Hello and welcome to our LIVE Everton takeover blog for Thursday, September 28.
Sean Dyche's side were on top form yesterday evening as they booked their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after beating Aston Villa 2-1 away from home. Goals from James Garner and Dominic Calvert-Lewin helped the Blues on their way to victory, during what was a convincing display from the Toffees.
Everton will now face Burnley at home next up in the Carabao Cup, which is set to be played the week commencing October 30.
Stick with us throughout the day as we bring you the latest news on 777 Partners and other news related to the Blues.
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Keep tabs on the latest news, views and Everton FC transfer rumours below.
Premier League 'agree TV deals'
Premier League clubs have reportedly voted for a proposal for more top-flight games to be shown live on television.
That’s according to the Mirror, who are reporting that the 20 clubs in the top-flight voted through the proposal at an online Premier League meeting on Thursday, and that will now be put forward to TV companies in the next few weeks.
The report goes on to claim that, as a result of the proposal being voted through, dozens more games will be broadcast and potentially a whole new package will be available in the next TV deal. It is also claimed that there could now be a dramatic upturn in the current £5.1billion three-year deal with the live rights shared between Sky, TNT Sports and Amazon, who currently show 200 games each season.
The Telegraph recently reported that the proposals for the next cycle could see as many as four games televised on a Sunday, with the late kick-off at 6.30pm, something that would already add to the travel burden for fans following their clubs around the country.
The current deal sees games shown on Friday and Monday nights, Saturday lunchtime, Saturday tea time, and also in two slots on a Sunday afternoon. But despite plenty of speculation about an extra slot being added on a Sunday night, the report by the Mirror claims that the Premier League have played down that suggestion.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail is reporting that the Premier League have reached a historic deal with the English Football League in which they have agreed to sell their television rights together for the first time.
The report claims that a proposal from the Premier League was presented to clubs earlier today, and under the terms of the deal, the EFL will also receive 14.75 percent of their pooled media rights from next season and an £88million bonus payment this season, with collective selling to begin in 2028.
Rotheram details 'frank and open' talks with 777
Steve Rotheram said he had a "frank and open" discussion with prospective Everton owners 777 Partners over a number of key issues, including the financing and completion of the club’s new stadium.
The Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, who wrote of his concerns over the state of affairs at the Blues and the direction in which the club was heading in the Liverpool ECHO this week, met with the US investment firm on Wednesday.
During the meeting, scheduled after his intervention, he discussed the stadium development along with wider issues including the plans for a legacy project on the site of Goodison Park after the club’s move to the Liverpool waterfront.
He said he would continue to ask questions of the group while it bids for regulatory approval.
Read the full story from Joe Thomas here.
Hart signs for Everton
Everton Women have signed England Under-19s goalkeeper Libby Hart.
Hart has previously been at Birmingham City and Manchester City and has joined Brian Sorensen's squad ahead of the new WSL campaign that begins on Sunday when the Blues host Brighton & Hove Albion at Walton Hall Park.
"It's amazing to be here at Everton," Hart told evertonfc.com. "To be at a big club and an environment full of international players, it's incredible. My aim now is to get as much experience as I can.
"To get my first pro contract at 18 is an amazing feeling, but it's just the start of the journey. I can't wait to get going."
On Everton's latest recruit, manager Sorensen added: "We're pleased to have Libby join the Club. She's applied herself really well in the short time she has been here.
"I'm sure she will hugely benefit from working closely with the elite experienced goalkeepers we already have at Everton in Courtney and Emily and we are confident she can develop into a top-class goalkeeper.”
Sean Dyche gives Everton injury update
Sen Dyche has provided an injury update ahead of his side's clash with Luton.
After being without several players for the first few weeks of the season, Everton's injury list is starting to clear up and has resulted in back-to-back wins.
That was indicated by both Jack Harrison and Dominc Calvert-Lewin starting against Aston Villa on Wednesday and Dyche shared the latest on his squad's fitness.
Sean Dyche press conference
Sean Dyche is due to sit down in front of the media at 2.15pm this afternoon.
Following their win over Villa, the Blues will quickly be back in action against Luton on Saturday.
Head to our press conference live blog for the latest updates from the Everton boss.
Jack Harrison opens up about 'complicated' transfer
If things had gone slightly differently, Jack Harrison could have been lining up agaiinst Everton on Wednesday night.
Villa manager Unai Emery showed interest in the Leeds winger before his loan move to the Blues was confirmed last month.
The 26-year-old has discussed his 'complicated' transfer saga, as well as his immedaite aims with Everton.
Everton analysis from win over Villa
Life feels a lot better after back-to-back wins.
Everton look have got their season up and running with quick-fire victories over Brentford and Aston Villa, with a chance to enjoy a proper cup runs. There were plenty of positives to take from Villa Park, wheter that's Dominic Calvert-Lewin getting on the scoresheet again or Jack Harrison's delayed debut.
As you count down the days to the Luton game, read Chris Beesley's anaylsis from the win over Villa
Sean Dyche verdict on Jack Harrison's Everton debut
Jack Harrison made a positive impact on his Everton debut.
The winger was part of the matchday squad for the first time after recovering from injury and was handed a start at Villa Park.
Sean Dyche put his faith in Harrison's level of fitness and was rewarded with an encouraging display to begin his Everton career.
Goodison Park to host England U21 clash
Goodison Park will host England Under-21s' Euro qualifier against Northern Ireland on Tuesday 21st November.
The Young Lions have already begun to defend the trophy that the team won in the summer, with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite involved in Lee Carsley's most recent squad.
The game will also see England U21 boss Carsley return to the ground he called home during his six-year spell with Everton.
Dyche discusses reason behind formation change
Sean Dyche has explained his decison to change formation against Aston Villa.
The Blues lined up with a back five, shielded by the midfield two of Amadou Onana and James Garner, while Jack Harrison, Arnaut Danjuma and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. It was a notble shift from Everton's usual 4-5-1 setup.
Dyche admitted that his staff considered going with a front two of Beto and Calvert-Lewin before deciding to offer more solidity in defence.
777 takeover failure would put Everton finances 'in doubt'
Everton's financial future would reportedly be 'in doubt' if 777 Partners fail to get approval for their takeover, amid claims that Farhad Moshiri has 'stopped bankrolling' the club.
777 have already agreed a £20m loan with the Blues after striking a deal to buy Moshiri's 94.1% stake, with The Guardian stating that this takes Everton's outstanding loans to over £350m, following previous loans from MSP and Rights and Media Funding.
Everton's prospective new owners are set to hold talks with MSP, who are said to want their £140m loan repaid when 777 take control, with a final decsion on their takeover set for December.
Calvert-Lewin enjoys return to Villa Park
It was fitting that Dominic Calvert-Lewin found the net against Aston Villa.
The Blues sailed through to the last 16 in the Carabao after James Garner opened the scoring before Calvert-Lewin doubled Everton's lead. A late Villa goal proved to be just a consolation.
For Calvert-Lewin, it was a return to the ground where he picked up his recent facial injury and he responded by scoring his second goal in five days.
Purchase your Everton home kit
Everton secured another win in their royal Blues strip last night, following up the recent victory at Brentford.
If you're yet to get your hands on this year's kit, you can do so by clicking the link below.
Up next in the Carabao Cup
Everton were last night drawn at home to Burnley in the next round of the Carabao Cup, representing a reunion for Sean Dyche with his former club.
Were you happy with this draw, Blues? Let us know in the comments section.
Good morning, Blues
Hello and welcome to today's Everton live blog.
It was a night to remember for the Blues on Wednesday evening after putting in a strong performance to see off Aston Villa and advance to the next stage of the Carabao Cup.
Plenty of players caught the eye during last night's win, including James Garner and Amadou Onana.
