Hello and welcome to the Liverpool ECHO's Friday blog. The place for all your very latest Everton news, rumours and transfer gossip. And also the place we will be bringing you all the build-up to Saturday's huge Premier League clash at West Ham United.
In the world of transfers, Aston Villa have reportedly entered the race to sign soon-to-be out-of-contract Lyon forward Moussa Dembele, who has also been linked with a move to Goodison Park. Elsewhere, Anthony Gordon has been touted as a possible target for Newcastle United this month.
But more importantly for Everton supporters, it appears that Frank Lampard is closing in on his first signing of the January window, with a report last night claiming that Arnaut Danjuma is on his way to L4, on loan from Villarreal.
Anthony Elanaga is said to have seen a potential loan move to Everton 'blocked' by Erik ten Hag, meanwhile Hector Bellerin has reportedly 'rejected' the Blues.
In terms of injury news for the Blues, James Garner and long-term absentee Andros Townsend have returned to the grass at Finch Farm.
Key Events
Newcastle have an eye on Anthony Gordon, report claims
Newcastle could be about to make a move for Everton forward Anthony Gordon, according to a new report.
The Mail claims that the cash-rich Magpies are set to test Everton's resolve by making an enquiring for the 21-year-old home-grown star.
Gordon was subject to interest from Chelsea in the summer, but stayed put after the London club failed to match the Toffees valuation of the player.
But now it looks like Eddie Howe is prepared to take Gordon to the North East, if the Blues are willing to part company.
Micheal Keane 'in talks' to join Italian side Salernitana - reports claim
Could Mchael Keane be on his way to Italy? He could be if reports in Italy are accurate.
According to TuttoSalernitana (as per Football Italia), Serie A side Salternitana are in talks with Keane's agent and are looking to push through a deal.
The 30-year-old as barely figured for the Blues this season, after losing his place in the team to summer signings James Tarkwoski and Conor Coady.
It sounds like Keane could need some convincing on the move however. Should he make the move to Italy, he would be swapping one relegation battle for another, with Salernitana currently sitting 16th in Serie A, albeit they are nine points clear of 18th-placed Verona.
The report says that the Italian outfit will hold further talks with Keane's agent on Monday, as they try to convince him to make the move overseas.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is ready to face West Ham
Ready! West Ham tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/aupa4xt9su
— Dominic Calvert-Lewin (@CalvertLewin14) January 20, 2023
David Moyes explains what he 'never saw' at Everton ahead of West Ham showdown
West Ham United manager David Moyes has responded to Everton’s current off-the-field turmoil by maintaining that he never saw a divided club during his long tenure in charge at Goodison Park. Moyes’ Hammers host the Blues on Saturday with both sides on just 15 points and in the Premier League relegation zone and the visitors go into the fixture on the back of planned fan protests against the club’s owner and board after their 2-1 home defeat to bottom club Southampton, a game that Everton directors did not attend due to security concerns.
Asked if the situation upset him, the 59-year-old, who was Everton’s manager for over 11 years between 2002-13, said: “I remember when I came here, I was only here three or four games, we had supporters running on the pitch. It was a terrible time for us and I think one of the biggest things that needs to happen as a football club is it for it to come together.
“That needs the supporters, that needs the players, the directors all to be together. It’s the one thing that happens here at West Ham, I don’t see a divided club here and I’ve got to say from my time at Everton, I never saw a divided club at Everton."
Read the full story HERE.
Her Game Too release statement regarding Everton
Please see our statement below regarding our partnership with Everton FC @SamMc1878 | #HerGameToo pic.twitter.com/I9Yo4glouA
— Her Game Too (@HerGameToo) January 20, 2023
New Royal Blue podcast out now
A brand new Royal Blue podcast is out today. The ECHO's Everton FC correspondent Joe Thomas is joined by Everton Writer Chris Beesley, Paul Wheelock and regular guest Gavin Buckland to discuss the recent Everton allegations, Arnaut Danjuma interest and tomorrow's huge trip to West Ham that could significant implications for the managers of both clubs.
Check out the latest Royal Blue podcast HERE.
Interesting West Ham v Everton stat
Saturday will be the first Premier League meeting between West Ham and Everton when both sides were in the relegation zone since February 1995.
Everton went on to lift the FA Cup that season, but tomorrow's fixture feels like it has even more riding on it.
Friday round-up
For those just catching up on Everton news, here is a round-up of the latest Blues rumours from today.
- Atalanta have reportedly told Everton and other clubs they will only accept a permanent deal for Duvan Zapata.
- Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has 'blocked' Anthony Elanga's loan to Everton due to concerns of this possible move.
- Everton are in a two-way battle for Arnaut Danjuma.
- Ex-Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has 'rejected' the opportunity to join the Blues.
Moyes on Everton clash
West Ham manager David Moyes has admitted tomorrow's meeting with Everton is 'huge' for both clubs.
The Hammers and the Blues find themselves in the bottom three ahead of Saturday's showdown, leaving Moyes desperate to come out on top against his former employers.
It’s a huge game for both, but one you look forward to. Hopefully we can come out on top. Tomorrow’s game means a lot, and from that point of view we need to focus on getting three points.
We’re halfway through the season, there’s a long way to go and we have to make sure we improve [to get the results].”
Dele message
Besiktas boss Senol Gunes reportedly held a meeting with Everton loanee Dele Alli yesterday, telling the midfielder he is falling short of expectations.
The former Tottenham Hotspur star has made seven league starts in Turkey this term, but has been left on the bench for four of the last five outings.
Gunes has now attempted to seek a resolution to the situation as he hopes for an upturn in form from Dele. According to Turkish outlet Cumhuriyet, he told the 26-year-old:
We are very hopeful for you. You are one of the most talented players in the world. However, you could not meet our expectations. If you have a problem or problem, I want to know it. If there is something we can do, let's solve it. However, if there is a problem that cannot be resolved, let's part ways."
Villarreal boss speaks out on Danjuma future
Villarreal boss Quique Setien has admitted the Spanish side will have to 'wait and see' what happens regarding the future of Arnaut Danjuma.
The ECHO reported earlier today Everton are in a two-way battle for the Dutchman, who has fallen out of favour at the La Liga club.
Addressing the future of Danjuma following Villarreal's Copa del Rey defeat by Real Madrid yesterday evening, Setien said:
We will see if these possible departures are confirmed. In principle Jackson is still injured, and with Danjuma we have to wait and see. But it’s a position we’re lacking, although it’s true that there are some youngsters from the reserve team who can help us. Let’s see what happens.”
Danny Ings confirmed - and expected to face Everton
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Danny Ings and expect the striker to be available against Everton tomorrow afternoon.
The Blues were linked with Ings prior to this deal being done, and could now face Frank Lampard's side on Saturday afternoon.
Confirming the Ings deal, a West Ham statement read:
All paperwork was submitted ahead of the midday deadline for the player to be eligible for tomorrow’s Premier League fixture against Everton at London Stadium and the Club expects it will receive formal confirmation this afternoon."
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Blues in two-way fight for Danjuma
Everton are in a two-way fight to make Arnaut Danjuma their first signing of the January transfer window.
Danjuma has been granted permission to leave his club Villarreal on loan until the end of the season with various outlets reporting that Everton are hopeful of persuading him to come to Goodison Park.
The ECHO understands that the 25-year-old – who has also attracted interest from PSV Eindhoven back in his native Netherlands – has a final decision to make between two Premier Leagues vying for his services.
Aston Villa were named as a potential suitor but Unai Emery – Danjuma’s former boss at Villarreal – does not seem keen on a reunion, stating: "Now I'm not thinking about him. Danjuma is a very good player but I think now, with his position, we already have players.”
Sources at Tottenham Hotspur have played down links to the Holland international while Nottingham Forest have also been tight-lipped with no impression that they might be close.
ECHO reporter Chris Beesley has the latest, here.
Bellerin 'rejected' Everton move
Hector Bellerin is understood to have 'rejected' an offer from Everton this month.
The former Arsenal right-back, now at Barcelona, has made only one league start this season and is very much at the bottom of the pecking order.
Bellerin is out of contract at the end of the season and has received offers from Premier League teams, as reported by Spanish outlet Sport, one of which is said to be Everton.
Zapata stance
Atalanta have informed Everton and other interested parties they are not willing to accept a loan offer for striker Duvan Zapata, it has been suggested.
The Blues have been linked with the Colombian forward in recent days as Frank Lampard seeks reinforcements in the final third, but will have to submit a transfer fee to have any hope of striking a deal.
That is the verdict of Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed Atalanta's position is 'clear' as things stand. Commenting on the situation, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini said:
I don't like all these stories on Zapata. He got injured, he's an important player for us."
Elanga loan move 'blocked'
Manchester United have 'blocked' Everton's loan approach for Anthony Elanga, it has been claimed.
The Blues have been linked with a move for the Swedish forward of late, but appear to have now been dealt a blow on this front.
According to the Daily Star, United have decided against sending Elanga to Goodison Park due to Erik ten Hag viewing this as 'not a good move'.
Borussia Dortmund are also said to be interested in the running for Elanga and have now receieved a boost in their pursuit of the youngster.
Villa 'keen' on Dembele deal
Aston Villa are said to have joined Everton in the race to recruit Moussa Dembele from Lyon.
The French forward was recently linked with a move to Goodison Park as the Blues look to strengthen their attacking options, but are now facing competition for the former Celtic striker.
A latest report by Foot Mercato has suggested Villa are 'thinking' of targeting Dembele, having recently sold Danny Ings to West Ham United.
Gordon on Newcastle 'radar'
Anthony Gordon is' back on the 'radar' of Newcastle United as they consider a January move for the Everton forward.
There was plenty of interest in the Blues' youngster back in the summer, but the 21-year-old remained put on Merseyside.
A latest report by the Telegraph has stated Gordon is being looked at once more by the Toon Army, having seen a bid rejected during the previous transfer window.
Danjuma makes Everton 'choice'
Potentially big news, as Sam Wallace from the Daily Telegraph has reported that Everton have won the race to sign Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal.
'Southampton, Forest and his former club Bournemouth were all interested,' it is claimed.
The 25-year-old had a spell in England with Bournemouth before moving to Villarreal. After a impressive first season, he has struggled for consistency this term.
Dele Alli slammed by Besiktas boss as Everton midfielder suffers another brutal snub
Besiktas coach Senol Gunes has claimed Dele Alli 'doesn't deserve to play' at the moment after he was forced to endure another brutal snub on Wednesday night.
After moving to Everton from Tottenham Hotspur 12 months ago, Dele’s time at Goodison Park didn't work out and Frank Lampard decided to offload the midfielder to the Turkish league during the summer transfer window. However, a promising start in Istanbul has quickly turned into a nightmare.
Read the full story, here.
Danny Ings transfer: Frank Lampard reacts to West Ham deal for rumoured Everton target
Frank Lampard has spoken of his admiration for Danny Ings and refused to comment on whether he wanted to bring the forward to Everton.
It was claimed earlier this month that Everton had a loan bid for Ings rejected by Aston Villa. However, the forward has now departed Villa Park for West Ham United, the Blues’ opponents this weekend.
It is being widely reported that David Moyes’ side will pay an initial £12million for the 30-year-old, rising by another £3million if West Ham avoid relegation. The Hammers are currently level on points with the Blues inside drop zone.
“He is a fantastic striker, a really good striker and I've always had a lot of admiration for Danny as a player and a lad, I don’t know him that well, but he seems like a real team lad,” Lampard said.
“He is someone we will have to be very aware of because he is a top striker.”
Read what Frank Lampard had to say, here.
Good morning, Blues!
Good morning Blues and welcome to Friday's LIVE Everton blog.
With just over ten days left of the January transfer window, it promises to be a busy couple of weeks on the blue half of Merseyside as Frank Lampard continues the club's search for a striker. Lyon's Moussa Dembele is the latest forward to be linked with a switch to Goodison Park.
Elsewhere, Anthony Gordon has been touted with a possible move away from Goodison Park this month, with the 21-year-old still on Newcastle United's ' 'radar'.
Frank Lampard has already carried out his pre-West Ham media duties and therefore the Blues will travel to the Capital on Friday ahead of their must-win Premier League encounter on Saturday.
Stay with us throughout the day for all the news, transfer gossip and pre-match build-up.
