Everton FC transfer gossip: Barry could cost £2m, Cerci considered, Norwich offer Galloway competition
July 1 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Liverpool Echo
A daily round-up of the latest EFC transfer rumours from around the web
Everton could have to pay Man City up to £2m for the services of Gareth Barry despite him being a free agent, reports the Daily Mail.
They say that Roberto Martinez is hopeful of persuading Barry to sign on permanently at Goodison Park this summer although it might come at some cost as part of last season’s loan agreement saw a clause inserted that entitles City to a staggered windfall if Barry decides to join the Blues.
The Blues are also considering Torino winger Alessio Cerci according to reports in the Daily Express.
The winger grabbed an impressive 13 goals and 12 assists in Serie A last season and is also said to be attracting interest from Arsenal and Man Utd. A mooted price tag of £15m may serve to put off potential suitors and Torino president Urbano Cairo has expressed his desire to keep the talented wideman. "I have not spoken to Cerci yet," Cairo said. "Hence, I don't know what his wish is.
"But one thing is certain, I have not received any offers so far. I will do everything I can to keep him here." And finally, Everton will battle Norwich City for the signature of highly-rated MK Dons midfielder Brendan Galloway. The Eastern Daily Press believe the 18-year-old, previously linked solely to the Blues, now has his pick of clubs.

Kevin Mirallas: Player analysis from Belgium v Korea
July 1 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Tom Clarke
We take a look at the Everton forward's performance as a striker in Brazil
Everton FC forward Kevin Mirallas is expected to switch back to the wing of Belgium's attack tonight against the USA after deputizing for Romelu Lukaku in the centre-forward role during the Red Devils' 1-0 win against South Korea last Thursday.
Miralllas is renowned as a winger for the Blues, but the 26-year-old often played as a striker for his previous club, Olympiakos. Ahead of tonight's match, we analyzed Mirallas' performance as a striker against South Korea with live commentary on his involvement in the game.
First Half
Kevin Mirallas starts in the centre of a three-man attack for Belgium with Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj to his left and Napoli's Dries Mertens to his right.
5 (minutes) - Mirallas holds the ball up well on the left wing but passes backwards rather than focusing on creating an attack himself. He is still settling in to the central role and the responsibilities it brings.
6 - A promising run by Mirallas in attack as he looks to get behind Korea's defence but is marginally offside. His pace is adding real threat, running at and between defenders.
10 - Impressive defensive work rate in this period of play from Mirallas who gets back to defend in his own box, however does not play a role on the ball but rather a marking role. Nevertheless, great box to box movement from the Everton man.
So far Mirallas has always been there to pressurise the Korean defenders when they are in possession of the ball so that they are less comfortable. Clever work off the ball from the Belgian forward.
15 - Mirallas again looks to get in the best position off the ball in the box to help his team-mates and weaves between the Korean central defenders to give them something to worry about.
20 - Another pacy run between Korea Republic's central defenders but Mirallas is again offside.
24 - Mirallas catches the Korean defence off-guard with a perfectly-timed cross into Dries Mertens. The Evertonian is ever-threatening and looking far more confident and involved on and off the ball than the disappointing Romelu Lukaku was in Belgium's previous group stage matches.
25 - An attempted shot just outside the six-yard box from Mirallas deflects off a Korean shin and falls luckily to Mertens who mis-hits the ball well over the crossbar.
34 - Another tricky, serpentine run behind the baffled Korean defence to control a spectacular through ball from the Belgian defence is followed by a beautiful backheel to set Mertens with a chance to shoot, but Mertens is closed down.
42 - Another great flick on by Mirallas into Mertens to set him up for another shot, which is missed by Mertens.
Half time
A hard-working performance in attack by Mirallas with several chances created which were missed by Mertens.
However, Mirallas is struggling to get into shooting positions himself, probably due to his tendency to play on the wing at Everton.
A successful performance as a creative midfielder only lacking a goal, but playing as a striker Mirallas should be more confident to go with the ball himself towards the Korean goal and increase his shot count.
Second-Half
54 - Mirallas has not yet been as involved in play as he was in the first half because Korea have begun the second half with a real incentive to push on for a goal. Therefore the Belgians have been forced into their own half.
58 - Mirallas again tries to get between Korean defenders with his first attacking run of the second half but the attacker eventually loses balance.
59 - Alone in counter attack, Mirallas goes to run at opposition defenders as a sole attacker but lacks confidence at the vital moment. He passes back to Mertens and then moves gingerly out to the left wing where he often played in a royal blue shirt last season and is more confident.
60 - Divock Origi is brought on as a centre forward, moving Mirallas onto the right wing where he is more comfortable.
68 - A powerful inswinging corner from the right from Mirallas falls to the head of Marouane Fellaini just outside the far side of the six-yard box. The Manchester United midfielder diverts the ball just too high of the target.
72 - Mirallas takes another corner into the same area as the last one just four minutes earlier but this time finds Liverpool target Divock Origi, who is unable to nod it into the goal.
77 - Again impressive tracking back by Mirallas who begins a Belgian break from the back which ultimately results in a powerful Divock Origi strike from outside the penalty area. The shot is spilled by Korea Republic goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu so Jan Vertonghen takes advantage of the loose ball to put it past the scrambling stopper.
81 - Mirallas now looks more confident on the right wing as he battles for the ball himself with four Korean defenders around him.
88 - Mirallas is substituted for Eden Hazard.
Full Time
Overall it was a creative performance from Kevin Mirallas, but the Belgian struggled to provide a real cutting edge as he lead the line.
However, Mirallas created many chances for his teammates - particularly for winger Dries Mertens. Mirallas' off-the-ball movement was very impressive and his vision to get between the Korean defence and trouble their defenders off the ball was second-to-none in this match, so Evertonians can be pleased with their Belgian attacker.

Everton defender Tony Hibbert signs new two-year contract
July 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
33-year-old defender made just four appearances last season during a campaign blighted by injury

Tony Hibbert has signed a new two-year contract to keep him at Everton FC until summer 2016.
The 33-year-old defender made just four appearances last season during a campaign which was blighted by injury, but is valued by Roberto Martinez for his defensive attributes and positive influence on the club's young players. Now fit-again Hibbert will compete with first-choice Seamus Coleman for the right-back berth next term, which will entail the extra fixtures generated by Europa League qualification. Hibbert’s previous deal expired on June 30 but Martinez had always said he wanted to retain the services of a veteran who has played 319 times for the Blues. Speaking earlier this year, the Toffees boss said: “In my eyes Tony has got a lot to offer at Everton still and we need to make sure that (the talks reach) a positive outcome. “Maybe in a couple of a key moments, he's picked up a couple of injuries that have stopped him playing more but I do value his contribution at the club and his experience and I would love to keep a character like Tony Hibbert, who means so much to us. “He's played such a significant role and sometimes the fans don't see that.
“Sometimes you can get misled because you don't see a player playing week in and week out and you can feel that they don't have a major role in the football club. “Tony has had a few niggles this season but in terms of his day-to-day work, he's been magnificent and I'd go as far as saying he's been paramount in keeping really strong standards in our training sessions, in making sure that the group was ready, helping out the youngsters and every time he has played he has performed well.”

Alan Stubbs prepares to take hot seat as Hibernian manager
July 2 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
Everton FC legend was Blues academy boss
Everton U21 Manager Alan Stubbs
Alan Stubbs hopes to borrow some of Everton’s best young players as he bids to make a successful start in management. The former Toffees U-21s chief was installed as the new Hibernian boss last week, and is set to bring another ex Everton coach, Andy Holden, with him to Easter Road.
But Stubbs hopes the links with his former club won’t stop there, and will ask Roberto Martinez if he can loan some of the players he has helped nurture at Finch Farm over the last few years.
The ex Celtic and Everton skipper said: “Roberto knows exactly how I want to play.
“He knows the way I’ve worked with the players and knows that if he allows the players to come here, which I’m hoping he will do if we decide to do that, the development of the players will improve because of what we do and how I want to do it and the standards that I set.”

Howard becomes World Cup record-breaker with incredible display
July 2 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Kristian Walsh
Goalkeeper made more saves than any other since 1966
Tim Howard made history in Salvador on Tuesday night after saving more shots than any other goalkeeper in a single World Cup match since 1966.
The Everton FC stopper produced one of the performances of the tournament after keeping out 16 attempts from Belgium - but it would not be enough to stop Belgium securing their quarter-final place with a 2-1 victory. The 35-year-old was in action within 40 seconds, saving Divock Origi's effort with his feet. It would set the tone of the evening, as Belgium attempted 31 shots on Howard's goal.
Howard managed to repel the Red Devils for the initial 90 minutes with further saves, but was beaten by Kevin De Bruyne within two minutes of the restart. Former Blues striker Romelu Lukaku made it 2-0, before Julian Green's goal set up an enthralling finish in a highly-entertaining game.
But despite his record-breaking performance, Howard was upset at his country's elimination.
"It’s part of the job and it hurts when we lose, so whether I had no saves or 20 saves, it doesn’t mean any more or less," he said. “We played our hearts out, but it hurts. Losing always hurts.
“And having played so well, it stings that much more.” USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann said: "What Tim played tonight was just phenomenal, outstanding - he kept us in that game for a long time. We are proud to have him with us. "It was an absolutely amazing match tonight and you can give him the biggest compliment in the world."

WATCH: American President Barack Obama calls Tim Howard to thank him for his performances at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil
July 3 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Joe Rimmer
Obama made the call after the United States were eliminated at the hands of Belgium
Tim Howard has received praise from all quarters for a record-breaking performance in the United States' defeat at the hands of Belgium on Tuesday evening.
But when the Everton FC stopper and Fulham forward Clint Dempsey picked up the phone yesterday, a certain member of the White House was waiting to say thanks.
Barack Obama simply wanted to show his gratitude to the two for "doing the country proud."
Howard made a World Cup record 16 saves to keep Belgium at bay during the game and President Obama says that the 35-year-old may have to return to his homeland in disguise in order to keep the mobs of adoring fans at bay. He said: "Tim, I don't know how your going to survive the mobs when you come back home man, you're going to have to shave your beard so they don't know who you are." Watch the video above to see the President's full phone call to the two American soccer heroes.

My World Cup heroics don't matter, says Everton keeper Tim Howard
July 3 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
Goalkeeper a huge hit in his homeland after string of saves against Belgium
Tim Howard is taking little comfort from his heroics as he comes to terms with the USA’s World Cup exit.
The Everton goalkeeper has become a huge hit in his homeland after helping the national team produce a stirring if ultimately unsuccessful performance against Belgium in Salvador on Wednesday. Howard, 35, set a World Cup record for saves in a match with 16 impressive stops, but in the end there was no preventing Marc Wilmots’ side as they progressed to the quarter finals in extra time courtesy of a goal by his Blues team-mate last season, Romelu Lukaku. And Howard was in no mood to savour the widespread acclaim he received for his display. “None of that really matters to me,” said the New Jersey-born Toffees keeper. “I signed up to do that, to put my face in front of balls. If I had no saves or 20 saves it doesn’t mean any more or less. It hurts when we lose.
“We dreamed and we fell short of our dream but we got out of the group of death playing well and came up against a top Belgium side. “Hats off to the way we played. We are hungry, we have tasted what it’s like to play against the best in the world and we will be back.” Howard’s performance sparked a surge of interest in Everton in the USA yesterday, with Justin Timberlake tweeting his admiration and the wider internet full of tongue-in-cheek testaments to his prowess such as; ‘Things Tim Howard Could Save’ - a list including the Titanic, Blockbuster and the whale from extinction.
A group of American fans even created a White House petition for a Washington airport to be renamed after Howard. But the Blues man was still reeling from the resilient run of Jurgen Klinsmann’s men coming to an end. “It’s heartbreaking,” he said. “I don’t think we could have given any more. We left it all out there. We got beaten by a really good team. They took their chances well. It’s heartache, it hurts. “But hats off to Belgium, they were fantastic. They brought big Rom on and he was a handful, he ran at us, scored a goal, created chances for other guys. Big Rom changed the game.” Meanwhile, FIFA’s leaders have flagged up a possible American bid for the 2026 World Cup after the “staggering” impact of the tournament in the United States.
The level of support in the USA has been remarkable, breaking all records with US president Barack Obama and Hollywood star Tom Hanks among those watching the Belgium match and tweeting their support. FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke told Brazil newspaper Globo: “What we see in the United States is staggering. The audience is unprecedented, more than the NBA.
“The country has the largest level of youth soccer in the world, 20 million young people playing.
“There is a commitment from FIFA to work with US Soccer and I think after 2022, they have an interest in hosting the 2026 World Cup.” FIFA president Sepp Blatter has been equally impressed by the American reaction. United States skipper Clint Dempsey, the former Fulham and Tottenham player who now plays for the Seattle Sounders, said it was clear the game is on a steep rise in the United States. Dempsey said: “There is a stat about the average age watching the World Cup being 38. That shows that people who have played the game, have grown with the game are passing it down to their kids. That is going to help us, it is great to see that the game is on the rise.”

Everton FC transfer gossip: Blues open talks for Italian international; Swansea favourites for Marseilles ace; Martinez targets England international
July 3 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Joe Rimmer
A round-up of today's transfer rumours
Everton FC have opened talks to sign Italian international midfielder Alessio Cerci according to TalkSport .
The Torino midfielder has scored 21 goals in 72 games and made just one appearance at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil before Italy's elimination. Roberto Martinez sees the 26-year-old as the ideal addition to Everton's midfield but the Blues face serious competition from Roma for his signature.
Cerci could cost around £16m but has just one year remaining on his contract at Torino.
Swansea City have moved into pole position for Dimitry Payet, reports the Daily Express .
The Marseilles midfielder is interesting Everton and Newcastle, as well as the South Wales side, but Swansea have made the first move, bidding £6.5m for his services. Payet scored eight times for Marseilles last term and made six assists, however the French club are willing to listen to offers.
Martinez is looking for a replacement for Gerard Deulofeu and the 27-year-old could fit the bill.
Everton have been made bookies favourites to sign Cardiff City defender Steven Caulker, according to NSNO.co.uk . Caulker is reportedly available after the Welsh side were relegated last season and the 22-year-old is highly sought after because of his impressive performances during a troubled season for Cardiff.

Everton set for tug-of-war for Dundee United left-back Andrew Robertson
July 3 2014 Daily Post
By Greg O’Keeffe
Blues face competition from West Ham United for the highly-rated 20-year-old who has already represented Scotland twice
Everton are facing the prospect a transfer tug-of-war with West Ham if they are to seal a deal for one of Scotland’s most highly-rated youngsters.
Dundee United left-back Andrew Robertson has been a long-term target for the Blues, with Roberto Martinez already planning to lure a player dubbed ‘the next Leighton Baines’ to Goodison this summer. But Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has jumped in first with two failed bids, and that could force Martinez’s hand for a 20-year-old who has already represented Scotland twice. The Blues have been monitoring the Tannadice defender since last summer, and his stock rose rapidly during last term’s Scottish Premier League campaign. After a Scotland cap and the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award, Robertson had to be content with a Scottish Cup winner’s runners-up medal after his side lost 2-0 to St Johnstone. Nevertheless, it has been an impressive rise from part-time football with Queen’s Park just 12 months ago for the Glasgow-born defender, who is also being watched by other English top flight clubs as well as Everton and the Londoners. Reports yesterday suggested West Ham had a second bid of £1.5m rejected by the Scots, who have only just sold another talented starlet, Ryan Gauld, to Sporting Lisbon. United chairman Stephen Thompson refused to be drawn on the subject when asked by Sky Sports. “I'm not going to comment on that,” he said. “I prefer to comment when business is done. If they prefer to comment, that is fine, but I am saying no more at the moment.” The Post understands that it is likely Robertson would be loaned out to a Championship side to gather experience next term if he joined Everton, with Baines and Bryan Oviedo currently providing ample cover at left back. But he is viewed as a player capable of one day providing the same defensive solidity and attacking threat as England man Baines.

REJECTED! Everton knock back Tottenham bid for England starlet John Stones
TOTTENHAM have had a bid for England international John Stones rejected by Everton.
By: Jamie Anderson
Thu, July 3, 2014 Daily Express
Reports suggest that Everton have declined Tottenham's offer for their highly coveted youngster Stones, but it remains unknown whether Spurs will lodge a revised bid for the versatile Toffee.
The 20-year-old was signed by former Everton manager David Moyes from Barnsley for a fee in the region of £3m. Stones was signed by former Everton manager David Moyes
The youngster quickly rose to prominence with sterling displays of athleticism and maturity against the Premier League's elite. Initially Stones replaced the injured Phil Jagielka, who was the victim of a lengthy hamstring injury, at the heart of Everton's defence. However, the ageing defender may have to relinquish his divine right to line-up alongside the evergreen defender Sylvain Distin.
New boss Mauricio Pochettino is obviously trying to sure-up Tottenham's defensive vulnerability with bids for both Stones and Swansea's left-back Ben Davies.

Five reasons the Blues should sign Andrew Robertson
July 3 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Kristian Walsh
A look at the young Scottish international who is interesting Roberto Martinez
With news that Everton are facing the prospect a transfer tug-of-war with West Ham over highly-rated Scotland left back Andrew Robertson, here's five reasons the Blues should do their utmost to get the Dundee United star.
Unflappable nature
Robertson knows what it takes to play for a club of tradition and history. His first club, Queen's Park, are the oldest football club in Scotland – and is the oldest outside England and Wales. They are also the only fully amateur club in the Scottish leagues.
Open to more improvement
At the age of 20, Robertson has risen to the top of Scottish football dramatically, highlighting his commitment and potential for even further improvement.
He made his first appearance for Queen's Park in August 2012. Seventy league appearances, a move to Dundee United and two Scotland caps later, Robertson is thought of as one of the most exciting young full backs in Europe, and showed stepping up a level to the Scottish top-flight was unproblematic.
Good education
He would come from Dundee United, a club who have a reputation of producing good youngsters. In the past five years, the Terrors have aided the developments of David Goodwillie, Johhny Russell, Craig Conway, Gary Mackay-Steven and Ryan Gauld, who has just moved to Sporting Lisbon for 3m euros. Robertson has also spent a season under the tutelage of Jackie McNamara, one of Scotland's most promising coaches, and a former full back to boot.
Attacking threat
The 20-year-old's style of play is thought to be similar to Leighton Baines' – which is not a bad style to emulate at all. Although he is fine defensively, he really shine when marauding down the left flank; Robertson was consistently seen as a late runner into the box, unmarked and ready to receive the ball. He scored five goals last season, his most famous coming at home to Partick Thistle. Picking up the ball inside his own half, Robertson strode forward and unleashed a belting effort from outside the area, beyond the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.
The majority of his good work last season did not come from crosses into the box from deep, but rather acting as an extra attacker with short, sharp passes – something that would suit Roberto Martinez's team.
The chance to shift Baines
… No, not in that way, for the 29-year-old is still very much a vital part in Martinez's plans. But the boss has spoken of his desire to move the defender into a midfield position later in his career. "I've always thought Leighton can develop into Philipp Lahm's role, it is in his make-up,” said Martinez in April. If Robertson signs, the Blues are thought to be considering a season-long loan to a Championship side. By the time he returns, a fully-fledged left back acclimatised to English football, Baines will be in his 30s. It is a signing very much looking at the long-term.

Roberto Martinez believes draw with Arsenal has helped Blues "kick on"
July 3 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Blues grabbed late point at the Emirates in Decemeber
Roberto Martinez believes Everton’s performance against Arsenal last year was the catalyst for their return to Europe.
The Blues grabbed a point at the Emirates Stadium in December when on-loan winger Gerard Deulofeu fired home a late equaliser. Everton, who had beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time in 21 years a few days’ earlier, went toe-to-toe with the Gunners in their most stylish performance of the campaign to date. Arsenal were Premier League leaders at the time and despite being matched by Martinez’s Blues, took the lead with 10 minutes remaining through Mesut Ozil. Everton looked as though they would be returning to Goodison empty handed but Deulofeu fired past Wojciech Szczęsny four minutes later to secure a deserved point. Martinez says the point helped Everton “kick on” for the rest of the season. The Blues were fighting for fourth place until the final few weeks of the campaign but still secured a place in the Europa League.
“We had many good moments last season but I must admit that the performance at the Emirates was very satisfying because it was in the most demanding week of the season,” Martinez said when asked what moment from last season he would like to relive the most. “We had just visited Old Trafford and then had to face a team that was having a very good moment of form.
“They were probably the outstanding team of the season at that time and so the way we performed was in a manner that it felt right and that we were ready to kick on in the season.”
Everton went on to win four of their next six matches in the league. “It meant a lot and that was the one that was the most significant of the season,” he added.

Tim Howard: From Manchester United flop to USA national hero and Everton stalwart
Howard made a record 15 saves against Belgium in the World Cup
The Everton keeper enjoyed his best campaign at club level last season
Howard endured a difficult period at Manchester United earlier in his career
He has become a national hero in the USA after his performances in Brazil
The 35-year-old signed a new contract until 2018 with Everton in April
By Joe Strange
Daily Mail 13:57, 3 July 2014
Just like a fine wine, Tim Howard is getting better with age.
The 35-year-old proved as much on Tuesday evening when he put in arguably the greatest goalkeeping performance ever witnessed at a World Cup during the USA's narrow extra-time defeat to Belgium in Salvador. He conceded twice in that added 30 minutes, failing to stop Kevin de Bruyne's low strike and Romelu Lukaku's sweeping finish, but he had already won the hearts of a nation with a string of fine saves. In total he kept Marc Wilmots' side out on 15 separate occasions - a new World Cup record - and almost helped his country reach the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time in 12 years. He has since received a congratulatory telephone call from president Barack Obama and seen a petition for his name to adorn an airport in Washington begin online. While the Tim Howard Washington National Airport is still some way off from becoming a reality, the transformation of the former MetroStars keeper from Manchester United flop to the most talked about player in world football - at least for a night - is complete.
Howard began his career at Old Trafford in promising fashion after joining from Major League Soccer for around £3million in 2003, making a decisive penalty save to help the Red Devils win the Community Shield against Arsenal. He continued his impressive form in the Premier League, cementing his place as the club's No 1 goalkeeper ahead of Frenchman Fabian Barthez and Roy Carroll as Sir Alex Ferguson's side chased the title. But the honeymoon period didn't last for long. In the latter half of his first season in England, Howard fumbled a Benni McCarthy free-kick during a Champions League last 16 tie against Porto and allowed Costinha to fire home the rebound.
United were out, Jose Mourinho famously ran down the touchline to celebrate and Howard's confidence was shot to bits. He lost his place in the side to Carroll but did recapture it in time to help secure a comfortable win against Championship side Millwall in the FA Cup final.
The American continued his unconvincing performances during 2004-05, dropping in and out of the side as he failed to convince both Ferguson - and the United faithful - that he could be the long-term successor to the legendary Peter Schmeichel. Edwin van der Sar arrived the following summer and immediately went about doing just that. He became a commanding presence behind the Reds' talented back-four and undroppable from Ferguson's first choice lineup. Howard's brief stint in Manchester was effectively over. Fortunately for the ex-North Jersey Imperials star, he had impressed David Moyes enough for the then Everton manager to sign him on loan for the 2006-07 season. He'd be the Toffees' No 1, too. The faith shown in him by Moyes helped reinvigorate Howard's career on English soil. Gone was the nervous, error-prone keeper who appeared unable to cope with the pressure of playing for one of the world's biggest clubs, and in his place stood a man who relished the opportunity to pull on his gloves and perform each week. Howard found his best form under the Scot, helping the Merseyside club qualify for the Europa League, reach the 2009 FA Cup final and consistently challenge towards the top end of the Premier League after making his move permanent a year after signing on loan. Along with Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka, he is viewed by many Evertonians as one of the most shrewd signings of Moyes' 11 years in charge. Some would even describe him as the club's best keeper since Neville Southall graced the blue half of Merseyside during the 1980s and 90s. That faith was tested in Moyes' final season at the helm when, uncharacteristically, he made a number of errors which cost Everton valuable points in their hunt for fourth place. A weak Kenwyne Jones header was conceded in a draw with Stoke and Fulham's Bryan Ruiz was allowed to score a lacklustre free-kick at Craven Cottage. In total, Howard could be directly blamed for at least five point-costing goals. When Roberto Martinez took over Moyes last summer, it appeared as if Everton's new boss was already planning for life without the veteran in his squad. Still got it: Howard keeps out an effort from Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud during a 1-1 draw last season Joel Robles, a player Martinez had on loan during his time at Wigan, was signed from Atletico Madrid on a five-year deal. At just 23 when he signed, the Spaniard looked every inch like Howard's replacement. Fast forward almost a year and the picture is very different. Robles featured in just two Premier League fixtures last season as Howard - now in his mid-thirties - enjoyed his most consistent season in between the sticks. He ended the campaign with 15 top-flight clean sheets, a fifth place finish and a two-year extension on his contract, keeping him on Merseyside until at least 2018. He'll be 39 when his deal runs out. After watching Howard in action over the past year, Everton fans won't have been too surprised to see their player shine on the biggest stage of them all. Incredibly, he seems to be improving the older he gets.
If he can continue the trend at club level, a final farewell in Russia in four years' time might not be such a far-fetched prospect for America's latest hero.

Everton FC goalkeeper Tim Howard thanks club's fans for support during World Cup
July 4 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Howard's heroics not enough to keep USA in the tournament
Tim Howard has thanked the support he received from Everton FC fans during the USA’s World Cup campaign.
The Blues goalkeeper produced some outstanding performances in Brazil and none more so than his record breaking display against Belgium earlier this week. Howard made 16 saves in the second round clash and kept Belgium at bay until extra-time. The 35-year-old’s heroics prompted a phone call from American president Barack Obama who praised the efforts of Howard and the whole US team. Although the Blues keeper is disappointed to have gone out of the tournament he has said the experience was “awesome” and has thanked the Blues fans for their backing.
“The whole experience was awesome and it meant so much to me to know that the Everton fans were right behind me,” Howard said. “The messages of support that I had from Evertonians were fantastic and so many started to follow the USA when England went out, which is amazing. I did notice the odd Everton flag at games in Brazil and they made me smile.” He continued: “I went into the tournament full of confidence and being part of such a great season for Everton undoubtedly helped me in Brazil. Confidence is such a big thing in football and the manager and the players at the club helped me be in just the right frame of mind for a tournament. “I must be honest I am now looking forward to chilling out and taking a break but I am also really looking forward to getting back to Finch Farm and Goodison and seeing all the guys and the staff and the fans again. It’s been an unbelievable experience and I hope the Everton supporters have shared it with me.”
Howard was consoled by Everton team-mate Kevin Mirallas and former Blues loan star Romelu Lukaku at the end of Tuesday’s game. “Those guys were great after the final whistle,” said Howard.
“They knew that we had given everything out there and they had such respect for the way we had played. I was devastated to have lost the match but I wished Kevin all the best for the rest of the competition. I guess the Toffees may move onto Belgium now.”

Everton FC transfer gossip: Sweden winger to be Deulofeu replacement; Blues reject Stones bid; Barcelona defender on his way to Goodison Park
July 4 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Liverpool Echo
A round-up of today's transfer rumours
Everton FC could replace Gerard Deulofeu with Sweden international Nabil Bahoui, according to the Daily Express .
Deulofeu headed back to Barcelona after a successful loan spell at Goodison Park and Roberto Martinez is keen to bolster his squad and he could turn to 23-year-old AIK winger Bahoui as Deulofeu's direct replacement. The tall winger has scored nine goals in just 34 games for the Swedish side and they will hope to make a hefty profit after signing him on a free transfer just two years ago. Meanwhile, the Blues have rejected a cheeky bid from Tottenham Hotspur for young defender John Stones , reports the Daily Express. It is thought that new boss Mauricio Pochettino wants to strengthen his backline with the signing of Stones and Swansea City's Ben Davies - but the Blues have no intention of doing business. It is unclear whether Spurs will return with another offer for Stones who will look to cement his place in the Everton first team after a breakthrough 2013/14.
Finally, Barcelona left back Adriano could be on his way to Goodison Park, according to TalkSport .
The 29-year-old Brazilian is frustrated at finding himself on the sidelines at the Camp Nou and Martinez's connections with the Catalan club can ensure the deal gets done.
Adriano was left out of Brazil's World Cup squad but is an excellent ball-playing defender.

Everton Football Club to begin using new crest from today
By Joseph Redmond
Everton Football Club will officially begin using their new club crest for the forthcoming 2014/15 season today, and it will soon begin to appear around Goodison Park.
For the first time ever in the clubs history the crest has been selected by Everton fans, and was one of three options that supporters could choose form back in October.
The new crest received an overwhelming 78% of an online fan vote against the others.
The options were produced following an extensive consultation phase during which around 20,000 supporters provided guidance towards what they wanted to see from a new crest to be worn on the famous royal blue jerseys. The club say that the new crest strongly reflects the heritage of Everton Football Club and their status as an authentic, respected football club. The new crest brings together key icons of Everton’s tradition, such as the Tower, Nil Satis Nisi Optimum and the shield, rendered in the strongly preferred club colours of royal blue and white. After being worn in pre-season games against the likes of Tranmere Rovers and Porto, the club will wear the crest for the first time in the Premier League when they visit the Walkers Stadium on August 16 – the home of Premier League new-boys Leicester City – before two tough home games with against Arsenal on August 23 and Chelsea on August 30th.

Leon Osman returning to Finch Farm early in order to be fully prepared for next season
July 4 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Osman knows a good pre-season is crucial to a good campaign
Leon Osman knows a gruelling pre-season programme is essential if he is to play a major role for Everton FC this term.
The 33-year-old midfielder featured in all 38 Premier League games for the Blues in the last campaign and has kick-started his fitness regime early. Everton are not due back at Finch Farm until late next week but Osman, who will enjoy a testimonial match against Porto in pre-season, has been working with the Blues coaches already. Osman admits to disliking the rigours of the summer regime but knows that if he is last the pace this term then he needs to get his body back in fighting shape. Roberto Martinez will take the Blues to Austria on a training camp at the end of next week as their preparations are ramped up with Osman ready to grit his teeth. “I don’t think you ever look forward to coming back for pre-season,” Osman said. “You might miss football but you just want the season to get up and running. “Pre-season is a difficult time but it’s important to get through, to get your body through the five or six weeks and condition yourself for what’s ahead."
“You have to spend the first couple of weeks of summer not doing much,” added Osman.
“You have to let the body calm down, relax and rejuvenate. After that you start to tick over gradually. “We’ve probably had a longer summer than in previous years, so it’s important you don’t let stiffness build up and you keep ticking over. Now you get close to a return to training you have got to start stepping it up.” Osman played under David Moyes for 11 years and says he always had a rough idea of what pre-season had in store for the squad. But having only worked with Martinez for one campaign he admits the Catalan manager could spring a few surprises this summer.
“Who is to say the manager won’t change it all this year?” Osman said. “David Moyes, having worked with him for so long, I could guess what was going to come next and the direction pre-season was going in. But having only done one [pre-season] under Mr Martinez, he may change things this year and throw me off guard.”

Howard can make it into his 40s as Everton’s number one, says Nigel Martyn
July 4 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Blues legend says American stopper has the dedication and talent to be the Goodison number one into his fifth decade
Nigel Martyn believes Tim Howard can keep playing for Everton FC into his 40s.
The Blues legend, who had to retire when he was 39 due to injury, says the American stopper has the dedication and talent to be the Goodison number one into his fifth decade.
Howard has won rave reviews for his performances at the World Cup for the USA but Martyn watched the 35-year-old head to Brazil on the back of one of his best ever seasons for the Blues.
The former Manchester United keeper has previously hinted that he may retire from football at the end of his current contract with Everton which ties him to the club until 2018, when he will be 39.
But Martyn says if Howard stays injury-free then there is little to suggest he could not extend his career beyond that. “How long Tim can keep playing is down to his form and if he stays clear of injury,” said Martyn. “Also how he feels mentally is important as well. “It is slightly easier for an English guy to stay in England and carry on playing. “I don’t know whether Tim would want to finish his career back home and play a couple of seasons in the MLS. But as long as he wants to do it and stays clear of injury then Tim can easily to play until he is 39 or 40. “It is a season by season or even a six-month by six-month thing. “But look at Mark Schwarzer, he has just been given a new contract by Chelsea at the age of 41. They trust him and are happy to rely on his experience.
“He might not quite be able to do what he used to but he has so much more experience than a younger keeper who is more liable to make the wrong decision at the wrong time.
“The manager would rather have someone he can rely on.” Howard admits he remains unsure if he will continue playing for his country as he looks to balance the demands of international and club football in his 14th year as a professional. Martyn knocked back the chance of playing for England again towards the end of his career in favour of concentrating on matters at Everton and says Howard may come to the same conclusion. “The international aspect is an interesting one with Tim,” Martyn added. “Does he think he can do another four years and another World Cup? There is no reason why he can’t but it will become more difficult and more tiring.
“But if he has got the desire then why not?
“I had the opportunity to get back in the England frame in 2004 but felt that going as second or third choice for a major tournament would’ve been detrimental to my career at Everton.
“If Tim wants to carry on playing club football at that level then he may have to step away from the international scene.” Either way, Martyn firmly believes that Howard’s best form is still to come.
The US stopper kept 15 clean sheets last season, just one shy of his Premier League record, and had arguably one of his most consistent seasons since joining the Blues initially in 2006.
“What you find – and I certainly found this in my career – is that the older you get the more relaxed you become as a goalkeeper and the more comfortable you are,” Martyn added.
“It almost becomes easy because it is all second nature to you. “Once you have played that amount of games, you are much more mature as a person and Tim is in that bracket now.
“My best football was undoubtedly in my 30s and though near the end, I was not able to quite dive right into the top corner, a lot of times I was able to stop things because of my experience and knowledge. “I was able to stop things at source. “Things come a lot smoother if you play for that long. “Tim is physically at the right stage because he is still young enough to fly around the goal.
“It is about finding the balance between working hard and rest. “At Everton I would often have the opportunity to have the day off or Chris Woods would say I only had to do four reps instead of six, for example. “I never took the day off though because your pride makes you want to keep going but I did rest. “Tim is very professional and looks after himself. “But the moment you start taking your foot off the accelerator is when everything starts going down hill.” He added: “Tim certainly has a lot more responsibility with the ball at his feet now, under the new manager. “Roberto wants the team to retain possession more and Tim is comfortable with that. “His distribution has improved and when a new manager and goalkeeping coach come in, you have to impress them.”
Howard made a record 16 saves in America’s World Cup second-round tie with Belgium and though disappointed to have gone out of the competition, Martyn believes Howard will have enjoyed his busy night. “Tim has been fantastic at the World Cup and especially so against Belgium earlier this week,” said Martyn. “It is nice, in a funny way, when you have that much work to do as a goalkeeper because you can often go through a match where the opposition has three shots, three goals and there’s nothing you can do. “Tim had a lot of saves to make on Tuesday and he ended up making 95% of them. “It was a really plucky performance by the US and if you are to go out then you that’s the way you want to go out.”

City gossip: Blues set to make Barkley move, £25m price tag on Negredo
July 5 2014 Manchester Evening News
By Paul Handler
Manchester City are considering a move for Everton and England wonder-kid Ross Barkley, while there are reports of interest in Javi Garcia.
Manchester City are considering a move for Everton and England wonder-kid Ross Barkley, according to a report. Barkley scored a wonder goal against the Blues at Goodison Park last season and is attracting interest. City could use Jack Rodwell as bait in the deal, report the Daily Mirror .
City are conscious of their need for homegrown talent with Joleon Lescott already having left and Micah Richards, Rodwell and even James Milner's futures in doubt. Meanwhile, City would consider letting Alvaro Negredo go for £25m, report the Sun (subscription). The Blues would like to keep hold of the striker but might be tempted by a mega offer from La Liga, with Atletico Madrid linked.
And reports in Italy are linking Napoli with a £14m swoop for midfielder Javi Garcia, whose path to the City first team is likely to be blocked by new signing Fernando.

Everton FC transfer gossip: Manchester City to offer Rodwell as Barkley bait; Blues lead race for French star; Newcastle provide competition for Hadzic
July 5 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Liverpool Echo
A round-up of today's transfer rumours
Manchester City will offer Everton FC £25m plus Jack Rodwell in an attempt to lure Ross Barkley to the Etihad, reports the Daily Mirror .
Barkley, 20, had a breakthrough campaign at Goodison Park last season and the youngster's form has alerted a whole host of top clubs. Manuel Pellegrini is aware of the need to bring in homegrown players and could therefore attempt to sign Barkley from the Blues.
However Roberto Martinez will not entertain the idea of selling his star man and will resist any bid for his services. Rodwell, meanwhile, is keen on a permanent move back to Goodison Park.
Everton lead Newcastle in the chase for Lyon star Anthony Lacazette, according to the Daily Express .
The French youngster has yet to agree a new deal with the Ligue 1 side and Martinez is keen to take advantage. Reports in France suggest Everton are the club closest to securing his signature - with the player's agent, David Venditelli, admitting that a club "close to the Champions League" has asked about his client. He told Le Parisien : "Some English clubs are rushing to the scene.
"If Alexandre leaves, it will be for a team that plays in the Champions League, or at least a team who is very close to being there." Everton will also compete with Newcastle to sign Sturm Graz midfielder, and Bosnian World Cup star, Anel Hadzic reports the Shields Gazette .
The Magpies are set to open talks with the 24-year-old as his contract runs into the final 12 months.
The player admits he is attracting interest from the Premier League and says his future could be resolved in the coming days. Hadzic said: “I do have a specific offer from a club in the Italian top division and my representatives informed me yesterday that two clubs in England are interested in my services. “However, I can’t discuss any names. Everything should be clear in the next five or six days.”

Martinez weighs up Rodwell move, but rejects City's Barkley approaches
July 5 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Ian Doyle
Former Blues midfielder transfer being considered alongside Tom Cleverly and Gareth Barry
Everton FC will dismiss any interest in Ross Barkley from Manchester City – but Roberto Martinez could consider a deal to bring Jack Rodwell back to Goodison.
Reports over the weekend have suggested City are eyeing up a £25million bid for Barkley which would also include former Blues midfielder Rodwell. Barkley’s stock has risen during the last few months after an impressive end to the season at Everton was followed by his performances being a rare high point of England’s dismal World Cup campaign in Brazil. The Blues have no intention of parting with the 20-year-old, with the club working towards the youngster penning an improved new contract this summer as reward for his progress. Martinez, though, could pursue a deal for Rodwell as he aims to bolster his central midfield options given the added demands of Europa League football next season. The Blues boss tried to sign Rodwell on loan in January, with the 23-year-old now surplus to requirements at the Etihad having made just seven Premier League starts since departing Goodison two years ago. Everton have already held talks with Gareth Barry over a return to Goodison while Martinez is also a fan of Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley, who played under the Catalan for a season at Wigan Athletic. Meanwhile, January signing Aiden McGeady has targeted a starting role when the Blues open their Premier League campaign at Leicester City on August 16. McGeady arrived at Goodison short of match fitness with former club Spartak Moscow’s domestic campaign not starting until March. And the 28-year-old believes he will benefit from a proper pre-season this summer. “The target for me is to be starting the first game of the season,” says McGeady. “A full pre-season will be beneficial. When I arrived I was trying to get my pre-season in when everyone else was winding down. “It wasn’t like I was training on my own, I was training with the team. So it will be beneficial for me to be at the same starting point as everyone else.”
McGeady made 18 appearances for Everton last season but only five were from the start.
“At first, people were wondering whether I was ready because I hadn’t played in the Premier League before,” he added. “But this is definitely the place I want to be and that I can showcase my ability here. “The players are more athletic than what I have been used to before. Most defenders you come up against are good athletes; they are big and strong. It’s a very physical league.”

Lee Carsley: Tim Howard led by example for the USA
July 6 2014 Liverpool Echo
Tim Howard's outstanding display against Belgium showed that he is one of the best goalkeepers at these World Cup finals.
His performance will have come as no surprise to the watching Evertonians who have been following him for several seasons but Tim has really grown into his role for both club and country and is now a lot more commanding than when he first arrived at Goodison Park. As a senior player within the USA squad he has taken on more responsibility too and really led by example.
The number of saves that he made against the Belgians was testament to the way he has worked on his game over the years.
Tim is so enthusiastic and his energy levels are terrific.
It’s amazing really to see the amount of interest Tim and his international team-mates have generated back in the USA and in a country we were once told wasn’t bothered about the sport, I’m now hearing that their second round match in the World Cup generated higher television viewing figures than the NBA finals. Such a game might have gone largely unoticed by US audiences in the past but with the likes of David Beckham, Thierry Henry and our very own Tim Cahill all going out there in recent years, there’s now a real appetite for football in the country. Now would be a great time to really promote the Everton brand across the Atlantic and really market our club with American fans given that we’ve got the most recognisable football player from US playing for us – I’m sure there’s a big market out there. When I was at Everton we used to tour the USA a lot and while there were a lot of Evertonians out there, they were in pockets rather than being widespread.
After his experience at Manchester United, Tim was not full of confidence when he first came to Everton but the things that he did in his first few days with us really integrated him into our team.
His game has developed since then and that’s terrific because he’s a great fella.

Roberto Martinez 'excited' about working with Everton FC youngsters after their England experience
July 6 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Blues boss expected to return to Finch Farm this week
Roberto Martinez can’t wait to start working with a pair of Everton FC youngsters after their experiences with England this summer.
The Blues boss is expected back at Finch Farm this week as their pre-season preparations get underway and Martinez is excited about the prospect of Ross Barkley and John Stones being back on the training ground. Barkley was in England’s squad for the World Cup and featured in the Three Lions’ Group D games with Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica. Defender Stones travelled to the USA with Roy Hodgson’s men and played in their World Cup warm up game with Ecuador but remained on the stand-by list during the tournament. Martinez believes the experience of being in and around the World Cup squad will have been beneficial to the 20-year-olds and the Everton manager - who signed a new five year contract this summer - sees the pair as integral to his “project” at Goodison Park. “I have signed my contract at Everton – it’s an exciting project,” Martinez said.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to work with young players like Ross Barkley and John Stones.
“I want to see them after their experience with England this summer. “Ross played in the World Cup and John was on standby and also played in America before they went to Brazil.” Most of the Everton squad who were not involved in the World Cup are expected back at the club this week before they fly to Austria for a training camp.

Romelu Lukaku says return to Everton FC remains a "possibility"
July 6 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Belgium striker to take break after World Cup exit and then decide on future
Romelu Lukaku has reportedly said there remains a “possibility” he could return to Everton FC next season. The Belgium striker scored 16 times on loan at Goodison Park from Chelsea last season and manager Roberto Martinez has made his permanent signing his priority this summer.
But the Blues are understood to be facing competition from a number of top European clubs, including Atletico Madrid, for his signature. It remains unclear if Lukaku’s parent club are willing to sell the towering forward but Martinez has made it clear that he wants him at Everton next season.
Quotes attributed to Lukaku have the 21-year-old as saying the door remains open for a return to Merseyside but he will not make a decision on his future until after a holiday following Belgium’s World Cup exit. “I have the opportunity to stay at Everton, it is a possibility and it is something we will have to talk about. But first I want to go back to Belgium, see my family and get some rest,” Lukaku is reported to have said.

Deulofeu loan may help Blues nab Barca wonderkid Adama Traore
July 7 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Reports in Spain say Everton have contacted Nou Camp officials over loan deal
Everton are said to be in the race to sign the latest wonderkid from Spanish giants Barcelona.
Reports in Spain claim the Blues have contacted Nou Camp officials over the possibility of taking teenager Adama Traore on a season long loan. Everton had Barca’s Gerard Deulofeu on loan last season and his development under manager Roberto Martinez is understood to have impressed the four-time European Cup winners. Martinez was hopeful of retaining Deulofeu for another season but new Barca boss Luis Enrique wants the 20-year-old in the first-team squad.
And so it is reported that Everton have turned their attentions to another flying winger from the Nou Camp. Adama, 18, has made rapid progress through the ranks at Barcelona in the past year and was handed his La Liga and Champions League debuts before Christmas. The Spanish national of Malian descent, started last season in the Youth A side before being promoted to Barca B and then into the first-team. In November, Adama replaced Neymar in a game against Granada to become the club’s ninth youngest player to feature in a league game. Three days later the teenager, just 17 at the time, made his Champions League debut against Ajax. Adama’s development has caught the attention of a host of clubs and 20 sides are in the hunt for his services, say Mundo Deportivo.
Everton are one of four Premier League sides they name as chasing the teenager.
And if they are hoping to beat off competition from Manchester United and Southampton, as suggested, then the Blues will be confident that Martinez’s work with Deulofeu will count in their favour. Adama played 26 times for the B team last season and scored five times.

Everton 3 Doncaster Belles 1: Misery on Merseyside for Belles
South Yorkshire Times 07 July 2014
A Sue Smith second half penalty was not enough to prevent the Belles from a Continental Cup defeat to top flight side Everton.
The visitors met the Toffees in rampant mood as Simone Magill, Brooke Chaplen and Fern Whelan all found the net for the three points. Chaplen drew first blood, firing wide, as the Belles responded through a Jess Sigsworth effort. Reanne Thomas then saw a chance blocked before Chaplen was denied from range by Nicola Hobbs. Smith later had a chip ruled out for offside as Everton replied with a Michelle Hinnigan effort in a game that was starting to even out at the Select Security Stadium. However, that soon changed as the hosts found themselves with a 35th minute lead when Magill fired in from a yard after good work from Nikita Parris. Galvanised by the opener, the Belles were having to defend as Hobbs saved well from a Hinnigan free-kick. And the resulting corner saw Everton double their advantage as Whelan bundled the ball home following a goalmouth scramble in the 40th minute. A slow start livened up as Sigsworth was challenged in the area for a penalty to give the Belles some hope of a comeback. And Smith stepped up to coolly slot home the spot-kick and reduce the deficit in the 62nd minute. But the Belles’ fate was condemned six minutes later as Everton broke through Parris and Chaplen blasted home. Despite a late flurry of chances from Doncaster, Everton ran out 3-1 winners and clinched all three points.

Everton in race to sign Barcelona wonderkid Adama Traore on a season-long loan
July 7 2014 Liverpool Post
By Phil Kirkbride
Toffees are hoping to be in pole position for a loan deal for the winger after Gerard Deulofeu's successful stint at Goodison Park last season
Everton are said to be in the race to sign the latest wonderkid from Spanish giants Barcelona.
Reports in Spain claim the Blues have contacted Nou Camp officials over the possibility of taking teenager Adama Traore on a season-long loan. Everton had Barca’s Gerard Deulofeu on loan last season and his development under manager Roberto Martinez is understood to have impressed the four-time European Cup winners. Martinez was hopeful of retaining Deulofeu for another season but new Barca boss Luis Enrique wants the 20-year-old in his first-team squad.
And so it is reported that Everton have turned their attentions to another flying winger from the Nou Camp. Adama, 18, has made rapid progress through the ranks at Barcelona in the past year and was handed his La Liga and Champions League debuts before Christmas. The Spanish national, of Malian descent, started last season in the Youth A side before being promoted to Barca B and then into the first team. In November, Adama replaced Neymar in a game against Granada to become the club’s ninth youngest player to feature in a league game. Three days later the teenager, just 17 at the time, made his Champions League debut against Ajax. Adama’s development has caught the attention of a host of clubs and 20 sides are in the hunt for his services, say Mundo Deportivo.
Everton are one of four Premier League sides the newspaper names as chasing the teenager.
And if they are hoping to beat off competition from Manchester United and Southampton, as suggested, then the Blues will be confident that Martinez’s work with Deulofeu will count in their favour. Adama played 26 times for the B team last season and scored five times.

Romelu Lukaku return to Everton next season is still a 'possibility'
July 7 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
The Belgian striker has reportedly said there remains a “possibility” he could return to Goodison Park next season
Romelu Lukaku has reportedly said there remains a “possibility” he could return to Everton next season.
The Belgium striker scored 16 times on loan at Goodison Park from Chelsea last season and manager Roberto Martinez has made his permanent signing a priority this summer. But the Blues are understood to be facing competition from a number of top European clubs, including Atletico Madrid, for his signature. It remains unclear if Lukaku’s parent club are willing to sell the towering forward but Martinez has made it clear that he wants him at Everton next season. Quotes attributed to Lukaku have the 21-year-old as saying the door remains open for a return to Merseyside but he will not make a decision on his future until after a holiday following Belgium’s World Cup exit.
“I have the opportunity to stay at Everton, it is a possibility and it is something we will have to talk about. But first I want to go back to Belgium, see my family and get some rest,” Lukaku is reported to have said. Meanwhile, Roberto Martinez can’t wait to start working with Ross Barkley and John Stones after their experiences with England this summer. Blues boss Martinez is expected back at Finch Farm this week as Everton’s pre-season preparations get under way, and the manager is excited about the prospect of Barkley and Stones being back on the training ground.
Barkley was in England’s squad for the World Cup and featured in the Three Lions’ Group D games with Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica. Defender Stones travelled to the USA with Roy Hodgson’s men and played in their World Cup warm-up game with Ecuador but remained on the stand-by list during the tournament. Martinez believes the experience of being in and around the World Cup squad will have been beneficial to the 20-year-olds, and the Everton manager – who signed a new five year contract this summer – sees the pair as integral to his “project” at Goodison Park.
“I have signed my contract at Everton – it’s an exciting project,” Martinez said. “I’m looking forward to getting back to work with young players like Ross Barkley and John Stones. “I want to see them after their experience with England this summer. “Ross played in the World Cup and John was on standby and also played in America before they went to Brazil.” Most of the Everton squad who were not involved in the World Cup are expected back at the club this week before they fly to Austria for a training camp.

No excuses for Everton's young guns hoping to play first team football
July 7 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
David Unsworth wants Blues youngsters to make most of their Austrian training camp
Everton FC's young guns have been warned to use no excuses if they want to make the grade this season. That's the uncompromising message for the Blues up and coming players from David Unsworth, as they look to climb the ladder into the first team during the coming season.
Stand-in U21s boss Unsworth wants the Blues youngsters to make the most of their Austrian training camp, where he is taking charge after Alan Stubbs left to become Hibernian boss.
And former Toffees defender Unsworth said: "There's no excuses here - when you turn up and train in this facility, it's an honour. The players are delighted to be here, and as soon as the ball starts rolling each day, they're here to impress and do a job. "The players have come here and from the very first second, there is a 'wow' factor,". "We've had four sessions already in 24 hours which has been fantastic. The lads are really tuned in and they're showing a real hunger to impress.
"We've had to pull the reins on them a couple of times already which is great and what you want to see. They're all champing at the bit, raring to go and ready to give it their best shot."
Having only had his side back at Finch Farm for fitness tests prior to Sunday's journey to Austria, Unsworth was keen to see how they would check back in following their summer break.
With the ball at their feet in the Alps, they left their coach more than impressed.
The group will remain in Austria until Friday afternoon before heading home via Munich.
That leaves four more days of training at high altitude and in warm weather - conditions Unsworth experienced himself at Obertraun as a player at the club. With U-18s manager Kevin Sheedy having also taken youth sides to the complex in recent years, the coaching staff are well placed to ensure the best preparation possible. "We'll mostly be doing some fine-tuning following on from a lot of what we've done today," explained Unsworth. "We split the day up into three sessions. We go out early in the morning for a nice jog to wake the boys up at 7am which is fun. "Then we have a real technical session in the morning and a technical one with physical aspects in the afternoon.
"We'll mix and match. We work closely with the fitness guys and sports scientists and we take an awful lot of data from the sessions we collect. We'll analyse that and make our decisions from that in terms of tailoring it down or increasing it a bit. "The sessions are great from a coach's point of view as you can get that quality from them three times a day. "You literally fall out of your room and you're on a training pitch. There's bikes here as well and even when we're furthest away on the pitch at the bottom, there's mountains on three sides." Working in close quarters with the Academy side in Austria has allowed for overlapping of talent when required. And in discussing the Blues new batch of first-year scholars as well as Sheedy's side that won the title last term, Unsworth highlighted just how much teamwork goes on behind the scenes. He added: "We've already had a couple of players from Kevin's group come to train with us. We keep an eye on it all the time.
"Yesterday we trained next to each other which was great. We sit down as staff every night and talk about the players and what we're going to do the next day. "It's all mapped out and it's great to see the players interacting. It's not Under-18s and Under-21s. The group is one, the staff are one and it's perfect in terms of what we want from the football club. "We want all groups together. Players at this development stage develop at different rates and we need to keep track of everybody all the time."