Hello and welcome to the ECHO's Everton FC news and transfers blog for Saturday, May 6.
Sean Dyche has backed Michael Keane and praised him for his work since the pair were reunited in January. The Everton boss has also pointed to Yerry Mina’s lack of game time this season and his history with injuries as the reasons why he doesn't pick the centre-back.
On the transfer front, Bristol City sensation Alex Scott has hinted at possible staying beyond this season after scooping the Championship's young player of the year award. Meanwhile, Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of Everton-linked Joao Pedro from Watford.
Elsewhere, according to a report from Italy, Salernitana chief Morgan de Sanctis is hoping Everton put Neal Maupay up for sale this summer as he again eyes a move for him.
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Saint-Etienne 'hold Nkounkou talks'
Saint-Etienne have held talks with Everton over signing Niels Nkounkou.
That is according to French journalist Ignazio Genuardi, who is reporting that concrete talks have taken place over a transfer.
The 22-year-old has made 15 appearances in Ligue 2 for Saint-Etienne so far this season, scoring six times and providing seven assists.
Previewing Brentford and Trent Alexander-Arnold's recent tweak
"We didn't lose the league twice by a point because Trent played right-back."
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 6, 2023
Jurgen Klopp says Trent Alexander-Arnold's role in midfield was always clear but now was the best time to change things pic.twitter.com/85E8fdinED
Premier League action elsewhere
Everton's relegation rivals Leeds United are in action this afternoon as they travel to the Etihad to face Manchester City, in what will be Sam Allardyce's first game in charge of the Whites.
A Manchester City win would be the ideal result for the Blues ahead of Monday's trip to Brighton.
Idrissa Gueye makes Dominic Calvert-Lewin claim and reveals Sean Dyche message to Everton squad
Idrissa Gueye has hailed the return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and revealed what Sean Dyche’s message has been to his Everton side in recent weeks.
After two months out because of the latest in a series of frustrating injuries that have scarred recent seasons, Calvert-Lewin finally returned to his side’s starting line-up for the away game against Crystal Palace last month.
Calvert-Lewin has only made 14 Premier League appearances for the Blues so far this season after another campaign that has been plagued by various knocks. The England international also only managed 18 appearances in all competitions last season.
However, the 26-year-old forward won and dispatched the opening goal from the penalty spot in Monday night’s 2-2 draw at Leicester City; the goal was Calvert-Lewin's first since his return from injury.
And asked about the return of the forward, Gueye said: "It’s fantastic Dominic is back. He looks more than 100 percent fit, and we all know within the club how important he is to us.
"The fact he’s come back and he’s out on the field—that’s fantastic. We know he wants to help the team as much as he can, and that’s great for us.
"The manager loves that type of player who is prepared to run, work hard, fight for the ball, and score goals. We appreciate that as a group of players as well.
"We love to work with Dominic. We need his performances right until the end of the season, but it’s not just Dominic in the attack.
Read the full story, here.
Roberto Martinez is 'convinced' over his Everton relegation battle prediction
Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez is 'convinced' his old club will avoid Premier League relegation after their performance against Leicester City.
Sean Dyche's side remained in the bottom three with only four games left after Monday's 2-2 draw against Leicester at the King Power. The Blues, however, are winless in their last seven games.
And with away trips to Brighton and Wolves and home games against league leaders Manchester City and then Bournemouth on the final day to come, the Blues face a battle if they are to avoid the dreaded drop into the Championship.
However, a much-improved performance against Dean Smith’s side on Monday night has given a glimpse of what Dyche’s side are capable of. And Martinez has full confidence in his old club's ability to avoid relegation.
Speaking on the BBC World Service's Sportsworld programme, he said: "They won’t go down. Obviously, Everton are a wonderful football club.
"Now is a key moment in their history when you can see the new stadium coming along. There is a lot to look forward to, and there are a lot of things to come together as a football club, and they can use it as a springboard.
"This is a moment to finish the season off in the best possible way, and I am convinced Everton will stay up given the fight and performance against Leicester City. It's clear to me they are going to stay up."
‘Strong’ Moussa Dembele might be a strong fit for Everton in the summer according to Louis Saha
Former Everton striker Louis Saha believes Lyon forward Moussa Dembele could have a "big impact" in the Premier League as he continues to be linked with a move to Everton.
Speaking to Lord Ping, Saha said: "Dembele is a good player and I think he could have a big impact in the Premier League.
"He’s been to a lot of clubs in recent years and I don’t like when players move around many times, but his profile might fit what Everton need.
"He’s strong in the air, competitive on the ball and a good finisher, but he needs to play every week and not get injured like Calvert-Lewin."
Everton fans rally again to prove they will back club in hour of need
Everton’s passionate supporters will back their club through to the end of the season with tickets to the final away game now having sold out.
The away end at Molineux will be full as Everton face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the penultimate match of the season. The Blues had been allocated just over 3,000 tickets.
Roughly the same number is due to travel to the south coast for the game with Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday with tickets also having sold out for that match. The remaining home games against Manchester City and Bournemouth have also sold out.
The numbers showcase the stunning commitment of supporters prepared to travel across the country despite the struggles facing the club Everton have walked out in front of sold-out away ends from Newcastle United to Southampton even though they have won just a handful of times on the road in the Premier League in the last two seasons. The only victory on the Blues' travels in the league during the current campaign was at Southampton in October.
Read the full story, here.
What changes would you make for Monday's trip to Brighton?
The Blues make the long venture down to the south coast on Bank Holiday Monday to face an in-form, European-chasing Brighton & Hove Albion side. What changes would you like to see Sean Dyche make for the game?
Time for talent who wowed Arsenal dressing room to become leader Everton need
Everton need another leader on the pitch and this could be Amadou Onana’s opportunity to shine.
Deprived of Seamus Coleman’s influence after the club captain suffered ligament damage at Leicester City, there is a void on the pitch that must be filled if Everton are to escape relegation.
Coleman’s importance is highlighted most poignantly by his absence - the three dismal collapses to have blighted this season each came when the 34-year-old was unavailable. It is time for another player to step up and showcase his passion and maturity.
Coleman’s importance is highlighted most poignantly by his absence - the three dismal collapses to have blighted this season each came when the 34-year-old was unavailable. It is time for another player to step up and showcase his passion and maturity.
Coleman is a crucial component of the Everton dressing room and last year showed he can provide inspiration even when injured - Frank Lampard showered him with praise after the club’s dramatic escape from the Premier League’s bottom three. His absence to injury was keenly felt last month as Sean Dyche struggled to find an adequate replacement at right-back, though Nathan Patterson was not given an opportunity at the time.
Read the full story, here.
Salernitana eye Maupay swoop
Italian outfit Salernitana are said to be interested in Everton striker Neil Maupay.
According to Tutto Salernitana, the Toffees forward is again a transfer target and has endured a disappointing campaign at Goodison Park this season.
The Frenchman has scored just once in 26 appearances and has started just 11 Premier League matches for the side thus far.
Fellow Serie A club Torino and Maupay's former club Nice are also said to hold a strong interest in his services.
Dyche's support for Keane
Sean Dyche has backed Michael Keane and praised him for his work since the pair were reunited in January.
The 51-year-old brought his former Burnley player back into the first team within weeks of his appointment, promoting Keane from Everton’s most under-used centre back to a regular starter. The player has had mixed fortunes since - scoring a sensational equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur but also forming part of a defence that has proved vulnerable at times.
Dyche dismissed calls from some quarters to try a different option at the back and declared his belief Keane had “done very well” during his reign. He suggested criticism may be misplaced as he stressed the need to look at the wider context of goals recently conceded.
Read the full story HERE.
Brighton land Pedro
Brighton and Hove Albion yesterday announced that Watford forward Joao Pedro will join the club this summer, with the fee reported to be around the £30 million mark.
The 21-year-old has scored 11 times so far for the Hornets this season, with the side set to finish midtable in the Championship.
Everton had been linked with a move for the Brazilian forward, as well as Newcastle, but it seems the Seagulls have acted quickest to secure his services.
Duncan Ferguson competition
Next month, the Everton legend will give fans the chance to hear first hand about his career in a special night at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic entitled 'Duncan Ferguson - My Story'.
The ECHO has two pairs of tickets to give away to the event. To enter fill out an entry form below with your details:
'Duncan Ferguson - My Story' is presented by Since 1878 Memorabilia. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Paul Burton on 07810 560216 or via the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic website by clicking here
Scott hints at City stay
Bristol City sensation Alex Scott has hinted at possible staying beyond this season after scooping the Championship's young player of the year award.
The 19-year-old has been linked with a move to Everton. He told Robins TV: “I’m buzzing. To get recognition from the fans is a special feeling.
"We’ve got so many top top players here, it was very competitive and I am very happy to receive the awards. It’s been huge.
“It’s been massive for me. As a team we’ve definitely progressed from last season. As a player on and off the pitch, I have progressed massively as well.
“I’m glad and I’m grateful to have played so many games and I’m looking forward to going again next season.”
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