Everton

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BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty is answering all of your footballing questions.

@win_n10 on asked "X": Given the furore that has surrounded 777 Partners since Farhad Moshiri first announced them as preferred bidder for Everton, is it surprising that he is yet to end this takeover and does this slow death suggest the Premier League Ownership And Directors Test is still not fit for purpose as even 777 cannot be disqualified?

Phil answered: In some ways, it is not a surprise because Farhad Moshiri’s management of Everton has been so poor since he acquired control.

With all the various issues surrounding 777, it is a surprise this has dragged on so long and surely this has to end soon. The giveaway is that the Premier League has clearly had major reservations for some time otherwise they would have signed this deal off. Only they can know why they have not stepped in already but it now looks like it will come to an end of its own accord.

This is, of course, unless the unpredictable Moshiri decides otherwise.

The Premier League would also say they have been careful to guard Everton’s interests in this particular case by not signing it off.

There has been much news around 777 recently – and none of it good.

We asked you for your views on Saturday's match between Everton and Sheffield United.

Here are some of your answers:

Everton fans

Jason: Our form of late has been top-of-the-league stuff. Five home wins, two away draws and one loss is top-notch stuff in the circumstances and a big improvement on last year. I think the point deductions really hurt us and sucked us into a relegation fight we didn't belong in.

Mark: A better end to the season than the lpst few. It's great to be safe with a few games to go. If not for the eight points deduction, we would be in comfortable mid-table obscurity. The ongoing financial situation is a worry and it's hard to see better things for next season. We need a fairy godmother!

Nubi: I thought that our performance was both good in parts, but also disjointed. I was pleased that we didn't go for lumping the ball up the field, and many chances came from balls laid into the penalty area on the ground. And Dom [Calvert-Lewin] operating both centrally and down the channels was a joy to watch. Thank you guys for your hard work this season.

Neil: To say teams who are safe are on the beach, I thought we did OK. Strong performance but again overshadowed by off-field uncertainties.

Paul: Overall pleased to sign off at home with a win, albeit a quite unmemorable one against poor opponents. Forty points (+8) is an improvement on last season. Sean Dyche has done an amazing job under the circumstances.

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Everton captain Seamus Coleman says he will "have a think" about the offer of extending his 15-year stay at Goodison Park and added that it is "hard to walk away from something you love".

The 35-year-old full-back has played more than 400 games for the Toffees, including a club-record 363 Premier League appearances, since joining in January 2009.

Manager Sean Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell have both confirmed that discussions have taken place about Coleman - who is out of contract in the summer - staying with Everton beyond the end of this campaign.

The Republic of Ireland international told club media that Everton "means everything to me" and he continued: "I suppose I live and breathe it like everyone else. It's been a hell of a ride - the last two or three years - and it's not a case that you just turn up for work, go home and forget about it.

"You live and breathe it, and it's been tough. But I absolutely love this football club, I love this stadium. We've got another year here at Goodison, so I'm happy to have been offered something and I'll have a think.

"This football club means everything to me and, as I said before when I signed my last contract, it is hard to walk away from something you love."

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty is answering all of your footballing questions.

Victoria G asked: How highly do you rate the job Sean Dyche has done at Everton, making them safe with games to spare despite an eight-point deduction?

Phil answered: Hello Victoria. Sean Dyche deserves huge credit for the job he has done at Everton with all the “noise” – his word not mine – around the club this season and also a dreadful run of form and results before things picked up really well at the end.

Let’s be honest, Everton have been a tough watch at times this season but needs must and they would have been comfortably mid-table had they not had those points knocked off.

What happens next? Well who knows because the takeover situation is dragging on, director of football Kevin Thelwell has admitted players must be sold – and Everton’s squad is thin as it is.

It might be even tougher next time out.

Follow the rest of Phil McNulty's Q&A

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's eight Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.

And you can watch highlights of Sunday's games on Match of the Day 2 here.

Also, listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full on BBC Sounds:

• West Ham United v Luton Town

• Nottingham Forest v Chelsea

Everton, Brighton, Inter Milan and Wolfsburg are considering a move for 23-year-old AZ Alkmaar and Japan full-back Yukinari Sugawara. (Florian Plettenberg), external

Meanwhile, Sean Dyche is hopeful of exploring a deal to turn 27-year-old English winger Jack Harrison's loan from Leeds United into a permanent transfer.

Manchester City are interested in Everton's 16-year-old academy goalkeeper Douglas Lukjanciks and could pay up to £10m for the England Under-17 international. (Sun), external

(Liverpool Echo), external

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

Sean Dyche spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Everton's victory against Sheffield United: "Satisfied with the win to be honest. It was a strange game really, thought we were pretty decent in the second half but it kind of fizzled out really. Another clean sheet and another win, that has been an important factor this season - clean sheets and finding goals when it matters.

On winning the final home game of the campaign: "The fans have earned the right to enjoy it, not just the team. The fans have joined in with the team and stuck by us during difficult times this season, not only on the pitch but off it at times too. And they are still there. It was nice for the players to be able to do a lap at the end there to show their appreciation. The last couple of seasons have been so fraught. All that went on it is nice to get the job done early doors and the players can enjoy it. They have deserved it too.

On Dominic Calvert-Lewin's assist for the winner: "Very pleased, very pleased. Dom has worked very hard again today, finds an assist and Douc is on the spot. Some nice moments in the pockets but we couldn't find that next chance for another goal. Overall I am pleased with the win and us showing that winning mentality.

On not finding the second goal: "Yeah sure, but credit to them [Sheffield United], they are fighting for their pride now and they did. It was hard to break down their defensive shape at times but we did find ways and chances. At the end of the day the players have put a lot of effort into the season so I'm not going to question too much today, it's another win.

On the Calvert-Lewin and Jack Robinson incident: "The officials' performance was interesting today I thought. I don't know what the rules suggest but when the game is going on and their player does that [pushes Calvert-Lewin in the chest] I would suggest that is it unusual. They said it wasn't a push in the face so it's acceptable. I don't think that we would like to think that is acceptable across football at large. But anyways that's how it is in the modern game and I am learning about it and the officials every week."

• Everton have won five consecutive Premier League home games without conceding for the first time since March-August 2019, and for the first time in a campaign since March-May 2013.

• Sheffield United have conceded a goal in all 19 of their Premier League away games this season. It’s the fourth time in their league history they’ve not kept an away clean sheet across a full campaign, along with 1898-99 (17 games), 1953-54 (21) and 1977-78 (21).

• Abdoulaye Doucoure’s opener was his first Premier League goal since December; despite this, no Everton player has scored more league goals than the Malian this term (7).

• In his 89th game in charge, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder suffered his 50th Premier League defeat – only Mick McCarthy (79) and Danny Wilson (87) have reached this unwanted milestone in fewer games than Wilder.

• Everton have kept a clean sheet in 85% of their Premier League wins this season (11/13), the highest share in the division. Indeed, each of their past 14 league wins at Goodison Park have been to nil (6 in 2022-23, 8 this season).

• Everton kept their 13th Premier League clean sheet of the season, second only to Arsenal (17) this term.

Everton enjoyed a successful send-off at Goodison Park this season with a Premier League victory over already-relegated Sheffield United.

The Toffees had ensured survival but triumphing in the last home game this term stretched their unbeaten run to five games, while the visitors became the first side to concede a record 101 goals in a season.

Abdoulaye Doucoure netted the winner on the half-hour mark courtesy of a close range header into an open net from Dominic Calvert-Lewin's cross.

The midfielder could have had another on the stroke of half-time but sent a looping effort wide of the post on this occasion.

In between, the Blades battled bravely and Andre Brooks cut in from the left and forced Jordan Pickford into a sharp save low down with a powerful drive, their only shot on target in the contest.

In-form Everton travel to Arsenal on the final day with the possibility of having a say in the title race, while Sheffield United end their miserable campaign at home to Tottenham.

Were you at the ground or following along from home?

Everton fans, give us your thoughts on the game.

Tell us what you made of the performance, Blades supporters.

Follow all the reaction here

There are eight Premier League games taking place today, and you can stay updated with all of them via our live page.

Keep up with all the action and reaction here.

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's matches, he takes on Kasabian frontman Serge Pizzorno.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

The pressure is all off Everton now, but this is their final home game of the season and they will want to sign off on a high note.

Sheffield United's campaign has been disastrous, from the start. They have conceded 100 league goals already, and I do not think they are stopping there.

You would not describe Everton as a free-scoring team, but the Blades have a habit of capitulating and I am going with a pretty routine win for Sean Dyche's side.

Serge's prediction: 2-0

This should be comfortable for Everton and surely Dyche is manager of the year for what he has done this season? Taking on that team has meant pressure from all angles, week-in, week-out.

Yet despite the points deduction, they are safe already and for once they can enjoy their last home game of the season rather than having to go through another one of those great escapes on the final day.

He is my manager of the year, for sure.

Read all of the predictions here

We asked for your views on Everton sporting director Kevin Thelwell's comments on the club selling players in the summer window to improve the financial situation at Goodison Park.

Here are some of your comments:

Tony: As Everton fans, we have to be pragmatic. The club has no money and our proposed buyers look to have even less. We will have to sell some, if not all, of our high value players to ensure we do not incur any further points deductions next season. Just hope we recruit well.

Paul: We've known for ages that Everton finances will dictate that players are sold. There are players out of contract very soon as well. These players will walk anyway simply because they are on high salaries and Everton can't keep the wage bill as high as it is. My concerns are based around the squad eventually getting some self-belief only to break up.

Roy: I am not so blinkered to believe we can keep our more valuable players and stabilise our financial plight. A lot depends on getting the takeover debacle sorted. Players come and go - that's football - they get a better contract, more pay and a better chance to win something, sometimes! If we lose some it will be because of finances.

Paul: I think everyone will agree we knew it was going to happen but as long as the right players are sold for the club and the stability of the team itself

Eagle Everton: Keane should be first out of the door followed by Beto, Onana and Calvert-Lewin. Give Idrissa Gueye a new contract and bring back Cannon and Simms. Get rid of Young as well and give the kids a chance.

We asked for your views on Everton withdrawing their their appeal against a two-point deduction for breaching Premier League financial rules.

Here are some of your comments:

Chris: Receiving two points deductions in one season is grossly unfair and draconian. Yes, the rules are the rules (yawn) but any fans would feel the same if it happened to their club. Having said that, I think the club have made the right decision.

Steve: Considering our initial deduction was a whopping (and disproportionate) 10 points, I was relieved when second time around we were only docked two points. I don’t think we should have challenged this. Having another appeals process hanging over the club surely added to the existing atmosphere of uncertainty brought on by the ongoing 777 saga.

Ron: Definitely the right thing to do. An appeal can go two ways - harder or softer - so why take the risk? Getting two points back wouldn’t affect their relegation prospects because they are already safe.

Denby: Why should they proceed with their future next season secured? They would not gain anything other than a little pride. They are quite right to more or less say forget it let's move on.

Karen: Points appeal is irrelevant now. Premier League status already secured, club need to concentrate on finding a buyer to get rid of Moshiri, and 777, as they bring more trouble.

Everton have withdrawn their appeal against a two-point deduction for breaching Premier League financial rules.

The appeal was due to take place next week with a verdict announced before the final game of the season against Arsenal on 19 May.

The Toffees have already secured top-flight survival, so do you think this was the right decision Everton fans? Or should they have gone through with the appeal on principle?

And what do you think of Kevin Thelwell's comments regarding players being sold during the summer?

Let us know your thoughts, external

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Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell says players "will be sold" this summer and has asked fans for "patience and understanding" as the club works to improve its financial condition.

The Toffees have had a tumultuous season, losing eight points as a sanction against breaches of financial rules.

Thelwell says the Premier League commission and appeal processes around the deductions have created "anxiety and uncertainty" and that the "impact such matters can have on a club’s footballing operation" should not be underestimated.

In a letter to fans, he said the issues will impact summer plans.

He explained he hopes to keep captain Seamus Coleman as a player at the club beyond his contract expiration this summer, while other out-of-contract players will get "clarity" on their situations. There remains uncertainty over the likes of coveted defender Jarrad Branthwaite, midfielder Amadou Onana and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who are all regularly linked with interested clubs.

And on recruitment or player sales he added: "I also understand that, as with every transfer window, there is a great deal of anticipation around what business may be done. Whilst I cannot go into details, I have been working closely with Sean and our key staff here at Finch Farm, utilising data and insight from our recruitment team, planning for the summer window. As is always the case, there must be multiple plans and strategies in play, and a dynamic approach to planning is key.

"It is also important that I am completely candid with you. The reality is, given the regulations in place and the Club’s current financial position, we have to trade well. Working within such tight financial parameters makes the job extremely difficult. Whilst we want to ensure that the team is as competitive as possible, we cannot lose sight of our central objective to protect the long-term stability of the Club.

"That does mean that players will be sold, and also that every tool at our disposal will be used to secure new additions to the squad, including utilisation of the loan market. Both Sean and I understand the responsibility we have - and that is a responsibility which has to be our priority. That may not be exciting to hear but, under our current circumstances, it is the right thing for Everton.

"Within that context, I ask that you are patient and understanding of the steps we are taking."

Image source, Getty Images

Everton boss Sean Dyche has been named the Premier League's manager of the month for April.

The Blues took 13 points of a possible 18 and recorded four consecutive wins at home – without conceding a goal – that secured their survival in the top flight. One of those wins was over Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.

Dyche, who has now won this award three times in career, becomes the first Toffees manager to receive the award since Carlo Ancelotti back in September 2020.

"I’m very pleased," he said. "Obviously on behalf of firstly myself, but of my staff and the players, and the fans who have played their part.

"It was a really good run and a very pleasing and a tough month of fixtures.

"The derby win is the one that stands out, without a doubt."

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about the latest in the takeover of Everton: "If you were to ask me now if the 777 deal is off, I couldn't say that it is completely off but it is looking like the most likely outcome right now.

"There are so many headlines around 777 and some of the more recent ones in the last 24 hours or so are Standard Liege – where they are the majority shareholders there – the players and the staff are unpaid currently. They have been told they will have to stay unpaid until the summer. It is claimed the bank accounts are empty and the former owner of Standard Liege is now taking legal action to take control back of the club as well.

"Vasco da Gama club in Brazil is another owned by 777 and they are also unhappy with the running of the club. So it does seem there are so many headlines around 777 and none of them are particularly good at all.

"There are also suggestions now that Farhad Moshiri is looking to move on from this deal. A lot of fans will say he should have moved on a lot sooner, but it does seem that is the case. Six or seven months ago it looked like 777 were the likely outcome, they even wrote in the matchday programme to fans in October how they wanted to get involved in the club and were looking forward to it. Right now, I can't see that happening."

On what happens next if the deal falls through: "That is the big question and the big concern for Everton fans.

"What I have to say is, while the club can't speak about it because it is business deals and there are confidentiality clauses, no one inside the club has sat there doing nothing.

"MSP is another consortium that has been around the club, they have already invested in Everton, you would imagine they are still very interested. They haven't gone away and there are others that I am led to believe are taking a look but aren't as far down the road as the MSP situation.

"The club do have some contingency plans in place but all this will take time as we know."

Arsenal are considering making a move for 30-year-old Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the summer transfer window. (Teamtalk), external

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is to pull the plug on a takeover deal with 777 Partners by the end of this week, after holding new crisis talks with the group. (Football Insider), external

Meanwhile, US firm MSP Sports Capital, who showed an interest in buying Tottenham last year, are said to be waiting in the wings with a bid for the Toffees if the 777 Partners deal collapses. (Football London), external

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