Everton

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter in Ireland

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Sean Dyche's name "should be in the hat" for the vacant position of England manager, says Everton full-back Ashley Young.

The Three Lions job is available after Gareth Southgate resigned from the role - which Young called "disappointing" - just two days after their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Dyche was named Toffees boss in January 2023 and steered the side to Premier League safety at the end of that season and secured a 15th place finish last term.

“I don’t think even when Gareth Southgate got the job, he [Dyche] was considered to be England manager," former England full-back Young told BBC Sport.

"Who can say the gaffer shouldn’t be considered because you don’t know until someone is given that role.

"You have had previous managers like Steve McClaren, Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson who have come in with a longer career in the game, with more success but have not been able to get the England team to, where I feel, an England team should have been.

"There will be names thrown in the hat left, right and centre and for the job the manager has done, of course his name should be in the hat."

Dyche previously spent almost a decade at Burnley where he guided the unfancied Clarets to Europa League football with a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League.

Last season, he secured Everton's top-flight status with three games to spare on the back of two separate points deductions and the uncertainty of a takeover of the club.

Speaking at Everton's training camp in Ireland, Young said: "When he came in it looked like the club was going to get relegated and he saved them on the final day of the season.

"He was still able to come in and turn the club around. Last season, if things were different the position we could have finished in could have been totally different.

"I don’t think he is given the praise for what he does and brings to the club. There should be so much more praise for what he has done.”

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter in Ireland

It is a beautiful setting just outside Dublin for Everton's pre-season camp in Ireland this week.

It is just a shame the weather is more mid-November than mid-July.

But the Toffees' players will be glad of the overcast conditions as they are put through their paces with double training sessions this week.

On Friday, they travel across the country to face Sligo Rovers in their first pre-season friendly of the summer, with captain Seamus Coleman going back to his hometown club for the first time.

New signings Iliman Ndiaye and Tim Ireogbunam are here, as is the returning Jack Harrison - and free agent Dele Alli has also travelled with the squad as he aims to secure another contract with the club.

I'm hoping to speak to some of the players while here over the next few days - starting with veteran full-back Ashley Young later on Tuesday - so do check back in for regular updates.

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The football never stops.

Euro 2024 has barely finished but Premier League clubs have already started turning their attention to pre-season friendlies.

The games are spread across the globe, from Tokyo and New York to Sligo and Crawley.

So who will your team face? And when and where are the matches?

Keep across all the fixtures and results here

Newcastle United are set to rival Everton in trying to sign 20-year-old Italy winger Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds United. (Teamtalk), external

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

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We asked for the views of Everton fans on Aston Villa closing in on Amadou Onana. Is it a good deal for the Toffees? Have Villa overpaid or is the midfielder a star of the future?

Here are some of your thoughts:

John: Tatty-bye. He only shows up when he can be bothered and he goes missing in games. There is definitely a good player in there, but how much better is Adam Wharton for half the dosh?

Darrel: The £50m price tag is a direct reflection of an underwhelming two years where, quite honestly, all he wanted to do was get dressed up for the shop window by playing well in certain games. Over time, I think he will be shown up as a fraud. He is a good player, but he is unreliable. Evertonians aren't daft, you can't fake application.

Dixie: Onana didn't win over the supporters with some of his performances at Everton. He liked to show up for the bigger games but he still didn't perform to the potential he initially offered. Champions League? He was more Championship. It is good business for Everton but he might go on from this and turn into a really class player, just maybe.

Ben: Onana has bags of potential but he is a luxury that we cannot afford right now. We need players that are ready today and £50m would buy a few of them. It's a shame because I like him, but much like Stones, Lukaku and Rooney before him, the needs of Everton are more important than holding on to a future great - unless his name is Branthwaite.

Jeff: We are not in the financial position to turn this offer down. Besides that, it is good money for such an overrated player. In fact, can't we throw in Dominic Calvert-Lewin for free just to make sure this deal really takes place?

Lee: We all knew one of Onana or Branthwaite had to go - I'm happier that it is Onana! We will make a small profit, if the £50m figure is right. I just hope that at least some of it is given to Sean Dyche to spend!

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Jordan Pickford says he is "devastated" after England missed out on Euro 2024 glory with defeat against Spain in Berlin on Sunday.

The Everton goalkeeper once again had an excellent tournament for his country and made four vital saves in the final only to be beaten by fine strikes from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal.

It means England became the first team to lose consecutive European Championship finals with Pickford also on the beaten side on penalties against Italy three years ago.

"We have had 14 matches at the Euros and that's the first time we have lost in normal time," he told the BBC. "We have been on a hell of a journey but now we're devastated. There is nothing more to say.

"We have created some history without winning anything over the past eight years. We've had our ups and downs but our end goal is still to be winners.

"We have got to reflect on how we get better in these moments and hopefully learn from it."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Everton have reached an agreement with Tottenham to waive paying a further fee when offering Dele Alli a new contract.

The Blues did not pay an immediate fee for the midfielder's transfer from Spurs in January 2022, but the north London side would previously have been due a payment had he met the threshold for a certain number of appearances, and were also in line to receive money had Dele agreed a new contract at Goodison Park before now.

The 28-year-old has yet to be offered a new contract and will have to prove his fitness under Sean Dyche in pre-season.

The agreement gives Dele, who is returning from a long-term injury, a pathway back into first-team Premier League football - should Everton opt to renew his contract which expired at the end of June.

Dele is believed to be close to returning to full fitness and will be given a chance to train and play in pre-season.

The 37-cap England international is looking to get his career back on track. He spoke in an emotional interview in July 2023 about his childhood, mental health issues and time spent in rehab.

Many of the remaining parts of the January 2022 deal between Everton and Tottenham are still in place, including performance-related bonuses due to Spurs based on Dele's activity on the pitch and a sell-on clause.

So, Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton for about £50m.

What do you make of the news, Villa fans? Would you be happy with the signing? And how would he fit into Unai Emery's team? Have your say here, external

And what are your thoughts, Blues supporters? Can you afford to lose Onana? How should the money be spent? Let us know here, external

Newcastle United are preparing for another attempt to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin after initial talks with Everton about the forward broke down. (Football Insider), external

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

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Everton have entered talks with Tottenham about extending midfielder Dele Alli's contract.

The 28-year-old joined the Blues from Spurs in January 2022 but only played 13 times before being sent on loan to Besiktas for the 2022-23 season. He has not played a competitive match since February 2023 due to injury.

Now, he is being offered a chance to revive his career on Merseyside; however, a series of complex clauses and payment structures from that original move from Tottenham to Goodison Park are blocking a potential deal.

Everton did not pay an immediate fee for his transfer but Spurs would have been due a payment had he met the threshold for a certain number of appearances. They were also in line to receive money had Dele agreed a new contract at Goodison Park previously.

The 37-cap England international has still been having treatment for his injury at Everton despite his contract expiring a fortnight ago.

He is also taking part in training sessions with other professional players through a private trainer.

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Former Everton captain Izzy Christiansen was full of praise for goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who will line up for England in the final of Euro 2024 on Sunday.

"I think he has been a silent leader throughout the whole tournament," Christiansen told BBC Radio Merseyside. "I think it's fair for me to say - well we all know - he is absolutely bonkers! That is him as a human and him as a footballer.

"When he is at his best, you can just tell how much he loves playing for England. Throughout the 90 minutes, he is constantly connected to the fans. He is always checking over his shoulders behind his goal to look at the fans.

"He catches a fan's eye contact now and again, he gives them a wink or he gives them a little first bump. That is what he thrives off whereas other players need to block out the crowd and focus on what's happening on the pitch."

Pickford saved Switzerland's first penalty in the quarter-final shootout victory and was part of the side that beat Netherlands in the semi-final on Wednesday.

Christiansen has not been surprised by the 30-year-old's temperament given his displays over the years for his club side.

"There have been a lot of times when Everton have had their backs against the wall in the last few years, 'squeaky bum time' situations, and I actually think that's when Pickford is at his best," she said.

"He thrives off that siege mentality and, in this tournament, England have had to siege themselves and recognise that their backs have been against the wall at times.

"I think that is where Jordan Pickford comes to life, so it hasn't really surprised me the way he has performed.

"He looks so at home in an England shirt. He has been the best goalkeeper in this tournament, without a doubt, and that is even before the final has been played."

Manchester United's

Your response was pretty unequivocal:

Chris: If we needed to sell to avoid a points deduction we would probably have had to accept £45m. However, that is not the case. If a buying club knows the selling club's asking price, stop the brinkmanship and pay - or look elsewhere. Everton have given a value, so pay up or go away!

Mike: United have history trying to take Everton players on the cheap. Anybody who knows anything about football knows Branthwaite is the real deal. He will be better than John Stones and play for England for years. Stay with us one more year, Jarrad, and then go and join a big club like Real Madrid or Manchester City.

Ifan: I would rather Branthwaite stayed with us at Everton. He is a good player and an important player in our squad. If Manchester United want him then they will have to pay the full asking price. We are not going to sell our players on the cheap and they should respect that.

Kieron: Absolutely not, especially with new owners in the wings. We need to retain players of this quality.

Carl: All Everton fans want Branthwaite to stay as he is so good. With his age, height and skill, we should at least be looking at £70m, plus extras. Another season with Everton is only likely to increase his value and he will probably go to Manchester City, Real Madrid or Barcelona for much more.

John: They have been told what they need to offer for the club to consider it, so unless they are prepared to meet that they should just forget it.

Forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has turned down a new contract offer from Everton, amid interest from Manchester United. (Teamtalk), external

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

Manchester United's second bid for Jarrad Branthwaite has officially been rejected by Everton.

Everton rejected a £35m bid from United for the England man last month.

It is understood the revised offer is around £45m, with the possibility of additional payments should set targets be met.

However, BBC Sport has been told that figure still does not match Everton’s valuation.

Man Utd fans, is Branthwaite the right signing? Tell us here, external

Everton fans, how much would be a good fee? And how do you feel about the summer business so far? Tell us here, external

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Hull City winger Jaden Philogene, who Everton were interested in signing, is set to join Ipswich Town.

The Blues agreed a deal with Hull on Tuesday for the 22-year-old, but Portman Road was Philogene's preferred destination and the Tractor Boys have now had an offer of about £18m accepted.

The England Under-21 international scored 12 goals in 33 games for the Tigers last season as they finished seventh in the Championship.

Aston Villa retained a buy-back option under certain conditions, after selling him to Hull last September. It is understood Unai Emery's side inserted a clause into the deal with Hull meaning they have three days to match any bid once a deal had been agreed.

Crystal Palace were also interested in Philogene but decided against making a move as a deal was deemed too expensive.

Hull owner Acun Illicati had said there was also real interest from La Liga giants Barcelona.

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Former goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis says Jordan Pickford "continues to grow" into a better keeper with the more experience he has at major tournaments.

"From day one, we knew he was a fantastic technical goalkeeper with great agility," she told BBC Radio Merseyside. "His movement and spring around the box has always been brilliant.

"He has a demeanour and personality but his concentration needed to develop and he has took that and run with it.

"Over the last few years, he has worked closely with a sports phycologist to develop that aspect of his game and he is now a better goalkeeper for it. He is also a leader within the team because he has a large amount of tournament experience."

On Pickford's penalty record and how he prepares for shootouts with his instructions printed on his water bottle, Brown-Finnis said: "It is modern goalkeeping and what is demanded by himself and the analysis team and coaches. It is what England do and part of the job of the technical staff.

"Every detail matters nowadays and it gives an advantage."

Listen to the full discussion on Total Sport Merseyside

Everton are confident they have beaten Crystal Palace to the signing of winger Jaden Philogene after striking an agreement with Hull City for the 22-year-old. (Teamtalk), external

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

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Former Everton defender Conor Coady says Jordan Pickford "is mad" but "you can rely on him no matter what" to produce a performance.

Coady has played with Everton's number one at club and international level and added he is "a world-class keeper" because of his rounded performance.

Pickford went the right way to deny Switzerland and Manchester City centre-back Manuel Akanji, as England netted five perfect penalties in the Euro 2024 quarter-final shootout on Saturday.

"He gets a lot of criticism but he is just fantastic," said Coady on the Football Daily at the Euros podcast.

"I love everything about his process because he sticks to it after doing his homework and putting it on his bottle. That is why he comes up trumps and saves penalties.

"It requires research to be a top goalkeeper and penalty-saver and he does all of that.

"I have been lucky enough to play in front of him and you know you can rely on him no matter what and that is a big thing for outfield players.

"He can get you out of jail and I love him to bits.

"His England career has been majestic and I am over the moon for him."

Listen to the Football Daily at the Euros podcast on BBC Sounds

Manchester United will hold a meeting about transfers on Monday which will include making a decision about whether to make another bid for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. (Mail), external

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

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Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is sometimes "underappreciated" for his country, believes The Mirror's chief football writer John Cross.

The 30-year-old has 65 senior caps for the Three Lions and he overtook Peter Shilton as England's most-capped goalkeeper in major tournaments after appearing in his 21st game against Denmark earlier in the tournament.

He also moved clear of Shilton to claim the record for most tournament clean sheets with 11.

"You're defined by what happens in the tournaments. I think Jordan Pickford is definitely in the conversation [of England goalkeeping greats]," said Cross on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"When you consider what England have done under Gareth Southgate, I think it's a huge step forward and he only really championed Pickford just before the start of the 2018 World Cup. He's been his number one ever since.

"He's never let us down, has he? He's been super reliable. I think Pickford gets a little bit underappreciated. I think he's a sensational reflex goalkeeper, but he's also got a great ability with the ball. Particularly his long range kicking is really impressive and I do think he needs that sort of appreciation at times."

At club level, Pickford has also been a key player for Everton in their recent battles to avoid Premier League relegation.

"At times it has been a difficult season or two for Everton, but I think the remarkable thing is he's got such a strong mentality whenever he turns up for England," added Cross.

"I always feel that whatever's going on in clubland doesn't really matter and he still produces for for England. I really like him and I think he gives a confidence [to the side]."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Former England goalkeeper Tom Heaton says Everton's Jordan Pickford "knows that he can deliver" for his nation.

At this Euros, the 30-year-old's 11th clean sheet moved him clear of Peter Shilton to claim the record for the most at major tournaments for the Three Lions.

If the team make the final in Germany, Pickford would move to within seven caps of predecessor Joe Hart.

Heaton, who is working with the squad at the tournament, told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast: "Pickford has been absolutely brilliant in an England shirt.

"I've been nothing but impressed with him. He's got a really good array of distribution and he's got the long-range pass, the mid-range, the short range..., every club in the bag.

"Jordan does playing out well and understands where and when to do that, picking the right time for the risk and the reward. He does it really well with both feet, which is a skill in itself.

"But I think a goalkeeper's goalkeeper is someone [whose] priority is to keep the ball out of the net and I think he does that really well."

Despite progressing to the quarter-final stage, Gareth Southgate's side have not hit top form so far. However, Pickford has been spared criticism and made some crucial saves in his four games.

"I think it's difficult sometimes for people to understand there's a lot of spotlight on England players," added Heaton. "There's a lot of pressure to perform, but I think the biggest one is probably the goalkeeper.

"Just because what you're dealing with can be difficult, difficult circumstances, and he has been first class with that. No matter what's going on around him, inside he knows that he can deliver. He has that unwavering belief."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds