Hello and welcome to the Liverpool ECHO's live Everton FC blog. It's match day and we'll be bringing you all the build-up from the London Stadium but the big breaking story over night is that, according to Fabrizio Romano, an agreement has been reached to sign Arnaut Danjuma on loan.
As the Blues travel to the capital to face West Ham United in a true six-pointer and we we look forward to the big match, stick with us here for all the latest Everton news, rumours and transfer gossip.
Newcastle United are reportedly ready to test Everton's resolve with an enquiry about forward Anthony Gordon, it has also been reported that they are eyeing Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
And could Michael Keane be on his way to Serie A? A report in Italy claims the defender's agent will sit down for talks on Monday.
Blues boss Frank Lampard told the assembled press on Friday that he has put everything he can into reviving the club's fortunes. Let's see if it pays off against the Hammers today.
We're set for a busy day of Premier League action both on and off the pitch. Arsenal are close to signing Jakub Kiwior from Spezia as he undergoes a medical today.
Arnaut Danjuma move looms
https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/1616806137302597634?s=46&t=TM_TocyU0xipD8Cw3Kh3kw
In position
Our Everton writers are in position and adding their thoughts ahead of today's match.
Be sure to tune in for all the build-up, action and reaction from the London Stadium.
Come on you Blues!
CLICK HERE FOR MATCH ACTION
Farhad Moshiri and Everton board questioned as fan frustrations relayed
Concerns over the performance of Everton's board, the club's financial situation and over who makes key decisions have all been posed to Blues chiefs on behalf of supporters.
Everton's Fan Advisory Board (FAB) has issued a detailed list of questions to club officials after a series of public meetings with supporters. More than 200 fans were involved in the process, designed to collect opinions on the club's "current predicament".
The focus of supporters' concerns range from the actions of majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri to the performance of key club personnel including chairman Bill Kenwright and chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale. The club has repeatedly said it is committed to engaging with the process, the results of which showcase the level of concern, anger and frustration within the fanbase.
Click here for the full story.
'Ready'
Dominic Calvert-Lewin posted ahead of today's trip to West Ham.
He has five goals in nine games, in all competitions against the Hammers.
Everton 'expected' to play hardball with Dominic Calvert-Lewin interest
Everton are expected to play hardball if Newcastle United express an interest in striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to Chronicle Live.
In a report from Newcastle United writer Lee Ryder, the Blues do not want to part with the 25-year-old.
It has been said that the North East outfit have had a longstanding interest in the Sheffield-born goalscorer who has struggled for goals this season.
As per the report, with talk of a £35m price tag, Chronicle Live understands it could even take cash and a possible player swap to tempt the Toffees.
However, with fringe players like Ryan Fraser and Javier Manquillo of no interest, Eddie Howe would have work to do if they decide to go for the striker, it has been said.
All smiles for Arnaut Danjuma on Instagram
Any tree experts? Is that Finch Farm?
Arnaut Danjuma is set for a medical this morning ahead of a loan move to Everton, according to reports.
'Danjuma a good start but Lampard needs backing'
Former Everton striker Louis Saha says the prospective arrival of Arnaut Danjuma 'is a good start'.
The Blues are said to be on the verge of making their first signing of the January transfer window in the Villarreal attacker.
It has been said that he will undergo a medical today ahead of a move.
Speaking to Boylesports, Saha said:
Lampard and Everton board are both to blame for Everton's struggles.
I respect Lampard so much as a player and a manager. Other big managers like Carlo Ancelotti found it difficult too.
Lampard has to be questioned because the team keep making the same mistakes and Everton need to take less risks and be more direct.
The tactics need to change and Lampard will never hide from the decisions and the players have to take responsibility because there’s too many individual mistakes - as that’s why they are fighting relegation.
One thing is for sure, he needs to be backed and Danjuma is a good start.
Boulaye Dia 'discussed'
Everton have reportedly spoken to Villarreal over the prospect of signing their forward Boulaye Dia.
According to TuttoSalernitana, the Blues spoke to the La Liga outfit over the attacker's situation. The 26-year-old is currently on loan at the Italian side, Salernitana.
His temporary move to Serie A but he can make it permanent should they meet his €12m (£10.5m) buyout clause.
Former Blues boss contender for Cardiff job
Former Everton manager Sam Allardyce is among the favourites to become the next Cardiff City manager.
The Championship side have been on the hunt for a new manager since Mark Hudson was sacked last weekend.
Neil Warnock leads the way to return to management but the odds for the former Blues boss have been axed from 33/1 to 13/8. His last management job was in 2021 when he failed to steer West Brom to safety.
'Things had to be said'
Everton manager Frank Lampard has told his players that they cannot look to anyone else for excuses when it comes to the team’s dire position in the Premier League table and admits the same applies to himself.
A run of just one win from the last 13 matches – a sequence that has included 10 defeats – has seen Everton knocked out of both domestic cup competitions and drop into the bottom three of the Premier League and they now go to West Ham United today, level on just 15 points with both David Moyes’ side and bottom club Southampton, who inflicted a fourth consecutive home loss on them last weekend.
Lampard said: “I know in difficult times, it’s easy for a player to find another reason why results haven’t gone our way. I’ve seen it in dressing rooms in bad form and my message was (to the players) that (making excuses) cannot be the thing that happens, everything has to be fought for and resolved by ourselves.
Click here for the full story.
Nottingham Forest 'working' on Holgate deal
Nottingham Forest are working on a deal to sign Everton defender Mason Holgate, according to Football Insider.
It has been said that Steve Cooper has turned his attention to signing the 26-year-old before the window slams shut in 10 days time.
Last season's Championship playoff winners are said to have made contact with Everton over a potential deal and it could be structured in 'various ways'.
According to Transfermarkt, Holgate's market value is in the region of £14m.
Keane 'in talks' over Everton departure
Serie A side Salernitana have reportedly been in the contact with the agent of Michael Keane over a move this month, according to reports.
The England defender has found first-team minutes hard to come by in recent months following the partnership of James Tarkowski and Connor Coady.
According to TuttoSalernitana, via Football Italia, the Italian side are keen on bringing him in as defensive reinforcement on loan after he was proposed to i Granata.
Salernitana currently sit 16th in Serie A, nine points clear of the drop. They face Napoli this weekend.
Everton set for Anthony Gordon 'enquiry'
Newcastle are set to make an enquiry to Everton over the signing of Anthony Gordon.
The scouser was subject to interest in the summer transfer window with figures of around £50m touted, however the Magpies are still going to test the waters, according to the Daily Mail.
It has been said that Gordon is high on the list in the North East as they look to strengthen this month to aid their European push. This week they sold Chris Wood to Nottingham Forest leaving room for a versatile frontman.
Arnaut Danjuma to Everton is a done deal
Well, that's according to Fabrizio Romano!
We reported yesterday that Everton were in a two-way fight to sign to sign Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal.
And over night transfer specialist Romano says the Netherlands international has chosen the Blues.
Romano said on Twitter: "Full agreement reached during the night and details now sorted. It’s done deal, Danjuma’s back to Premier League.
"Understand the medical tests will take place on Saturday morning. Straight loan from Villarreal, NO buy option."
We'll have more on this breaking story throughout the day.
How are the nerves Blues?
Good morning Everton! It's match day and I think it's fair to say that there's a bit riding on this one.
Can Frank Lampard get a tune out of his players and pull off a much-needed away win at West Ham?
Get the bacon butties on the go and stick with the ECHO today as we bring you the action from the capital plus all the latest goings-on in the world of football transfers.
Come on you Blues!
