Everton

Everton are discussing a possible loan for Napoli and Sweden midfielder Jens Castuje, 25. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Sean Dyche says Everton's current situation means key players each have a price at which selling them on makes sense.

The Toffees, punished for breaching financial rules last season, are in talks with businessman John Textor over a potential takeover.

Dyche was asked on Thursday if he feared losing striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin should an offer come in.

"That would be the challenge for the club - what level (of fee)? For any player, not just Dom," he said. "You saw Amadou Onana leaving us (for £50m to Aston Villa), there was a level where they think 'right that's it, it's got to be done'.

"That is the current situation of the club. It's not just about the players mentioned, it's about any player. The club has got an outside picture and that's not something I can control."

Dyche has lost Onana and Ben Godfrey this summer, while Andre Gomes was released and Dele Alli's contract also ended, though he is still training with the club.

The manager has brought in fresh blood but feels Everton's position has become that of a development club while off-the-field issues around ownership continue to take shape.

"On the playing side of things to lower the wage bill, we've done a pretty fair job of that. But the bigger picture at the club is dependent on what money is needed at any given time," added Dyche, ahead of the visit of Brighton.

"The growth of the team and development of individuals is important for the club.

"It was once a buying club and now it's not, so now it is development and winning and bringing it all together in a package that can suit the club and be successful, which can be a hard task of course.

"From my point as management it is looking at the players individually and their development, from the club's point of view it is managing the finances as best as possible and from the fans' point of view it is getting as many points and getting up the table.

"I think because of the bigger picture of the club on my watch the expectation is to move forward year-on-year and be better than the previous season."

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Sean Dyche entered the news conference at Everton's Finch Farm training ground and immediately grumbled at how hot it was in the room.

We haven't had the best of summers weather wise, but the Toffees boss is certainly feeling the heat and that will be cranked up even more if they lose their Premier League opener against Brighton on Saturday.

Despite wiping the sweat off his brow and looking a little flush in the face, the manager spoke about the "calmness" felt around the club this summer and the excellent transfer business they have managed to achieve.

But shortly after the assembled media had left the building, news broke that Blues owner Farhad Moshiri had entered into an exclusivity agreement with John Textor as he aims to sell the club.

Dyche had been asked about the takeover situation and said he had his "fingers crossed" that a resolution could be found, but this brings more uncertainty before the start has begun.

Textor would need to sell his 45% stake in Crystal Palace before being able to complete a purchase of Everton, so how long will that take?

These things are never straightforward, as the fans know, and this one could rumble on for a while.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Everton boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brighton (15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He confirmed Jarrad Branthwaite, Seamus Coleman and James Garner will miss the opening game of the season but Michael Keane has trained this week and should be in contention.

• He said there is "more calmness and positivity" going into this season from within the club and from the fans: "The reality of knowing the truth of the situation helps."

• On their transfer window so far: "We have been trying to bring in players who fit into the club and we have worked hard collectively, with the scouts, to get the right players. The only balance to that is they don’t have much Premier League experience, so it is how quickly they can be effective."

• He says he "is confident the club will do the best they can to make sure we are competitive" when asked about possible outgoings before the transfer window closes.

• Dele Alli has had "a minor operation" but is not a long-term injury concern. Dyche did not make it clear what involvement Dele will have with the squad but the aim for now is just getting him fit.

• He said that the final season at Goodison Park does not bring any additional pressure: "People will say no matter their memories that it is time for a new stadium."

• On opponents Brighton, whose manager Fabian Hurzeler takes charge of his first Premier League game: "I am sure he’s trying to bring his own version of what he wants to do but they look to be passing and pressing a bit quicker."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Points deductions, battles against relegation and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the takeover – it hasn’t been a dull couple of years covering Everton.

As manager Sean Dyche said last season, just as he builds one wall, another falls down around him. The ex-Burnley boss has performed an admirable job in the most testing of circumstances.

It felt like the weight had been lifted off the shoulders of everyone at the club when they guaranteed survival with three games to go, so can they claim a top half finish this season?

Performances were encouraging towards the end of last term and they have added quality to the squad with the astute signings such as Jesper Lindstrom, Iliman Ndiaye and Tim Ireogbunam.

But there is always something unexpected around the corner for the Blues, so what will 2024-25 bring for Everton – and for those who cover the club - in their final season at Goodison Park?

What are you expecting from the season? Tell us here, external

We asked for your views on what one thing that nobody seems to be talking about for Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

Dennis: I am quietly confident we will be comfortable mid-table and I can honestly see us going all the way in either the League Cup or FA Cup. This is also going to be a happy and sad season. Happy because we are going to be in a brilliant new stadium, but sad and emotional to be leaving Goodison Park.18 May 2025, what an emotional day it will be. COYB.

Jeff: Why do none of the pundits talk about how bad Calvert-Lewin is? It's a mystery to me. Calvert-Lewin is Championship material at best.

Anthony: We need financial stability and certainty. Sean Dyche and the team will provide the results in the short term. Once we are in the new stadium, the sky's the limit and we can can get back up to where we've always belonged.

Graham: No one has talked about the Goodison factor this season. The final year at The Old Lady is going to spark special atmospheres that are even better than usual. That may propel us to a special season. The bear pit will be more hostile.

Richard: Someone who has been overlooked for Everton is James Tarkowski. Whenever I have watched us, he has always been superb and gives 100% every game. I love the attention Jarrad Branthwaite gets, but for me Tarkowski is just as good.

John: Dyche suits us and we're a better side for him. He can be a bit stubborn though in terms of favourites subs. As much as Abdoulaye Doucoure scored some important goals, he shouldn't be his first name on the sheet. Great athlete but not the best footballer. Dom will need someone in there with him.

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Another Premier League campaign is about to begin and Everton manager Sean Dyche is due to face the cameras and reporters later on Thursday.

The Toffees begin their final season at Goodison Park by hosting Brighton, who have the top-flight's youngest ever manager Fabian Hurzeler taking charge for the first time.

A relative unknown in England, how much does Dyche know about him? Will the 31-year-old German spring any surprises?

In this news conference, the Blues boss is also likely to field questions around the takeover uncertainty after the Friedkin Group pulled out of talks, and on Dominic Calvert-Lewin's future, with the striker entering the final 12 months of his deal and yet to sign a new contract.

Meanwhile, what will Dyche have to say about how summer signings such as Iliman Ndiaye, Jesper Lindstrom, Tim Ireogbunam and Jake O'Brien are settling in? How many of those will feature at the weekend?

All the key lines from Dyche will be on this page later, and go to our live page for the best of the quotes from all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

The club I am truly fearful for is not a newly promoted side. If I am brutally honest, my real concerns are for my old club Everton. In this last emotional season at Goodison Park before they move down to that beautiful, purpose-built arena by the old docks, there will be great sadness saying goodbye as they embrace the future.

‌However, the future is incredibly uncertain. Last season saw points deductions but Sean Dyche still managed to keep them safe with a mighty and frankly incredible 14 points to spare.

‌For some people, including me, considering the pressure and problems he dealt with, Dyche should have been a serious candidate for manager of the season.

‌This season the problems are bigger than leaving Goodison, losing more important players, the threat of another relegation battle if there are any injuries or any more draconian points deductions.

‌No, it is the crushing debt and the inability to get a buyer that can pass muster and is considered trustworthy.

‌Everton’s financial woes are not over. In fact they are as bad, if not worse, than they have ever been.

‌If they cannot find a buyer, it could still be the biggest and saddest story of the coming season.

Sign up to read more from Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter here

It's that time of the year again - the annual act of foolishness in which I try to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 season for all 20 Premier League clubs.

Everton - 11th

Sean Dyche did a fine job to spare Everton another late scramble for Premier League survival after they were deducted eight points for breaches of profit and sustainability rules. He will hope no similar complications arise in what will be an emotional final season at Goodison Park.

Everton rebuffed Manchester United to keep prize asset Jarrad Branthwaite, at least so far, his powerful partnership with James Tarkowski pivotal - along with the outstanding goalkeeper Jordan Pickford - in recording the fourth-best defensive record in the Premier League. They have been joined by the giant figure of Republic of Ireland defender Jake O'Brien from Lyon.

Amadou Onana has left for Aston Villa but £50m can be regarded as good business given his indifferent performance.

Everton's problem was a lack of potency, with much reliance on the fitness of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but Dyche has added flair with Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille and Denmark winger Jesper Lindstrom on loan from Napoli.

They will need luck with injuries to fulfil this forecast, as well as one or two more additions, but I do not see Everton struggling this season.

Read all of Phil's predictions here

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup has been made.

Here is the list of the ties - which are split into southern and northern sections - involving Premier League clubs:

South

• AFC Wimbledon v Ipswich Town

• Brighton & Hove Albion v Crawley Town

• Birmingham City v Fulham

• Cardiff City v Southampton

• Colchester United v Brentford

• Crystal Palace v Norwich City

• West Ham United v Bournemouth

North

• Everton v Doncaster Rovers

• Nottingham Forest v Newcastle United

• Leicester City v Tranmere Rovers

• Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley

See the full draw

The games will take place in w/c 26 August.

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It is the gruelling pre-season training regime players have to go through under manager Sean Dyche.

Made infamous during his time at Burnley, the ex-Clarets boss has been putting his Everton players through 'Gaffer's Day'.

It involves a session of pure running and players know afterwards that they have been well and truly put through their paces.

Midfielder James Garner revealed during pre-season that this summer the squad has actually had two of these days.

"It was tough!" new signing Iliman Ndiaye told BBC Sport. "When I first came in, the players were like: 'Just wait for Gaffer's Day.'

"It's a lot of running and no footballs.

"This time he [Sean Dyche] switched it a little bit and we played some football in-between - but other than that it was just running."

That is one way to get the players fit and firing for the new campaign.

From Hyde to the Premier League - Everton's Ndiaye

Mike Hughes
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

After a season and a half of miracle-making at Everton, Sean Dyche can look back on his achievements with a real sense of pride.

He understands the team, the club and its history and played a massive part in keeping Everton in the Premier League after two tough relegation battles and an eight-point penalty for breaches of PSR, that occurred long before he became manager.

In truth, he should probably have been in situ at Goodison Park for some time before his eventual appointment at the end of January 2023.

He and director of football Kevin Thelwell have recruited well so far this summer. It may be early days but Iliman Ndiaye, Tim Iroegbunam, Jake O'Brien and Jesper Lindstrom all look like good additions and Jack Harrison's return on loan is another positive given what he adds to the team at his best.

The pre-season programme has seen the team make steady but noticeable progress, with the season opener against Brighton just a few days away.

Amid the undoubted sense of optimism on the footballing front, the uncertainty surrounding Everton's financial situation means there is still the possibility they could lose key players before August is out.

Hopefully that will not be the case and the team can build on the strong foundations put in place by the manager and his staff that are geared towards making sure the team can hold its head high during this last historic season at Goodison Park.

The move to a new stadium in time for the start of next season points towards a much brighter future. However, if Bramley-Moore Dock holds the key to unlocking the club's potential, that can and will only ever be realised once there is a new owner in position.

For Everton fans, that cannot happen soon enough.

You've read the previews.

You've disagreed with the pundits.

But what's the one thing, either good or bad, that nobody seems to be talking about for Everton?

Give us your take here, external

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport football statistician

While Everton fans might be hoping their side sees more of the ball this season, what they will be desperately praying for is that the players have bought some shooting boots this summer.

Despite creating a lot of chances, only bottom side Sheffield United scored less often last season as the Blues underperformed their xG by a whopping 15 goals. No other Premier League team was wasteful in front of goal by more than four.

Thankfully Jordan Pickford had an excellent season at the other end, with the England number one keeping out around five more goals than expected given the quality of chances he faced.

That helped Everton concede the fewest goals outside the top three.

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday at the conclusion of the first-round tie between Leeds United and Middlesbrough.

Thirteen Premier League clubs will enter in the second round, as will Luton Town and Burnley, who were relegated from the top flight in 18th and 19th positions last season.

The draw for round two will be regionalised into northern and southern sections.

The seven Premier League clubs playing in European competitions in 2024-25, including Carabao Cup holders Liverpool, will come in at the third-round stage.

The key dates for the competition are as follows:

• Second round - w/c 26 August

• Third round - w/c 16 and w/c 23 September

• Fourth round - w/c 28 October

• Quarter-finals - w/c 16 December

• Semi-finals - w/c 6 January (first leg) and w/c 3 February

• Final - 16 March

Follow Wednesday's action and then the full draw here from 19:30 BST

Everton have had an offer of £23.9m including add-ons, for 19-year-old Brazilian striker Vitor Roque, rejected by Barcelona. (Sky Germany), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Alan Kelly is leaving his role as senior first-team goalkeeping coach at Everton, the Premier League club has confirmed.

Former Sheffield United and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Kelly, 56, had been with the club since 2017 and was appointed in his senior role in December 2019.

"I've had the pleasure of working with many talented goalkeepers from the academy to the first team and I sincerely thank them all for their attitude, hard work and trust," said Kelly.

"I loved every minute out on the training pitch with you and that bond will be there for a lifetime.

"I would like to wish the players, fans and the club the very best of luck for the future."

Mike Richards
Fan writer

Where will you finish in the league and why?

There seems to be a feeling of more optimism across the fan base going into this season. Solid early work in the transfer market, bringing more balance to the squad, has given me hope that we can have a drama-free season. There is still more work to do, with two or three more positions left to fill. Assuming we can finish the window off strongly, including moving fringe players on, I would expect to see us challenging in around mid-table. I predict 11th.

Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?

One area we have struggled with in recent seasons is wide players with pace. For that reason alone, the loan signing of Jesper Lindstrom is the one that excites me the most. After a difficult season in Italy, I am sure he is looking to impress. If we get the player who performed so well at Eintracht Frankfurt, we will be in for some enjoyable moments over the course of the season.

What do you want from your manager this season?

I would love Sean Dyche to have a relatively stress-free season, after so much upheaval and pressure since he has come in. So often the face of the club and tasked with being the only voice from within during tumultuous times, he deserves a season of solely football management.

Who will be the breakout star in your squad?

I have been really impressed by new signing Tim Iroegbunam. Based solely on what I have seen during pre-season, I would expect him to get a lot of game time and quickly be seen as the bargain of the window.

What is your one major concern?

Off-field uncertainty - again. After the collapse of the promising Friedkin Group takeover, it feels as if we are back to square one. We have been saying the same for a while, but it needs rectifying and quickly.

Get more from Mike Richards at Unholy Trinity, external