Everton news round-up: TFG appointment emerges, Branthwaite deal eyed
Everton are undergoing major change right now as The Friedkin Group prepare for a move to the Bramley Moore Dock stadium.
The Toffees are preparing to move into their new arena at the end of the season, with test events starting to take shape on Merseyside.
The new owners in L4 are also keen on making changes behind the scenes ahead of the summer window to give David Moyes the best chance of success.
As a result, it is likely to be a busy period for the Evertonians and that has certainly been the case in the past 24 hours.
Here, Goodison News rounds up the latest news from Goodison on 26 February.
Bramley Moore Dock naming rights explored with AJ Bell
Graeme Bailey has reported to TBR Football (25 February) that a deal with AJ Bell has been explored at Bramley Moore.
The online investment platform already boasts sponsorship deals with the Sale Sharks’ Salford City Stadium and the Great North Run series and could strike a new deal with the Toffees.
The Friedkin Group may prove to be unsure about a deal, potentially preferring to begin a partnership with a multi-national brand instead.
If that were to be the case, the stockbroker service could instead move to sponsor an area of the new arena with a hospitality suite mooted.
Jake O’Brien says Sean Dyche did not like him after signing
O’Brien signed a big money deal in the summer but went on to make just two Premier League appearances under Dyche, often remaining on the bench at Goodison.
This has all changed since Moyes came in as head coach as the Republic of Ireland international has featured in every game he has managed since returning to Merseyside.
His form under the Scot does bring up questions of why the 23-year-old wasn’t given a chance under the previous regime.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo (26 February), O’Brien admitted he struggled under the former management, saying: “I wasn’t happy that I wasn’t playing. I had conversations and I wasn’t happy for those few months. I worked hard in training and when my chance came, I think I took it.
“Look, it is football, some managers like [you] and some managers don’t. It is a game of opinions. I think the old manager didn’t like the way I played, but the new manager has seen something in me and given me a run of games.”
Real Madrid ready Jarrad Branthwaite transfer
Branthwaite appeared to be a January target for Los Blancos and now it looks likely that their interest will carry on into the summer window.
TEAMtalk has reported (25 February) that the Spanish giants have “discussed” the possibility of signing the centre-back from the Toffees.
Carlo Ancelotti and Madrid chiefs keen on adding a new defender after holding talks to help deal with their ongoing defensive crisis.
The La Liga outfit are yet to make an official approach for the 22-year-old but his exit is unlikely to be sanctioned with their stance from the previous summer still unchanged.
| Premier League 24/25 | Appearances | Tackles | Duels won |
| Jarrad Branthwaite | 19 | 16 | 69 |
The Friedkin Group to land first-choice backroom pick Angus Kinnear
The Toffees’ new owners have been active in their search for a new CEO to play a role in the new Bramley-Moore Dock era, with Leeds United chief Angus Kinnear mentioned as a potential target.
TBR football journalist Bailey has reported that a deal to hire him is now “done” with him set to move to Merseyside at the end of the season.
The Leeds executive was the “first-choice” pick of the Friedkins and he now looks set to take up the role of CEO of the Toffees.