the bowels of Goodison Park to take a seat in the directors box just before half-time in the opening game of the season against Chelsea. His appearance sparked excitement that rippled around the ground - a reaction that has stayed with Onana.

Joe Thomas has more, here.

Spurs eye Pickford as option for Lloris replacement

Jordan Pickford is 'one of the options' being considered by Tottenham Hotspur as a Hugo Lloris replacement, it has been suggested.

The Everton goalkeeper is under contract until 2024 - at which point Lloris' deal also expires - and has also been linked with Chelsea in recent months.

Football Insider have suggested Pickford is a possibility to succeed Lloris as Spurs' No.1, who is approaching the end of his career. Lloris turns 36 on Boxing Day and has been at the north London club for a decade.

Dennis Geiger blow

Everton's hopes of landing Dennis Geiger in the January transfer window have suffered a setback after the midfielder revealed that he is in talks over a new deal with Hoffenheim.

Sky Germany had claimed that the Blues were lining up a bargain deal for the 24-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer. But he now looks set to stay with the Bundesliga club, providing terms can be agreed over a fresh contract.

Speaking to Kicker, Geiger said: “We are in talks (over a new deal). I feel extremely comfortable at Hoffenheim. I don’t need to repeat that every two weeks! Everyone who works more closely with me here knows how much I enjoy what I do. And how much fun I have with the team and the staff.

“In the past, it was always my goal to play for Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund. Or even in the Premier League. But when you suffer so many injury setbacks, I’m mainly just happy that I’ve fought my way back like this. And that I can still play football at this level at all.”

Everton 'looking to finalise' Gordon and Iwobi deals

Everton are 'looking to finalise' new contracts for both Anthony Gordon and Alex Iwobi, it has been claimed.

Both players have been key performers for the Blues in the last year and such news will come as a major boost to Frank Lampard.

The Times state discussions began with Gordon after Chelsea's attempt to lure him to Stamford Bridge during the summer, with Iwobi talks also said to be 'progressing'.

Kaminski group stance after new club purchased and 'secret talks'

Maciek Kaminski, the American/Polish real estate tycoon who had sought to purchase Everton earlier this year, has acquired his first football club and been linked with investment into another.

Kaminski was part of a consortium that initially featured former Manchester United CEO Peter Kenyon and US oil magnate John Thornton back in June, the trio having entered into an exclusivity period with Everton owner Farhad Moshiri but unable to strike any deal, with Moshiri subsequently declaring his ongoing commitment to the Toffees.

The talks over a deal, which had arrived from Moshiri's desire to seek external investment to provide a capital injection in order to secure the required funding for the club's new stadium development at Bramley Moore Dock, were ended after the exclusivity period passed, with Kenyon and Thornton both stepping away from the consortia but Kaminski remaining.

Sources have told the ECHO that Kaminski remains interested in investing in the club, although full takeover interest appears to have dimmed.

Dave Powell has more, here.

Hall linked with Everton

Everton have joined the list of clubs monitoring developments with Birmingham City midfield prospect George Hall.

That's according to a report by Mail Online, who claim the Blues are also looking for dynamic, athletic midfielders like Hall who have the capabilities to be part of their squad almost immediately.

The report also claims that Leeds United have long been following the England U19 international and made an attempt to sign him last summer only to be put off by Birmingham's valuation.

Latest Michael Ball column

The Boxing Day game really has to be a moment for Everton to kick-start our season. Frank Lampard has had the opportunity to get some good training sessions into the players and there have been the games in Australia and behind closed doors.

There are three home games coming up over the next month that are absolutely massive for me, with Wolves being followed by Brighton & Hove Albion and then Southampton. No matter what you’re doing on the training ground, you’re being judged on what happens on matchdays and winning obviously breeds confidence, helping you to try more things on the pitch and come out of your shell.

What happens in these fixtures can have massive implications for the rest of the season as we don’t want the fanbase concerned over what is ahead of us. Conor Coady has been a fantastic signing for us on loan but with him unable to play against his parent club, the back four is going to have to change and that provides a big opportunity for someone whether that’s Yerry Mina, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey or Mason Holgate to try and force Frank’s hand going forward.

Wolves have been struggling but they’ve got Julen Lopetegui now and we know what happens when a new manager enters a building, you tend to get a bounce. This fixture seems to be getting bigger and bigger in terms of importance, the closer we get to it.

Read Michael Ball's full column here.

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