Everton news round-up: TFG explain transfer decision, defender exit on the cards
Everton have shown plenty of improvement under the leadership of David Moyes as the Blues look to retain their position in the Premier League this season.
However, a 2-0 loss against Bournemouth on Saturday (8 February) saw them crash out of the FA Cup.
While it was a disappointing result for the Blues, only having the Premier League to focus on could be what is needed at Goodison Park to take away any other distractions.
The Toffees currently sit nine points above the relegation zone so even though they have been moving in the right direction, there is still plenty of work to be done to secure top-flight survival.
Goodison News rounds up all the day’s top stories in one place.
Sam Allardyce backs Everton for European return
Sam Allardyce has backed Moyes to take the Blues back to the top end of the Premier League table with eyes on European football in the future.
Speaking on talkSPORT (10 February), Allardyce said: “Hopefully [Moyes] gets the backing that Everton are going to need to please the fans to get a team together to try and get up into the European places.
“It looks like they’re going to stay in the Premier League and move into the new stadium next year, which will be very exciting.”
The Blues will certainly be feeling more optimistic about the times that lie ahead and Moyes has suggested he is on the same page too.
Therefore, the possibility of European football at Bramley-Moore Dock will surely provide plenty of motivation for the Toffees to keep their standards high this term.
The Friedkin Group explain Tom Fellows transfer decision
Everton certainly needed to make additions to their squad in the winter transfer window as Moyes looks to keep his side fighting but the only addition that came through the door was Carlos Alcaraz.
The Blues were linked with a move for West Brom’s Tom Fellows, who has been a standout performer in the Championship this term.
However, according to Alan Nixon (9 February), it was The Friedkin Group who made the decision to pull out of striking a deal to secure his services in the window.
This was due to the fact that the new owners want to save funds for the summer transfer window to put themselves in the best position they can to boost their squad.
It is unsure whether the Blues are looking to reopen the door to a Fellows signing after the conclusion of this campaign but if he does well in the remainder of the season, it will surely be a possibility.
Manchester United chasing Jarrad Branthwaite transfer
Manchester United have been credited with interest in Jarrad Branthwaite for plenty of time now and the Red Devils had a bid of around £80million rejected in the last summer transfer window for the defender [BBC Sport].
However, this has not put the side off and according to GiveMeSport (10 February), the 22-year-old has emerged as a priority target for Ruben Amorim’s side in the upcoming summer window.
It is the defender’s composure and ability that makes him a key target for the Red Devils still as they look to improve their side going forward.
However, Everton are said to be remaining adamant that they do not want to part ways with their star player ahead of moving to Bramley-Moore Dock next term.