Everton transfer rumours - Newcastle linked with £20m move for Blues midfielder
A round-up of transfer rumours and speculation from around the web
ByJoe Rimmer
22 MAY 2017
The Liverpool Echo
Newcastle will test Everton's resolve to keep James McCarthy at the club this summer with a £20m bid, according to reports. Ronald Koeman admitted he wanted to keep McCarthy at the club this week, saying that the Irishman is a key part of his plans.. when fit."Of course I want to keep McCarthy because all the times he was really fit and on his level most of the time he was a starting player," he said. "But it was really difficult because he had a lot of injuries and that makes it difficult for him and the manager also."Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is said to be a big fan and the Magpies will be looking to strengthen their squad for the Premier League campaign ahead.West Ham and Crystal Palace have also been credited with an interest in the 26-year-old, who has played just 12 games for the Blues this season.

Chelsea step up bid to sign Romelu Lukaku as Everton star becomes No1 target ahead of Alvaro Morata
simon johnson
The Independent
22/05/2017
Chelsea will step up their bid to sign Romelu Lukaku next month after making the Belgium striker their first-choice target ahead of Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata.Standard Sport first revealed last year that Lukaku, who has rejected a new contract at Everton, wants a return to Stamford Bridge because he feels he has "unfinished business" there. Lukaku scored 25 League goals this season, finishing runner-up to Tottenham's Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot.Chelsea have been pursuing Morata since last summer but Standard Sport understands they have prioritised Lukaku as he has the added appeal of counting as a home-grown player under the quota requirements set by the Premier League and Champions League.Lukaku moved to Stamford Bridge from Anderlecht at the age of 18, meaning he satisfies the demand of having played in England for three seasons before, and including, the year he turned 21.It is believed Morata, who scored 20 goals for Real this season despite limited opportunities, is aware Chelsea's interest has cooled and is exploring other options.Everton bought Lukaku from Chelsea for £28million in 2014 and have put a £100m price tag on his head. However, the champions believe they will be able to acquire the 24-year-old for a lot less than that.

Everton-linked billionaire Alisher Usmanov set for frustration in latest Arsenal takeover bid
The close friend and business partner of Blues owner Moshiri looks set for more Gunners frustration
ByGreg O'Keeffe
22 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Alisher Usmanov could be set for frustration in his latest effort to take a controlling stake in Arsenal.The Uzbek billionaire, whose company sponsors Everton's Finch Farm training ground and is close friends with Farhad Moshiri , reportedly made a $1.3 billion offer to buy out Arsenal's owner Stan Kroenke on Friday. But U.S. businessman Kroenke has issued a response and insisted his "shares are not, and never have been, for sale" following the bid.Some reports had suggested that Kroenke was minded to accept the bid from his boardroom rival.But in a carefully-worded statement, Kroenke claimed he would not entertain Usmanov's gambit and said he remained a "committed, long term investor in Arsenal."It remains to be seen whether or not Usmanov returns with a follow-up offer to wrestle control from Kroenke, but his defiance makes the prospect of a deal seem remote. Gunners fans were audible in their protests against the 69-year-old during yesterday's 3-1 win over Everton, as Arsenal missed out on the top four - and the Champions League riches it brings - for the first time under Arsene Wenger.Protests have become the norm at the Emirates as the season has worn on, but they have tended to be aimed towards Arsene Wenger.The manager has bore the brunt of the frustrations, with supporters staging marches before games over plans to offer the Frenchman a new contact.But yesterday the focus shifted to Arsenal's majority shareholder.Chants of "Stan Kroenke, get out of out club" rang around the stadium. They started in the first half and continued right through to the lap of appreciation while a number of banners aimed at the American were also dotted all around the stadium

Everton boss Ronald Koeman trying to 'push' Ross Barkley out of club, claims ex-skipper
Neville says Koeman is "obsessed" with 23-year-old
ByPhil Kirkbride
22 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Former Everton captain Phil Neville suspects Ronald Koeman is "trying to push" Ross Barkley out of the club. The 23-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his deal at Goodison and the Blues have offered him a new contract.Koeman had issued Barkley with a deadline of the end of the season to give Everton an answer but confirmed yesterday, following the defeat to Arsenal, that they had no received the player's decision.The Blues boss was due to talk with the board today.Neville says Koeman is "obsessed" with Barkley and thinks he could be attempting to force him out of the club."I keep listening to Ronald Koeman , and there is an obsession with talking about Ross Barkley every time he does a press conference," Neville is reported to have told talkSPORT. "It looks to me as if he wants him to leave, you don't just keep saying 'he has a week to decide', 'tomorrow I'll issue a statement'. It seems to me as if he is probably trying to push Ross out of the door. That is what it looks like from the outside."

Everton to host La Liga giants Sevilla in flagship Goodison pre-season friendly
The Spanish club will help Koeman's men prepare for the 2017/18 campaign
ByPhil Kirkbride
22 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Everton will face Sevilla in a pre-season friendly at Goodison. The Blues welcome the Spanish club to Merseyside on Sunday August 6 (3pm KO).Everton begin the new Premier League season the following weekend.The visit of Sevilla, who have won the Europa League the past two years, is the club's first confirmed pre-season game of the summer.Talks are on-going over a friendly game in Tanzania as part of their new sponsorship deal with SportPesa.And it is understood that Everton are looking at facing FC Twente on July 19 in Holland, though the friendly has yet to be confirmed.The Blues will begin their Europa League journey with a third qualifying round tie on July 27 with the second leg arriving on August 3.Sevilla finished the La Liga campaign in fourth and so secured their place in the play-off round of Champions League in mid-August.

Everton WON'T release Ross Barkley statement today as uncertainty over midfielder's contract goes on
Blues boss Koeman has spoken to the board but no statement imminent today
ByPhil Kirkbride
22 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Everton will not be issuing a statement on the future of Ross Barkley today. Blues boss Ronald Koeman is understood to have held talks with the club's board about the 23-year-old.Koeman issued an end of season deadline for Barkley to give Everton an answer after they offered him a new contract. Barkley is entering the final 12 months of his deal.But when asked, following Sunday's defeat to Arsenal, if he had received a decision from the Academy, Koeman said: "No. "I will speak to the board tomorrow and we will make a statement about that."Though it is understood that no statement will be issued today, the ECHO understands the Blues do plan on publicly addressing the issue should it drag on much longer.

Everton will have to smash transfer record and wage structures this summer
Former Everton defender on what is essential this summer after mixed season of prgoress
ByMichael Ball
22 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
If there is anything to be negative about this season then it has been our away form.
It's been woeful.
Heading down to the Emirates, the hope was that Everton would put Arsenal under pressure in a game they had to win to keep alive hopes of making the Champions League.And though the Blues went 1-0 down early on, they were given the opportunity to really test the Gunners when Laurent Koscielny was sent off - but they didn't take it.It's largely been a disappointing last month or so and the attitude of the players, especially away from home, hasn't been the same as at Goodison.Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal scores his side's third goal against Everton (Photo: Clive Mason/Getty Images) The fans have travelled in big numbers all season, every home game has been a sell-out and they have packed every away end in the country, but performances on the road have not matched the display of the supporters.Arsenal on Sunday, was a case in point. The team let them down again.If Everton are to make the next step and bridge the gap then their away form has to improve significantly.The gap between Everton and the teams below them is huge but the gulf to Arsenal and the top four is just as big - and closing it represents a massive job for Ronald Koeman.The pressure is on now, expectations have risen again and after hitting what many fans would consider the minimum requirement, the challenge is to progress again.Koeman has repeatedly talked about kicking on and so we are heading towards a massive summer.In the club's recent history, it is the biggest summer they have had.Ronald Koeman welcomes Steve Walsh to Everton as new Director of Football back in July. lot of teams want a lot of the same players but Everton have got to fight it out with them.Koeman will have already told the board what he wants and so the pressure is on them to deliver those players; there can be no excuses and the Blues have had long enough to know what they need and in which areas of the team.But the emphasis has to be on quality rather than quantity and that means world class players.You look at the quality and calmness that Morgan Schneidlerin brought to the team when he arrived in January and, for me, he has set the standard for future transfers: every new addition has to be of equal or better quality than him.Could any of these players have been the reason behind Koeman and Walsh's Malaga trip? The supporters deserve to see marquee signings brought in and every addition has to be able to walk straight into the starting 11 - how many of the current side would get in the top four teams?And to get these players, Everton will no doubt have to smash transfer records and wage structures.It's what is required if they are going to bridge the gap.
Blues must hit the ground running hard in top shape next term
The hope is that Everton's summer recruitment drive runs so smoothly that Koeman can focus on pre-season.Last summer's preparations, that he largely inherited, were far from the best and he started the season not happy with the squad's fitness levels.Next season, the Blues have to hit the ground running and there can be no excuse, or need, for settling in periods.Top class players shouldn't need them and Everton haven't got the time to wait for players to bed in.Every players knows what the Premier League is all about, it is beamed across the world, and no player should be take aback by what is expected.Ten or 15 years ago, sure, but not now.Like when I played at Man City under Sven, Everton will have to use their Europa League qualifiers as part of their pre-season preparations.But, and this is where it gets tricky, these games cannot be taken lightly or seen as a given that you'll breeze through them.Everton players in the Finch Farm gym during last pre-season Everton's squad needs a rest but they also need to ready for July 27 when they play their first qualifier.We've waited to get back into Europe and do not want to be wasting: hopefully the club look at West Ham's troubles last summer or even to when Koeman's Southampton side crashed out. We may have never heard of some of the teams in the draw, but they cannot be taken lightly.

Which Everton player dominates Blues' season in numbers?
We take a look at the figures from Ronald Koeman's first campaign in charge
By Phil Kirkbride
22 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Ronald Koeman's first season in charge at Everton has seen "real progress" as the Blues jumped to seventh and booked a return to Europe. Koeman has overseen a record-breaking points return at Goodison (43) but knows improvements are needed on the road after they won only four times.
But the Blues manager believes they can start challening the established elite next season if they have a productive summer transfer window and build on their 61-point campaign.
So what about the other numbers that have marked Koeman's debut season at the club?
Defence
13 - the number of clean sheets they kept in the league (Joel Robles 10, Maarten Stekelenburg 3)
54 - saves made by Robles. Stekelenburg made 42.
24 - goals conceded by Stekelenburg. Robles conceded 20.
287 - Ashley Williams led the way for Everton in clearances this season
Midfield
135 - the league high number of tackles made by Idrissa Gueye
51 - fouls made by the Senegal midfielder
1,885 - he made the most passes of any Everton player as well
2,420 - and also had the most touches
11 - and the highest number of yellow cards.
Attack
110 - shots registered by Romelu Lukaku
25 - league goals scored by Everton's star striker.
3 - the times the Belgian hit the woodwork
37 - the number of league appearances by Lukaku - the most of any Everton player
36 - he was also flagged offside the most of any Blues player
8 - assists by Ross Barkley
96 - amount of times he was tackled

Manchester Arena terror attack: Robbie Fowler, Phil Neville and Tony Bellew react
Support floods in for Manchester victims as Merseyside sports stars send their solidarity
By David Prentice
23 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Mersey sporting personalities waking up to the horrific news in Manchester have been tweeting messages of support to everybody affected by the tragedy.
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, who made 92 appearances for Manchester City scoring 27 goals, was understandably angry.
Unbelievable with what's happened in Manchester....hope the bastard/s who did that rot in hell #prayersforManchester
— Robbie Fowler (@Robbie9Fowler) May 23, 2017
Everton first team coach Jan Kluitenberg posted a poignant message to his Twitter account this morning, quite simply posting "MANCHESTER. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
MANCHESTER!!!!! pic.twitter.com/pXFvfJLh68
— Jan Kluitenberg (@jankluit) May 23, 2017
Former Everton captain Phil Neville, born in nearby Bury and who spent the majority of his decorated career at Manchester United, changed his Twitter profile to simply declare "I Love Manchester."
pic.twitter.com/Kf74uNuNoE
— Philip Neville (@fizzer18) May 23, 2017

Football transfer rumours: Everton to land £25m Gylfi Sigurdsson?
Today's rumours struggle to find the words
By Scott Murray
Tuesday 23 May 2017 Guardian
David Moyes is to play a part in sourcing his successor at Sunderland. It's the sort of plan that worked so well a few years ago at Manchester United, isn't it. Names on his list include Ryan Giggs, Nigel Pearson, David Wagner, Alan Pardew, Garry Monk, Aitor Karanka, Slavisa Jokanovic and Paul Lambert. Perhaps Moyes should also consider Sir Alex Ferguson for a job that's guaranteed to be a world of pain for whoever stupidly agrees to take it, just to see how he likes it.
Meanwhile sprinting out of the Stadium of Light door, as though chasing a ball lumped straight down the middle because his team-mates have no other ideas left: Jermain Defoe. He's making a break for it, in double-quick time, in the hope of getting as far away from the mess as possible. Bournemouth, 343 miles south, fits the bill perfectly. More hot managerial news, and the blackboard with the wet sponge hanging beside it at Watford will soon have the words Roger Schmidt scratched lightly on to it. The erstwhile Bayer Leverkusen coach has nothing on for the next couple of months, so it's all coming together nicely. To celebrate the 18th anniversary of That Night In Barcelona, Manchester United are planning to do another number on Bayern Munich. This year's FC Hollywood-baiting one-two is a double swoop for Renato Sanches and Douglas Costa. Meantime, to celebrate the 14th anniversary of Porto's second European Cup win, José Mourinho is planning to riff on Monaco's pain once again by making off with midfielder Bernardo Silva. Everton "won't release a statement today" on the future of Ross Barkley, according to reports. Perhaps that's because the whispers surrounding a £25m deal for Swansea midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson are pretty much doing their job for them. The Toffees also want Málaga forward Sandro Ramírez, but Atlético Madrid might get there first. Kyle Walker's long-mooted move to Manchester City is in doubt. But only because Chelsea and Bayern Munich are sniffing around too. Chelsea are also interested in Monaco midfielder Tiemoué Bakayoko, Romelu Lukaku of Everton and Real Madrid's Álvaro Morata. But they still want to keep popularity's Diego Costa, who is now attracting interest from his former club Atlético as well as Chinese Super League spendthrifts Tianjin Quanjian. Should the Walker deal fall through, Manchester City will cheer themselves up by splurging £50m on subtle body-language communicator / desperate Arsenal wantaway Alexis Sánchez. In turn, the Gunners will console themselves with 19-year-old KAS Eupen striker Henry Onyekuru, though Everton are also interested, and to be fair they can offer Europa League football as well. And Philippe Coutinho has insisted he wants to remain at Liverpool: "Stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour. Go somewhere else and you will be just another player. Here you can be something more." Jürgen Klopp adds: "He really likes being here, it's not like someone has to force him. His family really likes it too." The chances of all this putting an end to those persistent links with Barcelona: about one in a million.

Everton transfer rumours - Kelechi Iheanacho's agent speaks out
Striker's agent says "wait and see"
By David Prentice
23 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
The chances of Everton signing Manchester City's highly-rated forward Kelechi Iheanacho have improved - because they are NOT in the Champions League, says the player's agent.
The promising 20-year-old scored eight goals in 30 appearances last season but was denied more game time by the form of the evergreen Sergio Aguero and another exciting newcomer, Gabriel Jesus.
Asked about his future, Iheanacho's agent told the website owngoalnigeria.com: "It's clear he won't be sold to a direct title rival by Man City. "So when I see the reported interest from Spurs, I know if it becomes official it will be dismissed outrightly, but Everton and West Ham we will have to wait and see."Meanwhile, The Times and the Daily Mirror both report that Everton have agreed a £25m deal with Swansea for Gylfi Sigurdsson – but the midfielder is holding out for more than £120,000-a-week.
Sigurdsson is currently earning £80,000 a week at Swansea and said at their end of season awards night last week that he "expected to stay" at the South Wales club. Other news outlets claims that Everton's attempts to sign Spanish striker Sandro from Malaga have been dealt a blow. The Independent claim that Atletico Madrid are confident they will have their transfer ban overturned and have renewed their efforts to reinforce their squad - with Sandro high on their shopping list.
Romelu Lukaku continues to exercise the imagination of the sportswriters at the London Evening Standard. They reported that Chelsea will step up their bid to sign the Belgian striker after making him their first-choice target ahead of Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata. According to The Standard, Chelsea believe they will be able to acquire the 24-year-old for a lot less than Everton's £100m asking price.

Manchester Arena terror attack - Designer Dan Meis speaks of "horrifying" events
Meis is the lead architect on Everton's proposed new stadium
By Phil Kirkbride
23 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Dan Meis has spoken of his horror at the Manchester Arena suicide attack which has left 22 dead.
Meis, the lead architect on Everton's proposed new stadium, helped designed the Manchester venue in the mid-1990s. The blast happened at just after 10:30pm at the end of a concert by pop star Ariana Grande.
Meis wrote on Twitter: "So sad to hear the awful news from Manchester. The arena was my first built sports building. Our thoughts are with all affected."
So sad to hear the awful news from Manchester. The arena was my first built sports building. Our thoughts are with all affected. #manchester
— danmeis (@Meisarch) May 23, 2017
Fifty-nine people have been left injured by the blast and Meis, replying to people on the social media site, added: "Horrible, truly horrible" and "It's horrifying...and so very sad. Particularly when the victims are innocent kids." It has been reported that 60 ambulances attended the scene and that people are being treated at six hospitals in the area.

Swansea City ready to resist Everton advances for Gylfi Sigurdsson
Blues want Iceland playmaker but Swans set to dig heels in
By Phil Kirkbride
23 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Swansea City have no intention of cashing in on the in-demand Gylfi Sigurdsson - and say there has been no approach from Everton. The Blues have put the Iceland playmaker at the top of their transfer wish-list as Ronald Koeman looks to add "productivity" to their forward line. But Swansea insist they do not want to sell the 27-year-old who is valued at around £30m. Speaking to Wales Online, majority shareholder Steve Kaplan said: "We all know how important Gylfi is, just as he knows how much he's valued and loved here," said Kaplan.
"There's been interest in him before – there were some pretty big enquiries about him last summer and in the January window – but we didn't want to sell him then and we don't want to sell him now.
"And neither do we need to sell him. He has three years on his contract and he's part of our plans going forward under Paul Clement. "Our aims are to make sure that we build on the successful end to the season and that doesn't include selling out best players."
Kaplan went onto add: "There has been no contact between Swansea City and Everton.
"As far as the owners, the chairman and the manager are concerned, they want to keep Swansea City's best players."

Howard Kendall honoured at LMA Awards
Wife Lily collects award from Sir Alex Ferguson
By David Prentice
23 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
LEGENDARY Everton manager Howard Kendall was honoured by the League Managers Association on Monday night. The most successful manager in the club's history was posthumously awarded the gold medal presented to every previous winner of the Manager of the Year trophy - on what would have been his 72nd birthday. Wife Lily was at the Grosvenor Hotel in London to accept the award from Sir Alex Ferguson.
Representatives of the families of Sir Matt Busby, Don Revie and Bill Shankly were also present.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Howard would have been so proud of this. He loved the company of other managers and it's wonderful for him to get mentioned."
Kendall passed away in October 2015.
The home end at Goodison Park was renamed the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street End last summer.

What is Ross Barkley telling Everton fans with online picture?
Blues midfielder posts shot of him looking down to the turf at Arsenal
By Chris Beesley
23 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Evertonians are wondering if there is any significance to a Ross Barkley post on social media forum Instagram. The Blues midfielder, who has declined to sign a new contract with the club, posted a photograph of himself on Instagram today from Sunday's final match of the season, looking down to the turf at the Emirates Stadium with his head bowed. The image – like Barkley's three most recent posts on the social media site – has no accompanying caption or comment from the player and was his second upload of the day following a more conventional action shot of him playing against Arsenal.
A post shared by Ross Barkley (@rossbarkley) on May 23, 2017 at 1:09am PDT
Receiving over 6,000 likes to eclipse the toal from his shot from earlier in the day, it appears to have been taken before Sunday's 3-1 defeat to the Gunners in which Barkley was benched but came on as a first half substitute as he is wearing his kit but with a training t-shirt over the top.
A post shared by Ross Barkley (@rossbarkley) on May 23, 2017 at 12:46am PDT
Despite netting the winning goal in Everton's previous match at home to Watford nine days earlier, Barkley found himself among the substitutes at the weekend although he was handed a swift return to action from manager Ronald Koeman when he withdrew teenager Tom Davies just 26 minutes into the contest.
With lifelong Blue Barkley about to enter the final year of his current contract, Koeman had demanded a decision from him by yesterday over whether he was prepared to sign the club's offer of a new contract.
After the game in London the Dutchman told reporters that he planned to speak to the Everton board on the matter on Monday and make a public announcement but no statement has been forthcoming as discussions continue over the 23-year-old's Goodison future.

Morgan Schneiderlin names the Everton player who would make the best teacher
Schneiderlin also reveals the "smartest" player in the Blues squad
By Phil Kirkbride
23 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Morgan Schneiderlin has picked the Everton player he believes would make the best school teacher - Gareth Barry. The French international reckons his midfield partner offers plenty of "words of wisdom" and that people always take note of what he says. Schneiderlin has also named who he thinks is the "smartest" player in the Blues squad.
Asked which fellow player he thinks would make a good school teacher, the 27-year-old replied: "I will say Gareth Barry! "He passes on a lot of words of wisdom because he's very experienced so when he speaks people listen to him."
Then asked to name his smartest team mate, Schneiderlin said: "Probably Seamus (Coleman), he's very level headed and intelligent.
"He is a good student of the game, very hard working and has a good character."
On his own school days, the former Manchester United player admits that football dominated.
"I was okay at school until I was about 14-15 years-old when I started to get really into football," he said. "My brain was made to be a football player! "I was just living for football at this age but my parents always pushed me to get the best results possible at school because you don't know what can happen in your life but my brain was made to be a football player."

Everton hand young goalkeeper new deal as others get contract extensions
Mateusz Hewelt signs new contract as club's under-23s start shaping squad
By Phil Kirkbride
23 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton have handed a new two-year deal to goalkeeper Mateusz Hewelt.
And the Blues have exercised options in the contract of other Academy players to keep them at the club.
Hewelt was coming to the end of his contract this summer but Everton have agreed fresh terms with the Polish stopper.
The 20-year-old was part of Ronald Koeman's matchday squad in the league six times this season as well as a key figure in the under-23s Premier League 2 title win.
Everton also handed a three year deal to talented teenager Nathan Broadhead this week and have tied up Courtney Duffus, Gethin Jones and Calum Dyson up for at least another 12 months.
The trio were among a raft of players who were coming to the end of their deals at Goodison.
U-23s boss David Unsworth confirmed earlier this month that it was his intention to retain the majority of the existing squad for next season.
Unsworth also confirmed plans to delve into the transfer market this summer to bolster his title winning squad. Sheffield Wednesday striker George Hirst and Newcastle defender Lewis Gibson are understood to be among his targets.

Everton transfers – should Blues consider a move for Spanish legend Iker Casillas?
Reports suggest the decorated shot-stopper is available... and the Blues are in the market for a goalkeeper
ByIan Doyle
05:00, 24 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Ask any Everton supporter to compile a shopping list for the summer, each will feature the same demand.A new goalkeeper.Footballers aren't daft. They hear the chatter, the rumours, the conjecture, particularly when it's close to home.Joel Robles, who was rotated with Maarten Stekelenburg between the sticks throughout the campaign by Blues boss Ronald Koeman, admitted as much yesterday in a frank interview."The truth is that I am not very clear what will happen in the future," he said. "I have certain doubts."Those doubts extend further than the Spaniard. Stekelenburg is most likely pondering similar issues, wondering just where he'll stand in the Goodison pecking order once the new season resumes.Indeed, it's highly unlikely the transfer window will slam shut in September without the Blues having snapped up a new goalkeeper.Everton have been linked strongly with Jordan Pickford of relegated Sunderland, with the Black Cats slapping a £30million price tag on the 23-year-old.Pickford, an England under-21 international, is one for both the present and the future.But if Koeman, having assessed his current charges, decides he needs more experienced competition, even if that's in addition to a possible move for Pickford, then there's a potential target that intrigues.
Iker Casillas.The former Spain and Real Madrid shot-stopper was on Tuesday linked with a number of clubs, including Liverpool, as he seeks to move on from Porto, where he has featured since an emotional farewell from the Bernabeu two years ago.It's not as thought Casillas was put out to pasture, either. He was in outstanding form this season in Portugal, keeping 23 clean sheets in 43 games.Spanish news outlet AS, based in Madrid, claim the player wants to experience life in the Premier League.So why not at Everton?Okay, having turned 36 on Saturday, few doubt Casillas is not quite the player he was when helping Spain to the World Cup in 2010 and two European Championships, along with three Champions League titles among many honours with Real.But there has, of course, been a precedent for the Blues helping ensure longevity from ageing goalkeepers.Look at Nigel Martyn, who former Everton boss David Moyes rates as his "greatest ever" signing while at Goodison.Eyebrows were raised when Martyn, then 37, was snapped up on a free transfer from Leeds United in the summer of 2003.But after the door was swiftly opened by an injury to first-choice Richard Wright, Martyn soon ensconced himself as a regular, making light of his advancing years with a series of impressive performances over the next three seasons, not least in 2004-05 when helping Everton finish fourth.Casillas could make the same impact and his experience would surely benefit those around him – including any possible younger goalkeeping arrival – and elevate Everton's standing across Europe.And never before would there have been such a decorated player on their books.If Casillas truly is available, then the Blues would do worse than to ask the question.

The real Everton player of the year - and it's not Idrissa Gueye
ECHO writers have been rating the Blues all season... and here's how Ronald Koeman's players have ranked
ByIan Doyle
05:00, 24 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
The passports have been renewed, Google Maps loaded up.A season of improvement under Ronald Koeman saw Everton earn a return to Continental combat with qualification to the Europa League.It was deserved reward for a season in which the Blues gave real hope that the top six could become a top seven.Led by our Everton reporter Phil Kirkbride, the ECHO has covered every Blues game, both home and away.And on each occasion, we've given every player who managed to feature for 15 minutes a mark out of 10.The only player to gain full marks was Maarten Stekelenburg for his performance at Manchester City when saving two penalties.But when all the scores are totted up and averaged out, who was Everton's best this season?Every player who was rated at least 10 times has been included in our list below.Idrissa Gueye may have swept the board at the Dixies, but he was kept off the top spot here by Morgan Schneiderlin.Of course, there's an obvious caveat, with Gueye making more than double - 35 to 14 - the number of scoring appearances for Everton.Tom Davies's high mark, though, came from 24 appearances, a substantial sample size, and underlined just how impressive the 18-year-old's campaign has been.It will be a surprise to some to see James McCarthy so high up the list, while Yannick Bolasie had shown real promise before his season-ending injury.Some of the names towards the bottom are no shock, although it is curious Seamus Coleman averaged such a relatively low mark.Intriguingly, though, goalkeepers Joel Robles and Stekelenburg both made 21 scoring appearances and returned exactly the same average mark - 6.19047619 before being rounded up to 6.2.We couldn't separate them. And neither, it seemed, could Blues boss Koeman.

Everton's Ross Barkley would be ideal for Manchester United reckons Leon Osman
Midfielder's former Blues team-mate believes England international would fit the bill for Jose Mourinho if he departs Goodison
ByChris Beesley
08:51, 24 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Everton midfielder Ross Barkley would be an ideal signing for Manchester United reckons if he does leave Goodison Park reckons his former Blues team-mate Leon Osman . Speaking in an interview with talkSPORT, Osman who was alongside Barkley in Everton's midfield when he made his senior debut against QPR in August 2011, declared that he did not believe that manager Ronald Koeman was forcing the England international out of the club. He said: "In football these days players have so much power. I just think Ronald Koeman is completely against that."Ronald Koeman is a man who wants control of everything that goes on at the football club. If it looks like Ross isn't signing his contract, he is going to demand that things are sorted and will try to get as much money as he can."Lifelong Evertonian Barkley has just one year remaining on his current deal and has so far refused to sign a new contract at Goodison.Koeman has warned the player that he will be sold if he does not commit his future to the club and if there is a parting of the ways, Osman believes that a Premier League rival could potentially pick up a gem.The 36-year-old, who played 433 times for the Blues, said: "He is one of the top players in the Premier League."He has had a decent season for Everton, has scored some great goals and has showed what he is capable of."If a team feels he can do a job for them, they will get him at a snip."There has been a lot of talk about Tottenham and him going down there. They have got a fantastic team, but would he be the first name on the team sheet? I don't know."I think someone like Man United might want him. Jose Mourinho likes his physical players, he likes everyone in his team to be powerful and big, and Ross Barkley certainly fits that bill."

Everton boss Ronald Koeman promises to break up holidays to seal transfers
Blues manager will have mobile phone "close" when on break
ByPhil Kirkbride
24 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Ronald Koeman will have his mobile phone "close to me" during his post-season holiday as he plots a busy summer transfer window.And the Everton boss says he will be ready to interrupt his break to jump on a plane to help seal a signing. The Blues are gearing up for a summer of heavy investment as they try and build a squad capable of mounting a top four challenge next season.Koeman has spoken about the need to add "productivity" to the Everton squad but a new goalkeeper and centre-half are also on his wishlist.Everton return for pre-season training on July 3 and Koeman said: "On one side I will take a holiday and relax but, on the other side, as a manager it is totally different than as a football player because everyone knows we would like to do some good [transfer] business. "I will have my mobile phone close to me so if there is anything we need to discuss or I need to get a flight, I am available."He added: "You need a break. You need to relax because it's a long season in the Premier League."I have that experience as a manager - I can deal with it, having a good holiday but also having thoughts of next season."

Ronald Koeman keen to add some creativity to his Everton squad in the summer transfer window
Everton struggled for goals this term, with Romelu Lukaku their only player to score more than five
Sports Staff
24/05/2017
The Independent Football
Everton manager Ronald Koeman will attempt to add some creativity to his squad in the summer transfer window.The Toffees struggled away from home this season, scoring just 20 goals in 19 matches, and after Romelu Lukaku (25) their second highest Premier League scorer was Ross Barkley with just five.Koeman has already warned Barkley, who risks being sold in the coming months having stalled on an extension to his existing deal which has a year to run, that he is looking for similar players to perform his role and the Dutchman is keen to add attacking options elsewhere."A clear objective will be to bring in players who will have more productivity," he told evertontv."I expect that we can change that for next season."If we can do the business we want to do this summer, the team for next season will be really strong, I believe."Koeman and his players have now broken up for the summer but the manager will not be too far away when it comes to new signings."On one side I will take a holiday and relax but, on the other side, as a manager it is totally different than as a football player because everyone knows we would like to do some good business," he added."I have that experience as a manager - I can deal with it, having a good holiday but also having thoughts of next season."I will have my mobile phone close to me so if there is anything we need to discuss or I need to get a flight, I am available."Barkley's situation continues to drag on, despite Koeman insisting he wanted a decision from the England midfielder by last weekend.The Dutchman has spoken to the club's board this week to discuss the matter but the issue appears far from being resolved.Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman said Koeman was not prepared to be held to ransom by any player and suggested Barkley, who has been attracting interest from Tottenham, would fit in well at Manchester United."In football these days players have so much power. I just think Ronald Koeman is completely against that," he told talkSPORT."Ronald Koeman is a man who wants control of everything that goes on at the football club. If it looks like Ross isn't signing his contract, he is going to demand that things are sorted and will try to get as much money as he can."There has been a lot of talk about Tottenham. They have got a fantastic team, but would he be the first name on the team sheet? I don't know."I think someone like Man United might want him. Jose Mourinho likes his physical players, he likes everyone in his team to be powerful and big, and Ross Barkley certainly fits that bill."

Everton's first summer under Koeman - how it happened
The Blues boss had an eventful first summer in the job as players came and went
ByGreg O'KeeffePhil Kirkbride
16:00, 24 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
It was an eventful summer.
Everton got a new manager, a director of football and splashed out £25m on a winger, while other targets stayed tantalisingly out of reach.Farhad Moshiri wanted to flex his financial muscle and help Ronald Koeman start his reign with aplomb; a noble intent which had mixed results.The Blues had to learn to walk before they ran in the mega-money end of the market, while also contending with even richer Champions League clubs such as Manchester City coveting their best players.John Stones eventually left Goodison as the lure of playing under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad proved too great, but Romelu Lukaku decided to stick around for another season.As we approach the start of Koeman's second summer in charge with a hopefully older and wiser board, take a moment to look back at how last year unfolded.

Everton fan beats 4.5 million managers to top Fantasy Premier League - without picking a Liverpool player
Blues supporter Ben Crabtree used Everton players enroute to top award
ByAlistair Kleebauer
17:32, 24 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
An Everton supporter has beaten 4.5 million people to top the official Fantasy Premier League while observing one hard and fast rule - to never pick a Liverpool player.Ben Crabtree rose from being in 26,591st position after the first week of Premier League matches last August to claim the title on the final gameweek.It was the first time he'd topped the league all season, making it an incredibly dramatic finish which the real Premier League would be proud of. It meant the 31-year-old won prizes including VIP hospitality at two Premier League matches next season, a week's worth of experiences in the UK through Visit Britain and a Nike manager's jacket to really feel the part.Ben, who has played the popular game for eight seasons, used Everton players including Romelu Lukaku, Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines over the course of the season.But he never compromised his principles by picking a Liverpool player despite being tempted to include Philippe Coutinho.He told the BBC: "It was a little bit dodgy at the end because Coutinho seemed an obvious transfer to make on the last week but I thought I need to stick with my morals and keep them intact."Also, I don't pick a player if they're playing Everton unless it's someone really good. "If it's someone like Sergio Aguero or Harry Kane I leave them in and hope they don't score."Fantasy managers get a budget of £100million to pick a squad of 15 Premier League players from any club.The players' values change over the course of the season depending on their performances and the bosses pick a starting XI for each gameweek.Players get points for scoring goals, making assists, getting clean sheets and other performance indicators and the managers can make one free transfer each week.Before Sunday's last round of Premier League matches, Ben's FC Crab Dogg trailed Uwais Ahmed's Fahad's XI by only two points.His rival, an Arsenal fan, had no qualms about picking Coutinho, who rewarded him with ten points by scoring against Middlesbrough and getting other bonus points.Uwais also selected Adam Lallana, a goalscorer on Sunday, and the Gooner differed in Ben's uncompromising approach by picking two Tottenham players - the high scoring Harry Kane and defender Jan Vertonghen.Uwais hadn't been out of the top two since March and had topped the league since late April.But Ben triumphed thanks partly to a canny transfer, swapping Bournemouth's injured player Josh King for fellow Cherries' player Junior Stanislas for the final gameweek.His love of Everton didn't stretch to picking any Blues players in his final starting XI but that was a wise move considering the team's poor performance at the Emirates stadium against Arsenal.His final team was Petr Cech (Arsenal); a defence of Ben Davies (Tottenham), Marcos Alonso (Chelsea), and Jack Stephens (Southampton); a midfield of Junior Stanislas (Bournemouth), Christian Eriksen (Tottenham), Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal) and Leroy Sane (Man City); and an attacking trio of Harry Kane (Tottenham), Diego Costa (Chelsea) and Gabriel Jesus (Man City).The top-heavy attacking team carried lots of goal threat and Ben benefited from Alexis Sanchez being listed in the Premier League database as a midfielder.The Chilean, who scored 24 goals, had the highest points total over the season - 264.Ben told premierleague.com how his girlfriend couldn't take the tension on the final day: "I was quite nervous before kick-off. It felt like this was my one and only chance to win. I was worried I was going to have regrets."I had to watch the events unfold from the sofa on my own as my girlfriend Pauline quickly evacuated to the garden after she sensed the tension involved." Stanislas scored an early goal against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium to give Ben hope and he thought he'd won it when Tottenham's defender Ben Davies found the net late on at Hull City.Uwais shot back though, with Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas getting a late assist, and Ben wasn't sure if he was the champion even after the final whistles went.He said: "I was anxiously predicting the bonus points and had myself ahead by one or two points but there was a lot of frantic clicking."He eventually learned that he had topped the league by just five points.Ben was in the top ten of players since early March and won the title with 2,564 points.He benefited from his highest scoring gameweek being the penultimate one.He picked Sanchez as captain, which meant he scored double points for the week.It was a wise choice as the Arsenal player scored three goals in two games (Stoke away and Sunderland at home), an assist and other bonus points.Having Harry Kane in his team didn't hurt either as he scored an incredible eight goals in the final three games.Ben made 42 transfers over the season and improved significantly on his previous highest finish of 353rd in 2011/12.He out-thought 4,503,344 fantasy managers and a total of 135,343,773 transfers were made.The highest scoring player from either of the Merseyside clubs was Lukaku, the fifth best player in the game with 221 points.Liverpool's Roberto Firmino made the top ten with 180 points followed by Coutinho in 16th (171 points) and Sadio Mane in 23rd (156 points).Georginio Wijnaldum came 26th (149 points) and the next highest scoring Everton player was Ross Barkley in 29th place (144 points).Ben told the BBC he is looking forward to the summer break.He said: "I'm happy to have a rest. The whole build-up has been a lot, it'll be good to have no football for a few weeks."But once a few transfers start happening and once the game gets released again it changes. I'll be back to defend my title."

'Everton's transfer negotiators must do a better job this summer'
Everton Jury give their thoughts on Ronald Koeman's first season in charge
ByPhil Kirkbride
05:00, 25 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Chris Douglas (Old Swan)
First of all I would like to thank the players for the magnificent effort they put in on Sunday against a ten man Arsenal with defensive problems.the players clearly were not interested in there forthcoming holidays, honest.It was an absolute shambles from the first minute with comical goals conceded and a complete lack of interest from most of them.The only player who gave anything, isn't even ours anymore,and all Enner Valencia did was get Laurent Koscielny sent off and Gabriel injured.The defence was a shambles and let's be honest Ashley Williams has been a let down from what we were expecting,he should worry about his place next year.The midfield was none existent and whilst Romelu Lukaku is, and always will be, a more talented footballer than Harry Kane but he got exactly what he deserved in not winning the golden boot when he decided to down tools and take his holiday early at the end of April.The season overall has been average but, compared to last season, a vast improvement, we are stuck in limbo in seventh far ahead of those below us and far away from those above us, early signings are a must and Mr Jumps in the Crowd Barkley must decide if he is a true Evertonian or not , if he isn't then bye and you'll regret it.europe in July against some undoubtedly crack Eastern European side awaits us - keep on keeping on.
Paul McAllister (Fazakerley)
The season is over and the official post-mortem can begin.Did we make strides forwards as a club, on and off the pitch?Did the new manager prove to be upgrade on his predecessor?Is the fanbase more together than before? The answer I would apply to all of all the above questions is a resounding yes.Koeman has come in and taken a very disorganised and disjointed squad of players and got the best out of them whilst ruthlessly discarding the inadequate - something the club hasn't done swiftly enough in the past.Whilst our performances in the cups were very disappointing and there were a few calamity results here and there, to qualify for Europe is something we definitely wanted.Anyone who had hoped for a serious top four challenge this season was getting far too ahead of themselves, the squad isn't anywhere close to that level yet.The Dutchman's signings have been more hit than miss and many of the old guard have bought into his philosophy.If he is backed like we've been assured he will be then I'm confident this summer he will buy well and massively beef up our options all over the team.I already can't wait for next season, I've never been this sure before that Everton Football Club is on the cusp of great times.If the likes of Lukaku and Barkley don't want to come along with us then more fool them, we will move forward with players who want to play here and help us win things.They will regret leaving, particularly the latter, of that I'm sure.To next season then.
Lee Molton (St Helens)
The season ended with a poor display at 10 man Arsenal, it would have been good if the team could have gone out with a bang, or even a good performance, but it was similar to the last month of the campaign.Evertonians will now be watching Sky Sports News and scanning the gossip columns for news of any transfers coming in. I think we need a new goalkeeper, two centre-halves, a winger and a striker to improve our first-team.We also need a couple of squad players too as we will need a big squad to cope with Europa League and the Premier League.It has been a good season with good progress in making Goodison a fortress again with great wins against Man City and Arsenal.The away form has been disappointing though and needs to improve next season.Going out of the two cup competitions at the early stages was very disappointing too – we are in desperate need of a trophy.We can all enjoy our summer break now, roll on August though!
Terry McAllister (Aintree)
A lacklustre and limp finish to this campaign shouldn't spoil what has been a fine first showing from the management team given where they started from last summer.Make no mistake, a lot of the Everton squad have spent the last few weeks in holiday mode but a great deal of them will have actually been working their notice.Ronald Koeman knows who he wants from his current squad and who he has been making do with until replacements arrive.The "massive summer" line is used every year but this off-season is the first in my time as a supporter where there has been a long term plan in place at Goodison.There will still be a lot of bumps in the road this summer, there always is.Players' agents using the club to whip up interest in their client and last minute swerves as other clubs try to snatch our targets.Everton's transfer negotiators need to do a better job this window than they did last time or they will be in line to be replaced along with the rest of the deadwood.Big name statement signings or young gems out to become big names, the most important thing any new Everton player needs to have is a winning mentality.

Everton transfer rumours - Burnley could keep Michael Keane despite interest
A round-up of Everton transfer rumours and speculation from around the web
ByJoe Rimmer
09:33, 25 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Burnley chairman Mike Garlick says that the club could keep Michael Keane this summer and risk losing him on a free next year.Everton are one of a number of clubs interested in the central defender, along with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool. Garlick explained that keeping Keane could be worth more to the Clarets long-term than selling him this summer. "Let's roll it forward a year -- what's the prize for staying up again, another £120-130 million,'' Garlick said. "So if we miss out on one or two fees and get that, I know what I'd take."The most important thing for the fans to know is that we don't actually have to sell any player. Going forward it's got to be on our terms and terms that are right for us. Do we need to sell anyone? No. "It [speculation] is part of the business and it comes with the territory of being a successful team that has an impact in the Premier League, which is what we've done. It's bound to attract attention. Right now there's a lot of noise out there from the media but we haven't had any formal interest in anyone. If we want to keep players, we'll keep them.''

Everton in talks with Cuco Martina over signing Southampton defender
• The 27-year-old is out of contract at St Mary's Stadium this month
• Koeman wants cover because of Seamus Coleman's long-term injury
Andy Hunter
Thursday 25 May
The Independent
Everton have held talks with Cuco Martina over signing the Southampton defender on a free transfer.The 27-year-old is out of contract at St Mary's Stadium this month and open to a move having failed to secure a regular place in Claude Puel's team this season, making only 18 appearances in all competitions.Ronald Koeman, who worked with the Dutch defender at Southampton and considered an approach for the former FC Twente player last year, wants cover at right-back because of Seamus Coleman's long-term injury.Coleman will be absent when next season begins as he recovers from a double leg fracture. Mason Holgate deputised for the Republic of Ireland captain last term and Everton also have Jonjoe Kenny emerging through the ranks, with the full-back impressing in the under-23s Premier League Two title win.But Koeman believes more experience is needed and Martina's ability to also play in central defence make him an appealing option on a free.

Mason Holgate confident age is no barrier for Everton boss Koeman
Blues defender revels in Ronald Koeman's faith with youth
ByChris Beesley
11:08, 25 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Mason Holgate is hoping to build on the progress of his first season in the Everton senior team as he declared that age is no barrier for Ronald Koeman when it comes to blooding youngsters. The defender was handed his Blues debut in Koeman's first game in charge, the 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of the campaign.The 20-year-old went on to appear 21 times throughout the season and with other youngsters such as Tom Davies (18) making 25 appearances, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (20) turning out on 11 occasions and January signing Ademola Lookman (19) featuring in eight games, the Dutchman showed his faith in youth.Holgate said: "It is good to know that the manager doesn't care too much about age. "If he thinks I'm doing well, then he has no hesitation in putting me in the team."It's good to know that. It gives me even more of an incentive to do everything I can, knowing that if I do that then I'll get a chance."We feel stronger as a team. We're going to need it next year in Europe with the extra games. "But we're ready for it and we're all looing forward to next season. It's really exciting to see how the club is progressing and hopefully we can keep pushing on, building on what we've done this season."Holgate added: "I've been really happy to be so involved this season, but it is only the start for me."I'm looking to improve and to progress more next season, so I'm more involved to the point where I'm consistently on the team sheet."Everton will return to competitive action before the end of July in the Europa League but Holgate is aiming to get back on the pitch before them for the European Championship finals in mid-June with England Under-21s.He said: "I'm hoping to get called up for the Euros with England Under-21s, so hopefully it won't be a massive break for me but we'll see what happens. "It's a massive honour to represent your country, it's something I dreamed of doing growing up. We've got a good team, we feel like we can do well and push for honours."When you look through all the age groups at England, there are a good few Everton lads with each team. It shows we're doing well and we're all happy to be getting chances."

Wayne Rooney makes huge donation to families of Manchester attack victims
Former Blues boy wonder said he has enjoyed great nights at Arena
ByGreg O'Keeffe
11:31, 25 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Wayne Rooney has donated £100,000 through his foundation to help families affected by the Manchester terror attack.The Manchester United captain said his "heart goes out all those affected" and urged others to donate what they can to help.A homemade bomb was detonated in the foyer of Manchester Arena at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people."There are moments in life that instantly affect you and stop you in your tracks," he said. "Monday night was one of those occasions. Like so many others, I have enjoyed great nights at the arena, often with my family. "As a father, I am horrified that a night out for so many young people could end so tragically."Former Everton prodigy Rooney came on as a late substitute in United's 2-0 victory over Ajax in the Europa League final at the Friends Arena in Stockholm."Obviously football doesn't bring back the lives which were lost, but to try and give some happiness to the city was vital to us," the 31-year-old said after lifting the trophy. "I knew people who were at the concert, so it's not easy, it's not a nice moment - not just for Manchester but for the whole of England, and we all felt that. Then we had to go out and put a performance in to win the game."Rooney, who has been strongly linked with a Goodison return this summer, could not say if the game would be his last in a Manchester United shirt."I don't know. Honestly, I don't know," he said. "This is a time now that I will go and spend with my family, there's decisions I have to make and I'll do that over the next few weeks."

Who Everton may play in Europa League tough to predict but familiar names are lurking
We must wait a bit longer for Everton's opponents to become clear
ByDavid Prentice
12:05, 25 MAY 2017
Updated12:21, 25 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
One hundred teams will be in the first qualifying round of the Europa League, which is drawn on June 19 and plays its first leg 10 days later.So with Everton not entering the competition until the third qualifying round, it is still almost impossible to analyse who the Blues may face on their return to European competition in July. But there are some familiar names already lurking in the draw.Everton's old Cup Winners Cup opponents KR Reykjavik will enter the competition at the inaugural stage, along with Glasgow Rangers and St Johnstone from north of the border - and Eastern European giants Red Star Belgrade and Ferencvaros. All of those clubs will be seeded at that stage - and joined by unseeded clubs like Shamrock Rovers, Cork City, the Lincoln Red Imps team who embarrassed Celtic in Europe this season and a trio of Welsh clubs - Bala, Bangor and Connahs Quay.The teams who make it through to the 2nd qualifying round will then be joined by Aberdeen, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dinamo Minsk, while some serious teams will come in with Everton at the 3rd qualifying round stage.Names like Zenit St. Petersburg, AC Milan and FK Krasnodar - who Everton have met before in Europe - and PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Braga, Olympique Marseille, Dinamo Zagreb, Austria Vienna and Sparta Prague - who they haven't.Again all of those clubs will be seeded, meaning Everton are unlikely to face them.And they are just the teams we know will be involved.The Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga seasons may all have been completed - but there are still plenty of matches to be played throughout Europe.This week there are games in the Irish Premier League, the Austrian Tipico Bundesliga and the Albanian Super League, while tomorrow night Alkmaar and Utrecht contest a Europea League play-off in Holland.We will be monitoring the Europa League games closely this summer - but the simple answer is that Everton won't have any idea who they are likely to play until the 3rd qualifying round draw is made on July 14.And even then they may need to wait a few days longer.The draw is made six days before the 2nd qualifying round second leg games are completed - which means it could be an either/or for Ronald Koeman's men if the first leg is close.The 3rd qualifying round first leg match will be played on July 29.

Former Everton striker Wayne Rooney left out of England squad
The Manchester United and England captain has been dropped by Gareth Southgate
ByJoe Rimmer
13:49, 25 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Former Everton striker Wayne Rooney has been omitted from Gareth Southgate's England squad for games against Scotland and France next month. The 31-year-old, who has 119 caps, has only started 15 league matches for Manchester United this season and has been linked with a return to Goodison Park.Rooney is the England captain, but Southgate has provided no explanation for leaving the Croxteth-born player out of his full squad.Southgate has picked Rooney's club team-mate Marcus Rashford, Tottenham's Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy of Leicester and 34-year-old Jermain Defoe as his four striking options for the two internationals.The squad includes a first call-up for Tottenham right-back Kieran Trippier.England play Scotland at Hampden Park on June 10 for in a World Cup qualifying match before heading to France for a friendly on June 13.

Everton target Cuco Martina released by Southampton as Blues move edges closer
Ronald Koeman tried to bring the right-back to Goodison last summer
ByGreg O'Keeffe
25 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Southampton have released out of contract defender Cuco Martina paving the way for Ronald Koeman to be reunited with the right back at Everton . The Blues boss tried to bring the 27-year-old to Goodison as cover last summer, but the South Coast club refused to sanction the move.However they confirmed today that the former FC Twente man is one of four players to be released along with Lloyd Isgrove, Harley Willard and Martin Caceres.Koeman wants a natural right-back to deputise for Seamus Coleman at the start of next term, with Mason Holgate's long-term future in central defence.Martina, from Rotterdam, can also play at centre back and his flexibility is viewed as a plus ahead of a busy campaign. Some reports have suggested he has already flown to Merseyside as the Blues finalise making him their first recruit of the summer.

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley misses out on England squad
The Blues contract rebel is injured but has not been called up by Gareth Southgate
ByAlistair Kleebauer
25 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Ross Barkley has missed out on the England squad for next month's games against Scotland and France. No Everton players were named by manager Gareth Southgate in his 25-man squad for the World Cup qualifier in Scotland on June 10 or the friendly in France on June 13.Midfielder Barkley, who has 22 caps, was an unused substitute in England's last game, the World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley in March.The ECHO understands he is nursing an injury after the final game of the season at Arsenal, and would have been unavailable for selection anyway.
Phil Jagielka, who has 40 caps, was also not among the ten defenders selected, suggesting he plays no part in Southgate's plans.The 34-year-old missed out on the Euro 2016 squad and admitted last November that he was uncertain about his future with the England team.But he said that he is hopeful he can still make a contribution.He last pulled on the Three Lions shirt in the friendly against Spain last November.Barkley, who is 23 years old, made his last appearance for England in May 2016.Everton's 20-year-old defender Mason Holgate has been named among 28 players for England Under-21s.They will take part in a training camp at the St George's Park national football centre.It is part of the squad's prepations for the European U-21 Championships in Poland which start on June 16.Head coach Aidy Boothroyd has to name a 23-man squad for the tournament.
The full England squad is:
Goalkeepers
Jack Butland (Stoke City), Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley)
Defenders
Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United), Ben Gibson (Middlesbrough), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders
Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Jake Livermore (West Bromwich Albion), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Forwards
Jermain Defoe (Sunderland), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
The full U-21 squad is:
Goalkeepers
Angus Gunn (Manchester City), Jonathan Mitchell (Derby County), Jordan Pickford (Sunderland), Joe Wildsmith (Sheffield Wednesday)
Defenders
Calum Chambers (Arsenal), Ben Chilwell (Leicester City), Kortney Hause (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rob Holding (Arsenal), Mason Holgate (Everton), Dominic Iorfa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Alfie Mawson (Swansea City), Sam McQueen (Southampton), Jack Stephens (Southampton), Matt Targett (Southampton)
Midfielders
Lewis Baker (Chelsea), Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa),
Will Hughes (Derby County), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), John Swift (Reading), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
Forwards
Tammy Abraham (Bristol City), Isaiah Brown (Chelsea), Demarai Gray (Leicester City), Jacob Murphy (Norwich City), Nathan Redmond (Southampton), Patrick Roberts (Manchester City), Cauley Woodrow (Fulham)

It's Everton or abroad for Wayne Rooney as he confirms he's all but decided to leave Manchester United this summer
Old Trafford sources say it is virtually inevitable he will leave, and there remains a strong belief Everton is his preferred football destination
Miguel Delaney Chief Football Writer
@MiguelDelaney
Thursday 25 May 2017 14:59 BST
The Independent Football
After what is believed to have been his last appearance for Manchester United, Wayne Rooney stopped to talk in the Friends Arena mixed zone - and stopped just short of fully revealing his future plans.The 31-year-old said he has made a decision on his future, that he 'knows' what he will do - but intimated that he still has to make up his mind on his actual destination with his family over the next two weeks, following United's 2-0 Europa League final win over Ajax.Old Trafford sources say it is virtually inevitable he will leave, and there remains a strong belief Everton is his preferred football destination, but Rooney said he will weigh up a number of factors with his family.The United captain confirmed he had "lots of offers on the table" from England and abroad. Rooney turned down a move to the Chinese Super League in February, and it is understood that is because he feels he has more to give at the top level, as he also seeks to weigh up what is the best decision for his family. He meanwhile confirmed that the only Premier League clubs he would ever play for are United or Everton. It was one of those occasions when Rooney rather creditably wanted to front up with the media and discuss his situation as candidly as possible - having promised journalists he would do precisely that after the Europa League semi-final win over Celta Vigo - but was very conscious of how much he could actually say. Directly asked whether he would sit down with manager Jose Mourinho or assess things when on holiday, Rooney smiled and assertively stated: "I know. No, I know [what I'm doing]... as the manager said before, he wants me to stay, but… "Asked again whether there was any leeway on whatever his mindset was or whether he had decided, Rooney again said "more or less, yeah", as if to he say he had decided. When asked whether he wanted to reveal what that decision was, and whether he would ever play for another Premier League club, the 31-year-old laughed good-naturedly and said: "I've played for two Premier League clubs and they're the only two Premier League clubs I'll play for.""Yeah, there's lots of offers on the table, both in England, abroad and really that's what I have to decide on," Rooney elaborated."I've got decisions to make now over the next few weeks, have a word with my family, and then I'll decide…"A further issue for Rooney after a season where he has played less than ever before has been that United are expected to sign big, especially in attack given the targets of Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann and Torino's Andrea Belotti, but he stated there was more to it as he also reflected on the contribution he feels he can still give to a club. The 31-year-old insisted he feels he could still play 64 games in a season, but stressed how he had always been willing to put the team first, and admitted he would have found it much more frustrating as a younger player."No, I don't think it's that [extra signings], I think I just have to make a decision in terms of a football decision, and that's what I'll do, I'll do that the next few weeks with my family while I'm away and, honestly, as soon as I know what's going on then, I'm sure you [will know]."Of course you want to play, you want to be on the pitch, of course. I think a younger me would have been a lot more frustrated. I think I understand what's right and what's needed for the club, and I respect that. Obviously happy to be part of that and in some way help the club win trophies, and that's the way it's been over the last 18 months, last year, and that's a decision I have to make now, whether I want to continue doing that or go on and play more regular football."I still believe I could [play all 64 matches of a season]. You know, if you're asking me if I'm a better player now than I was 10 years ago, then obviously I'm not but I still feel I've got other qualities that can help the team and as I said, it's a decision now I'll make in the next couple of weeks."

Everton's pre-season Tanzania game set for July 13 against African club
Eight African clubs will play in tournament for the right to face Blues
ByChris Beesley
15:17, 25 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Everton's pre-season friendly in Tanzania is reportedly set to take place on Thursday July 13 with the Blues facing one of eight African clubs battling for the right to face them at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The trip is part of Everton's new shirt sponsorship deal with African gaming company SportPesa , and the subsidiary competition to earn a game against Ronald Koeman's side has been titled SportPesa Super Cup tournament. As well as bagging their place in the prestigious exhibition match against Everton, the African sides will be competing for $30,000 in prize money.The teams taking part are Simba,Young Africans and Singida United from mainland Tanzania; Jang'ombe Boys from the island of Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania); plus for clubs from SportPesa's homeland Kenya, Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Nakuru All Star and Tusker FC.Matches will take place between June 5-11 at the 23,000 capacity Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam (as opposed to the 60,000 National Stadium where Everton will play).On the first day, Tanzanian Premier Division new boys Singida United face Kenya's AFC Leopards while Young Africans tackle Tusker in another Tanzania v Kenya encounter.The following day, Jang'ombe Boys of Zanzibar play Kenyans Gor Mahia while Simba of Tanzania will entertain Nakuru All Star of Kenya.Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Harrison Mwakyembe told the Tanzanian National Assembly earlier this month: "One of the biggest team in the English Premier League, Everton FC is expected in the country in July with an intention to play an international friendly match with one of our biggest teams in the country's main league as well as visiting various tourist attractions."

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney speaks on possible Everton return
Striker says Blues and Red Devils are the only Premier League sides he'll ever play for
ByChris Beesley
16:01, 25 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Former Everton player Wayne Rooney has hinted at a possible return to Goodison Park as the Manchester United captain prepares to wave goodbye to Old Trafford. Both Blues manager Ronald Koeman and director of football Steve Walsh have spoken publicly of their admiration for the player in recent months and Rooney's latest comments suggest he is either poised to come back to his spiritual home or plot a move abroad. Having made his senior debut for Everton as a 16-year-old in 2002, Rooney moved to Manchester United just two years later and he is now the record goalscorer for both club and country.However, after 13 seasons with the Red Devils, the 31-year-old is set for a parting of the ways and he appeared to make his farewell in their 2-0 victory over Ajax in the Europa League final in Stockholm.Rooney, who has also been linked with transfers to either the USA or China, said: "There's lots of offers on the table, both in England and abroad, and really that's what I have to decide on."As the manager said before, he wants me to stay, but I just have to make a decision in terms of a football decision, and that's what I'll do. I'll do that the next few weeks with my family while I'm away."That's the decision I have to make now, whether I want to continue doing that or go on and play more regular football."Asked specifically about moving back to Everton, Rooney added: "I've played for two Premier League clubs and they're the only two Premier League clubs I'll play for."Rooney has also been left out of Gareth Southgate's latest England squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Scotland and friendly against France but maintains he can still play at the top level. He said: "If you're asking me if I'm a better player now than I was 10 years ago, then obviously I'm not.
Would you want Wayne Rooney back at Everton next season?
"But I still feel I've got other qualities that can help the team. As I said, it's a decision now I'll make in the next couple of weeks."I think a younger me would have been a lot more frustrated. I think I understand what's right and what's needed for the club, and I respect that."

Everton's Gethin Jones called up by Wales after international tug of war
Young Blues defender was also wanted by Australia
ByChris Beesley
25 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Everton's Gethin Jones has been included in Wales manager Chris Coleman's training squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Serbia on June 11.Jones, who was born in Perth, has been the subject of an international tug-of-war between the Welsh and Australians.Coleman's decision comes after Australia contacted the defender earlier this year to ask him to play for their Under-23 side.But Jones - who has captained Wales from the Under-16s right the way up to Under-21 level - has previously admitted he felt "more Welsh than Australian."And Wales manager Coleman has stated Jones is "committed" to Wales, adding that the 21-year-old has been on his radar for a long time.The Welsh boss said: "He's fully committed or he wouldn't be coming."He's someone we've looked at for a long time and who deserves to be here and it's the same with Marley (Watkins) and others. "They'll enjoy it and because they're excited it'll lift the tempo up. It's the same at a domestic club, if you want to lift the tempo on a Thursday you bring youth players in."Jones has not played for Everton's first team – the closest he has come so far is playing for the Under-23s against Blackpool in the Checkatrade Trophy – but he made 17 appearances on loan for Championship side Barnsley this season.

Everton set to approve major Finch Farm investment as Roberto Martinez plans scrapped
Exclusive: Blues plans for Halewood training ground will create jobs
ByPhil Kirkbride
16:45, 25 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Everton's board are expected to give the green light on £4m of investment at the club's training ground. The proposal was discussed at a meeting of Blues' chiefs on Friday.Money would be spent on the creation of 17 new jobs as well as pitches at the Halewood facility.Finch Farm, now sponsored by USM, is undergoing a major revamp including the construction of a 'showpiece' pitch for the club's under-23s to play league fixtures. But plans laid down by former boss Roberto Martinez for the creating of a 'recuperation block' at the training ground are understood to have been scrapped by Ronald Koeman . Inspired by facilities at Real Madrid, Martinez wanted to ensure better rest for players between training sessions - and after long trips for away games.Instead, the extension will be used as the new first-team area.Work, seen as the first phase of development at Finch Farm, is also including the creation of a full sized indoor pitch.

Everton fans torn on prospect of a Wayne Rooney return
Plenty would be glad to see the Manchester United captain back at his boyhood Blues - others aren't as convinced...
ByPaul Gorst
25 MAY 2017
Liverpool Echo
Everton fans are torn on the prospect of a Wayne Rooney return. The Manchester United captain has fallen down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford and could leave the newly-crowned Europa League winners this summer.The Blues have been repeatedly linked with a move for Rooney for much of the season, and the striker hinted that he could make a Goodison Park comeback when the transfer window opens. Speaking after United beat Ajax in the Europa League final on Wednesday, he said: "There's lots of offers on the table, both in England and abroad, and really that's what I have to decide on.
"That's the decision I have to make now, whether i want to continue doing that or go on and play more regular football."I've played for two Premier League clubs and they're the only two Premier League clubs I'll play for."However fans are torn on whether they would want United's all-time leading scorer back at his boyhood club.

'Everton should have signed Joe Hart last summer - we can't afford to miss out again'
The Everton hero on transfers, Ross Barkley's contract and the Arsenal defeat
ByKevin Ratcliffe
25 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
The season is over and thoughts immediately turn to who Everton manager Ronald Koeman could sign in what could be one of the busiest and biggest summers off the pitch in Blues history.We're going to have to strengthen in all areas and with Europe we'll have to more or less two teams to put out.For me, a new goalkeeper has to be a priority.I think Joel Robles has improved and he's shown at times what he's capable of.He's pulled off some great saves but he's also made mistakes.His decision-making from crosses could be better at times and the more games you play you get better at that.You get to know the players around you and when you can come and can't come.I'd like to see another younger central defender come in, a creative midfielder and somebody with a bit of place who can play on the flank.Joel Robles tries in vain to keep Aaron Ramsey's shot out I don't think you can go too much wrong with a Joe Hart coming in.I was screaming out loud for him to come here last summer.Hart or Maarten Stekelenburg it's a no-brainer for me but the manager thought differently.Someone like Joel Robles could learn from him.If you brought in Jordan Pickford he'd just be another younger keeper who needs that experience.You need people who have been in situations. I've seen Pickford but as a keeper you're not mature until you're about 28. If you're going to push on you need somebody who has been a winner but there aren't many around and most of them have been snapped up.On the other hand, to get someone like Hart you'd have to break your wage structure so you've got to consider who other players on existing contracts would take that as it's a balancing act trying to keep a happy camp.
Why didn't Everton sort Barkley contract out earlier?
I just wonder what the problem with Ross Barkley's contract is.Is it the length of the deal? Is it the wages?Sometimes when you're a home-grown product who has come through the ranks, you don't feel you're being paid as much as some of the others who seem to come and go.Ross has handled the whole thing very well in that he's not said anything publicly.I don't know if Ross is one of these players who wants an arm around him because the manager doesn't seem to have shown that type of love to him.He's often been on his back in some way or another, asking him to grow up or whatever.The manager seems to give you the impression that he's not quite bothered if he stays or goes because he'll get on with it and bring somebody else in.Ross has still got another year on his contract, he doesn't have to make a decision.If the club want to sell him, it's up to Ross whether he wants to go or not.He could stay put and see his contract out, he's quite within his rights even if the club are putting pressure on him to sign.I'm trying to look at it from both sides. Ronald has been good with how he has dealt with things but the player can also stand still and sit there if that's what he wants.It makes you wonder why they've only just got around to negotiating these things in recent months and why they didn't sort all this out last year?We're still struggling against the teams above us, especially away from home.That's what we wanted to judge the trip to Arsenal on, how close – or far away – we are from those sides.It looks as if we still have a little way to go. I was really disappointed that we didn't put up a show.We seem to be in a league of our own! There's nobody too close above us or below us.Everton are stuck in limbo at the moment but we've got to try and bridge that gap this summer.You've got to try and find a couple of gems and try and do something similar to what Leicester did.That could help in pushing you on to that next level but then you've got to sustain it.It's obvious really, to attract the really best players you've got to get into the Champions League.We're in the Europa League but we'll have to strengthen for that because we'll need a bigger squad.We've got to look at the teams above us and ask 'what makes them so different?'I look at our squad and think they're not bad when they're all fully fit but there's something not quite there and you start looking at the bench.Some of these teams at the top have got far more strength in reserve although across the park I wouldn't say that Liverpool are one of those sides. Although they've done extremely well with what they've got I don't think Jurgen Klopp is able to change things too much from the bench.

Romelu Lukaku backed to stay at Everton and become one of the greats
Blues scoring legend Bob Latchford is sure Belgian won't 'down tools' if he stays at Goodison
By Chris Beesley
26 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton goalscoring legend Bob Latchford believes current Blues ace Romelu Lukaku will come to be regarded as one of the outstanding strikers of his generation –and has backed the Belgian to stay at Goodison next season. A late scoring blitz from Harry Kane – the Tottenham man netted nine times in his last five games to finish on 29 goals – denied Lukaku, who finished on 25 goals, the Premier League's Golden Boot. In doing so, Kane became Spurs' 11th top-flight top scorer and although Everton still have the most leading marksmen (12), only Gary Lineker (30 goals in 1985-86) has achieved the feat since Latchford's 30-goal campaign in 1977-78. Lukaku has still not signed a lucrative new five-year contract with the club but Latchford is unconcerned that the stand-off could hamper his form if he remains with the Blues. He said: "Romelu Lukaku is not going to down tools at all. He wants to improve and he wants to score goals. "He's got a reputation to uphold. It is a bit of a quandary but personally I think he may stay, at least another year. The biggest doubt is about Ross Barkley, he may just go. "From what I've been told he's got more chance of going this summer than Lukaku. "Every player can be replaced, whoever you are. The challenge is to get the quality players to replace other quality players.
"It's obviously much better to keep them and improve, that would be ideal but it's not an ideal situation and you never have an ideal situation.
"Things like this always happen but what Ronald Koeman does in the transfer market this summer could have quiet an impact, not just on next season but the years to come."
Lukaku turned 24 on May 13 and with 84 Premier League goals to his name, and only three other strikers have netted more by the same age – Michael Owen (110), Robbie Fowler (106) and Wayne Rooney (86) – while the total puts him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (77).
Latchford believes such a record will ensure the Belgian will come to be lauded as one of the greats.
He said: "I think when history looks back on Romelu Lukaku he'll be considered one of the top strikers of his generation without a shadow of a doubt. "If you look at his record now it's outstanding. He's got all the qualities you need as a centre-forward.
"The only thing missing from his point of view is trophies. That's what is driving him.
"He wants to play in the Champions League, which most top players want to do, and he wants to win things." Although seventh-placed Everton finished 15 points clear of their nearest rivals Southampton in the Premier League table this season, Latchford believes they now have a difficult task on their hands when it comes to taking that next step and challenging the division's elite clubs. He said: "It's been an okay season. They can be reasonably pleased. The team probably haven't been as consistent as they would like to have been for sure, especially away from home but at home they have performed very well. "Overall they have to be pleased. They haven't been good enough to get in the top six but they're much better than the rest and have qualified for European football which is a bonus."
Latchford added: "There is a gap and that's quite obvious. It's got to be closed and a lot will depend on who comes and who goes and it could be a very interesting summer.
"Also they kick off early because of the Europa League so they'll be playing football early on and the demands on that are very tough." After having to implement a certain amount of thrift in the transfer market for many years, Everton have now acquired some increased financial muscle courtesy of majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri's wealth. But Latchford acknowledges breaking into the top six and then top four – Arsenal and Manchester United both finished outside the top four for the first time since 1979 this year – will not come easily for his beloved Blues. He said: "There are those aforementioned key players who haven't signed. Depending on what they do and depending on who Ronald Koeman can bring in will shape what kind of season it will be next year.
"I feel Evertonians can feel reasonably optimistic about the way things are going.
"Three or four years down the road and there's a new stadium in the offing so long-term things are changing and for the better. "We have to get into that top six and not only get in there, stay there. We've got to compete in that top six and that in itself is going to be a massive thing to do. "I think every Evertonian would like to think we're capable of doing it. The next few years with the building work on both the squad and the stadium could be the making of us or could see us reach a block in which we struggle to make that final step up.
"Once you're in that top six you've then got to try and break into the top four on occasions."

Lowdown on Everton's potential African opponents
The eight clubs vying to face the Blues in Tanzania friendly
By Chris Beesley
26 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton are set for their first trip to Sub Saharan Africa in July when they play a pre-season friendly in Tanzania's National Stadium as part of their new shirt sponsorship with SportPesa.
The Blues only previous visits to the continent came in the late 1970s. In 1977 they faced reigning European champions Czechoslovakia in Morocco while in 1979 when they took part in games in both Libya and Egypt – in two separate excursions two months apart.
The choice of Everton's opponents on July 13 in Dar es Salaam will come from the winners of an eight-team tournament called the SportPesa Super Cup being played at the neighbouring Uhuru Stadium between June 5-11.
Here the ECHO checks out the clubs vying to face Ronald Koeman's side.
Simba Sports Club (Tanzania)
Home city: Dar es Salaam
Honours: Tanzanian Premier League (18); Tanzanian Cup (3).
Background: Formed in 1936 the club were originally called 'Red' but later changed their name to Eagles and then Dar Sunderland before settling on their current title which means Lion in the Swahili language in 1971.
Young Africans (Tanzania)
Home city: Dar es Salaam
Honours: Tanzanian Premier League (22); Tanzanian Cup (4).
Background: Founded in 1935, they are Tanzania's most successful club side and play in yellow, green and black colours.
Singida United (Tanzania)
Home city: Singida – 720km inland from Dar es Salaam
Background: The new kids on the block they have earned back to back promotions to reach the top flight and have appointed former Dutch goalkeeper Hans van der Pluijm as their new coach.
Jang'ombe Boys (Zanzibar)
Home city: Zanzibar Town
Background: Although now politically united with the mainland (it was separate to the German then British colony of Tanganyika that became Tanzania), clubs on the island of Zanzibar play in their own separate league. Jang'ombe play in yellow and black.
Home city: Nairobi
Honours: Kenyan Premier League (15); Kenya Cup (10); CAF Cup-Winners' Cup (1).
Background: Formed in 1968 after a merger between Luo Union and Luo Sports Club, they won the title in their first year and have been crowned Kenyan champions on a record number of occasions.
Playing in green, their nicknames include K'Ogalo (House of Ogalo), Mayienga (The Earthquake), Sirkal (The Government) and Taya (The Light).
AFC Leopards (Kenya)
Home city: Nairobi
Honours: Kenyan Premier League (13); Kenya Cup (9).
Background: Coached by Englishman Stewart Hall – a former director of Birmingham City's Academy – Leopards were founded in 1964. They play in 'QPR style' blue and white hoops and finished a disappointing 13th out of the 16 top flight clubs in the 2016 season (the current Kenyan campaign began in March).
Nakuru AllStars (Kenya)
Home city: Nakuru in the Rift Valley (139km north west of Nairobi)
Background: Reformed in 2010 from the club that had been crowned Kenyan champions twice in 1963 and 1969, they were relegated from the top flight in 2015 and finished 16th out of 20 clubs in the second tier in 2016.
Tusker FC (Kenya)
Home city: Nairobi
Honours: Kenyan Premier League (11); Kenya Cup (4).
Background: Founded in 1969 the club is sponsored by East African Breweries with its name deriving from the well-known Tusker beer brand. Kenya's third most successful club, they are the current league champions and also provided the first opposition for the South Sudan national team for an unofficial friendly in 2011 that they won 3-1.

Want to work for Everton FC? Here's the Goodison Park jobs up for grabs
The club are looking for stewards
By Amy Coles
26 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Ever dreamed about working at Goodison Park? Then THIS is your chance.
Everton FC are looking for stewards to help out on match days and there are plenty of roles up for grabs.
The club are offering up a mix of casual and permanent roles up for those who want to join the premier league club. There's no word on the salary but you will get to be a part of events at the historic stadium.
These are the positions on offer.
Accessibility Steward
For this role you will be working in a team to help run matchday events. It will be up to you to ensure the day runs smoothly, supporters are safe and have the best match day experience at home as possible. The right person will have strong customer service skills and will have some experience in working in events. Experience working with disabled supporters would be good, but is not essential.
Goodison Park (Photo: Colin Lane)
Casual Deputy Head Steward
If you fancy leading a team then this is the job for you. You will be asked to lead stewards during match days at Goodison Park and will work to make sure disabled supporters are safe and enjoy the game.
The ideal person should have experience in events and managing people.
If you interested in heading to work at the 42,000 seater stadium you need to apply online at the Everton FC website.
All you need to do is fill out an online application form and submit a copy of your CV.
But you have to be quick.
Applications close Friday May 26 at 5pm.

Want to work for Everton FC? Here's the Goodison Park jobs up for grabs
The club are looking for stewards
By Amy Coles
26 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Ever dreamed about working at Goodison Park? Then THIS is your chance.
Everton FC are looking for stewards to help out on match days and there are plenty of roles up for grabs.
The club are offering up a mix of casual and permanent roles up for those who want to join the premier league club. There's no word on the salary but you will get to be a part of events at the historic stadium.
These are the positions on offer.
Accessibility Steward
For this role you will be working in a team to help run matchday events. It will be up to you to ensure the day runs smoothly, supporters are safe and have the best match day experience at home as possible. The right person will have strong customer service skills and will have some experience in working in events. Experience working with disabled supporters would be good, but is not essential.
If you fancy leading a team then this is the job for you. You will be asked to lead stewards during match days at Goodison Park and will work to make sure disabled supporters are safe and enjoy the game.
The ideal person should have experience in events and managing people.
If you interested in heading to work at the 42,000 seater stadium you need to apply online at the Everton FC website.
All you need to do is fill out an online application form and submit a copy of your CV.
But you have to be quick.
Applications close Friday May 26 at 5pm.

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney has his heart set on a return to Everton
Transfer rumours: Former Blue will agonise over his future this week with lucrative offers from China on the table
By Chris Beesley
26 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Wayne Rooney has his heart set on an emotional return to Everton despite the offer of a lucrative move to China say the Daily Mail. The report says that the Manchester United captain has already discussed the prospect of a transfer to the Far East with his family and will agonise over the decision during the next week. A last minute approach from the Blues could persuade him to stay in England – after the Europa League final the 31-year-old said that Everton and United were the only Premier League teams he'd ever play for – but Goodison chiefs cannot match the kind of wages on offer from Chinese outfits.
Everton are reputedly ready to offer Rooney £150,000 a week — £100,000 less than he earns at United — but his China offers are worth £480,000 a week, which providing a £50million windfall over two years is a life-changing sum even for a multi millionaire of his standards.
A move to Everton could potentially prolong his international career.
Despite now being England's record goalscorer with 53 goals in 119 internationals, Rooney has been left out of Gareth Southgate's latest squad for the World Cup qualifier in Scotland and friendly against France next month.

Ex-Everton striker Lacina Traore wants chance of Goodison return
Giant forward eager for move back to Premier League
By Phil Kirkbride
26 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Former Everton striker Lacina Traore wants a Premier League return.
The 6'8" forward joined the Blues on loan in January 2014 but injury restricted him to just two appearances. Traore scored on his debut against Swansea City in the FA Cup but a hamstring problem - sustained in the warm-up before a game with Chelsea - kept him out until the final day of the campaign.
The 27-year-old returned to parent club Monaco before being shipped out to CSKA Moscow and then Sporting Gijon on loan this season.
But now Traore is talking up a return to the Premier League, reportedly telling Sport Mania in the Ivory Coast: "I have offers from England and Spain for next season. England has everything. Technique, tactics and physical play. "It's a more complete league. That's why I dream to return in that league."

Former Everton winger Peter Beagrie aiming to win World Cup with England
Ex-Blue turned Sky Sports pundit hoping to retain Seniors World Cup in Thailand
By Alistair Kleebauer
26 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Former Everton winger Peter Beagrie is in the England squad looking to retain the Seniors World Cup in Thailand next month. The 51-year-old, who made 144 appearances for the Blues in two spells between the 1989-90 and 1997-98 seasons, has been named in a squad of 22 players. The annual tournament is being held for the 12th consecutive year and it brings together eight teams of ex-professionals and former amateur footballers from four different continents.
England have won the trophy three times, including last year.
The youngest players who can take part are 38 years old but squads have seven 44 to 49-year-olds and seven aged over 50. Sky Sports pundit Beagrie, who was famous for his somersault celebrations, is one of a number of well-known names who will pull on the Three Lions shirt in temperatures that can rise to 35 degrees celsius. Former Swansea City, Wrexham, Chester, Marine and Southport striker Lee Trundle is one of the younger players to take part at the age of 41. He will be joined by striker Jamie Cureton, who played in the Premier League for Norwich City, and Lloyd Owusu, an attacker for Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday among other clubs. Other ex-pros include Barry Hayles, former Gillingham player and manager Andy Hessenthaler and midfielder Nicky Southall who played in the Premiership with Bolton Wanderers.
Anfield-born former Tranmere Rovers player Kevin Mooney has been putting himself through a tough training regime so he can play in one last tournament at the age of 57.
This will be the seventh consecutive Seniors World Cup for defender Mooney, who played for Tranmere for two seasons in the early 1980s. He said the tournament means an "awful lot to him" but this will definitely be his last. Mooney, who has been training four to five times a week, added: "When you're out there it's incredibly warm and humid. Sometimes it's 35 degrees and with the humidity, it can be quite punishing. "I am approaching 58 years old and it's a massive gulf between being a 38 year old and a 58 year old." The tournament was first held in 2006 as part of the process to re-establish tourism in Thailand following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004.
It is organised by the Seniors Football Association of Thailand and supported by the Thai Football Association. Each tournament is played in a different province of the south-east Asian country and this year it will be held in the historic city of Phitsanulok in lower northern Thailand from June 5 to June 10.
Hosts Thailand, four-time winners Iran, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and the USA are also taking part. Mooney, who lives in Upton and supports Liverpool, said: "We have got a strong squad and I think we will do well because of the depth of the squad."
He is quietly confident that England, who will play three group games in the first three days, could retain the trophy. If they are successful, they will play in a semi-final on June 9 and the final on June 10.
The players also take part in community work while they are in Thailand.
They have asked Everton, Liverpool and Tranmere for football kit they can take to give to Thai children.
The squad will visit a school and take part in football training with children.
Mooney, who also played for Bury, Bangor City and Swedish club FK Karlskrona, said: "To go into the schools and give the children a pair of shorts or a tracksuit, it means the world to them.
"It's a magnificent experience and the children make you feel really special, they're amazing.
"I feel humbled to be honest."
He will also be hoping to sign off with one more World Cup win to his name.

Everton target Davy Klaassen - 'Nobody would blame me if I leave Ajax'
In-demand midfielder is assessing future after Europa League final defeat
By Ian Doyle
26 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton target Davy Klaassen has spoken about his future – and believes nobody would blame him if he left Ajax this summer. Klaassen suffered a season of disappointment after the Dutch side were beaten by Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday having already been pipped to the Eredivisie title by Feyenoord. The 24-year-old's performance as skipper have seen him become one of Europe's most sought-after talents, with Everton among several Premier League clubs monitoring his progress. And speaking after Wednesday's defeat to Dutch newspaper Trouw about a transfer abroad, Klaassen said: "I think no-one would blame me.
"But I want everyone to have a good feeling.
"I can see that I cannot be honest about a lot of things right now."
Blues boss Ronald Koeman had previously watched the attacking midfielder in the Europa League semi-final, when Ajax beat Lyon 5-4 on aggregate to reach the final. Klaassen, though, couldn't inspire his team against United, who ran out 2-0 winners.
Speaking with RTL7 channel in the Netherlands, he said: "We were simply not good enough. It is very difficult against a team like that. You know they are just waiting and then kick it long. They scored two lucky goals. "We didn't start well. We had a bit more possession after 15, 20 minutes or so. They just waited around. Both of their goals were lucky.
"There were not an awful lot of real chances. We tried to play our way through, but we were not good enough. It will have something to do with our opponent. "They knew exactly what to do. And when you are not on top of your game, it is very difficult."

Which Premier League players are out of contract this summer?
We run down the players out of contract this summer - and those entering the final 12 months of their current deals
By Neil Jones
26 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
So that's it for another year then. How was it for you?
Liverpool ensured their Premier League campaign ended on a high note, with Champions League qualification secured on the final day of the season. Vital, in terms of the mood around the club this summer, and in terms of Jurgen Klopp's ability to plan for the future. The hard work has already begun, of course. Liverpool's players may be off all over the world now – either on international duty or on holiday – but behind the scenes it's all about planning, planning, planning. We're expecting a busy summer at Anfield, with incomings and outgoings aplenty. A record transfer spend beckons, with the likes of Naby Keita, Virgil Van Dijk, Ryan Sessegnon and, rather more ambitiously, Kylian Mbappe all
Good news for fans, who want to see their club targeting the best.
But besides the big-money targets, could there be a few bargains out there too?
Here are the players approaching the end of their contracts in the Premier League, and those entering their final year of their current deals... (Please note that some clubs have options to extend players' contracts by another year, but at time of writing are yet to take them up....)
Arsenal
Out of contract this summer: Yaya Sanogo
Entering the last 12 months of their deal: Santi Cazorla, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Per Mertesacker, Carl Jenkinson, Jack Wilshere, Matt Macey, Kieran Gibbs, Wojciech Szczesny, Joel Campbell
Bournemouth
Out of contract this summer: Andrew Surman, Artur Boruc
Entering the last 12 months: Dan Gosling, Marc Pugh
Burnley
Out of contract this summer: George Boyd, Paul Robinson
Entering the last 12 months: Michael Keane, Andre Gray, Scott Arfield, Stephen Ward, Dean Marney
Come and get me, clubs!
Chelsea
Out of contract this summer: John Terry
Entering the last 12 months: Nathaniel Chalobah, Christian Atsu, Tomas Kalas, Lucas Piazon, Loic Remy
Crystal Palace
Out of contract this summer: Joe Ledley, Wayne Hennessey, Mathieu Flamini, Fraizer Campbell, Zeki Fryers, Damien Delaney, Julian Speroni, Kwesi Appiah
Entering the last 12 months: Yohan Cabaye, James McArthur, Joel Ward, Bakary Sako, Martin Kelly, Chung-Yong Lee
Everton
Out of contract this summer: Arouna Kone
Entering the last 12 months: Gareth Barry, Phil Jagielka, Aaron Lennon, Joel Robles, Ross Barkley, Gerard Deulofeu, Aiden McGeady
Leicester City
Out of contract this summer: Marcin Wasilewski
Entering the last 12 months: Robert Huth, Leonard Ulloa
Yaya Toure is out of contract this summer
Manchester City
Out of contract this summer: Jesus Navas, Yaya Toure, Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, Willy Caballero
Entering the last 12 months: Fernandinho, Aleksandar Kolarov
Manchester United
Out of contract this summer: Michael Carrick, Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Entering the last 12 months: Ashley Young, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Juan Mata, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone, Adnan Januzaj, Andreas Pereira, Guillermo Valera, Marouane Fellaini
Southampton
Out of contract this summer: Cuco Martina, Stuart Taylor, Lloyd Isgrove, Martin Caceres
Entering the last 12 months: Maya Yoshida, Jeremy Pied, Florin Gardos
Stoke City
Out of contract this summer: Shay Given, Stephen Ireland, Phil Bardsley, Charlie Adam, Glen Johnson
Entering the last 12 months: Ryan Shawcross, Peter Crouch, Mame Biram Diouf, Jon Walters, Glenn Whelan
Swansea
Out of contract this summer: Gerhard Tremmel
Entering the last 12 months: Fernando Llorente, Ki-Sung Yeung, Jack Cork, Kyle Naughton, Angel Rangel, Leon Britton
Tottenham
Out of contract this summer: Pau Lopez
Entering the last 12 months: Michel Vorm
Watford
Out of contract this summer: Rene Gilmartin
Entering the last 12 months: Miguel Britos, Valon Behrami, Jose Holebas, Ben Watson, Heurelho Gomes
West Brom
Out of contract this summer: Darren Fletcher
Entering the last 12 months: Chris Brunt, Claudio Yacob, Craig Dawson, James Morrison, Boaz Myhill, Hal Robson-Kanu, Gareth McAuley
West Ham
Out of contract this summer: Alvaro Arbeloa, Jonathan Calleri, Gokhan Tore

Everton duo combine to send England through to World Cup knockout stages
Kieran Dowell converts Jonjoe Kenny cross to earn 1-0 win over hosts South Korea at U20 event
By Phil Kirkbride
26 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Kieran Dowell fired England under-20s into the knockout stages of the World Cup.
The Everton Academy star converted a pull-back from club-mate Jonjoe Kenny to score the only goal in the 1-0 win over hosts South Korea. Dowell sent Kenny free down the right wing with a backheel and then latched on to his cut-back to sidefoot the Three Lions in front after 56 minutes.
Kenny was named man-of-the-match after another brilliant performance from right-back.
The Everton duo were joined in the England starting line-up by fellow Blues Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ademola Lookman.
Callum Connolly was an unused substitute in their Group A game in Suwon, with England topping the group ahead of South Korea and Argentina.
Calvert-Lewin scored in England's tournament opener against Argentina before the Three Lions drew 1-1 with Guinea.

Everton set to walk away from deal to sign Enner Valencia
Blues have option to buy 27-year-old forward but are poised to look elsewhere for reinforcements
By Phil Kirkbride
26 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton are ready to pass up on the chance to sign Enner Valencia on a permanent deal.
The Blues signed the 27-year-old on a season-long loan in August with the option of buying him from West Ham United in a transfer worth around £11million. But the ECHO understands that after weeks of talks, Everton are in the process of walking away from negotiations. Ronald Koeman will have the final say on the deal and it is believed he wants the club to pursue other forward targets this summer.
Valencia only made seven starts this season and came off the bench 16 times but would often make an impact, particularly at Goodison.
Koeman remains set on Swansea City's Gylfi Sigurdsson and has also talked up the possibility of moving for Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, who is likely to leave Old Trafford during the forthcoming transfer window.

Everton's Kieran Dowell seals top spot for England at Under-20 World Cup
• England through to last-16 after win against hosts South Korea
• Dowell's team-mate Ademola Lookman hit post twice
Friday 26 May 2017 Guardian
England sealed top spot in Group A as they beat hosts South Korea 1-0 in the Under-20 World Cup.
Kieran Dowell's second-half goal ensured the Young Lions reached the second round with South Korea also qualifying as group runners up. Everton's Dowell swept in 11 minutes after the break from Jonjoe Kenny's cross to win it for Paul Simpson's side. Dowell's Everton team-mate Ademola Lookman hit the post after 72 minutes as the Young Lions held on for victory in Suwon.
England will play their last-16 game on Wednesday.
England Freddie Woodman (Newcastle United); Jonjoe Kenny (Everton), Dael Fry (Middlesbrough), Fikayo Tomori (Chelsea), Kyle Walker-Peters (Tottenham Hotspur); Ovie Ejaria (Liverpool), Joshua Onomah (Tottenham Hotspur); Kieran Dowell (Everton), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (capt; Arsenal; Dominic Solanke, Chelsea, 28), Ademola Lookman (Everton; Seyi Ojo, Liverpool, 85); Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)
South Korea Bumkeun Song; Chanyang Woo, Taewook Jeong, Sangmin Lee (capt), Youhyeon Lee, Jungmoon Lee; Seungmo Lee, Chanhee Han (Lee Jinhyun, 57), Minhyeok Lim (Paik Seungho, 79); Youngwook Cho, Seungun Ha (Lee Seungwoo, 57)

Why Kenwright and Moshiri need to turn heads as well as spend cash for Everton this summer
Phil Kirkbride's latest Royal Blue column assesses the forthcoming transfer window
By Phil Kirkbride
26 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
The "project" has had a good beginning but must have an even better middle if it is the reach the end everyone wants. Football dictates that, for every club, the next summer transfer window becomes more important than the last. But for Everton, and in the context of Ronald Koeman's Goodison project, the next few months are vital. The Dutch manager signed a three-year contract last summer and nothing in what he has said since, in what he has done or in his track record on the touchline, suggests he will be staying any longer than the length of his deal. And so in his quest to take the Blues to the rarified air of the next level, he knows the club cannot afford a summer of 'what ifs', of missed targets and one of regret.
Much easier said than done, of course.
But if they are serious about mounting a top-four challenge in Koeman's time at the club then they need to arm him with the tools to breakthrough into the elite. The 54-year-old's skill and ability as a manager will always count for a lot, but he would be the first to tell you he needs a squad of much better players if they are to bridge the gap. Everton have to get it spot on this summer. Chairman Bill Kenwright, encouragingly, told Koeman and the crowd at the Dixies end of season awards: "If there is a player who wants to play for Everton Football Club who Ronald (Koeman) wants, who Steve (Walsh) wants, we will get them for you. It's fantastic for me to be able to say that."
The excitement in his voice was clear.
It was shared among the crowd at the Philharmonic that night and this summer promises to see record levels of spending. But isn't the real challenge for Kenwright and Farhad Moshiri to deliver the players Koeman wants but who would normally not give Everton a second glance? The ones the manager wants but will need convincing that Goodison is where they should be.
These names will be on the list of several clubs but the difference between getting them and not could well be the difference between Koeman having the quality of squad he wants and not.
A squad that will eat away at the 15-point gap between themselves and the top four and a squad that can give the Blues a platform from which to be considered genuine contenders to qualify for the Champions League in the 2018-19 season.
Fail to have that type of squad assembled by September 1 and the worry would be that Koeman will not be able to oversee the type of progress he wants to in his second season.
This summer, the project rests on it.

Everton end a season with optimism for the first time in ages - but they need to splash the cash to simply stand still
Barry Horne reviews the 2016/17 season for Everton
By Barry Horne
27 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
It has been a strange old season. I'm not sure if it's a sign of me getting old, but it has gone by in a flash.
There's been some cracking games, some top individual performances and some great goals – but not much of a contest in any department. When you ask why the season fizzled out as it did – losing to 10-man Arsenal with nobody particularly bothered – that's why. Still, if you look at the teams in the league, there's two clear categories: the winners and the losers. Everton firmly come down on the side of the winners. It's a fairly well-acknowledged fact the league sorts itself out in terms of payroll size and, using that, we finished roughly where we should. We played some good football, like some others; we were inconsistent, like many others. But you come to the end of the season and think it's a decent year. We have a good manager in Ronald Koeman but there's work to be done. Chelsea were phenomenal throughout, in fairness. While I've finally come to accept the game has moved on since I've played, one thing I refuse to believe is the modern game is more physically demanding, that players are overworked and that they can't play twice in seven days.
Last season, Leicester won the title with the fewest number of players. This year, it was West Brom, and then Chelsea. Antonio Conte's side also had the fewest starters, and made the fewest changes.
Settled teams are back in vogue and sticking with your best team is always better. Historically we've done that, if not this year perhaps. A final day goal for Romelu Lukaku was welcome, although I was interested in a statistic I read. He became only the second player in Premier League history to score six goals with his left foot, his right foot and his head. Firstly, I question whether he should be getting more with his head. I also wonder who on earth has time to come up with these sort of statistics.
He's got fabulous qualities but there's a sneaking suspicion he's a flat track bully. It just won't go away.
You look at Diego Costa. Take his goals away and Chelsea are 15 points worse off.
You look at Fernando Llorente, Jamie Vardy, Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Aguero, and it's 13.
Lukaku? A fair it less. If he's worth £100million – and I'm not suggesting he isn't – then what are Costa and Sanchez worth? Let's be positive, though. Well done to Lukaku, and all the players, for their efforts. Well done to the fans too – the home crowds have been excellent and you can't buy a ticket to see them away, which is frustrating but fabulous. It's been a few years since we finished a campaign with real optimism but the money of Farhad Moshiri, the possibility of a new stadium and something to build on means everyone is keen for August already.
I've said in this column many times that I'm a pragmatist and a realist.
Jose Mourinho is the same.
Manchester United had to win on Wednesday, and they did. He gets criticised for the team's style of play, how it isn't in the United tradition, but look at the players compared to Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham. He's still finished with two trophies and qualification for the Champions League. The press have been harsh on him and my money is that he turns United into proper winners once again.
How does this pertain to Everton? Well, United finished sixth last season. They're the first side we have to overhaul if we want to finish in the top four.
Simply put, we simply need to get better to merely stand still.
United and Liverpool will be better for getting into the Champions League, while Chelsea and Spurs will be no worse. Manchester City should do well, too.
As for Arsenal, who knows? They could go into disarray or decide to really splash the cash.
We have to improve to stay with them.
I don't see a massive threat from beneath with the exception of Newcastle, who have the potential to kick on after promotion, but they're a basket case of a club at the best of times.
I hope Moshiri is ready with his wallet because it's going to take a lot of money to stay in touch with those above us. Everyone has money now, so spending it wisely is a must as well.

Rare footage of Everton legend Dixie Dean scoring at Goodison
The day the great man scored five in 32 minutes against Chelsea
By David Prentice
27 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
On November 14, 1931 Dixie Dean scored five goals in the first 32 minutes of a top flight match against Chelsea at Goodison Park - and some of the action was captured by British Movietone News.
Footage of the legendary goalscorer in action is rare but this clip, published on You Tube, shows Dean scoring two of his five goals. Goodison Park is still instantly recognisable, with many of the features from Dean's heyday still preserved. On the eve of the match The Liverpool Evening Express reported that new Chelsea signing Peter O'Dowd, a centre-half from Burnley, would be making his debut and that " Players whose value measured in terms of money is more than £50,000, will be on view at Goodison Park." O'Dowd, however, - who Chelsea broke the British transfer record for a defender by paying £5,250 to sign - endured a dodgy debut as the Express reported:
EVERTON SCORED 7 –THEN TOOK IT EASY.
Dean the genius of a crack forward line.
Poser for F.A. selectors.
By the Pilot.
"Dixie" Dean, the Everton centre-forward, who electrified the football world on Saturday by scoring five goals against Chelsea, and incidentally presented the international selectors with more food for profound thought, has averaged three goals a match in his last five games.
Dean, however, is one genius in a line of brilliant goal-getting forwards. Charlie Gee, Everton's international centre half, said to me after the match; "Our wonderful attack won the game for us. They are a fine line and a real treat to play behind."
Gee is right. It was mainly due to the inspired work of Dean and his colleagues that Chelsea were routed by seven goals to two.
Everton played real championship football again. The speed and accuracy of their manoeuvres was phenomenal.
They adopted the long, sweeping passes from wing to wing, delivered with the acme of perfection, and the entire machine weaved and wielded with a precision which was a sheer delight. Dean's personal achievement in scoring five goals in the first 32 minutes was marvellous. The manner in which he headed his first three points, and his opportunism on other occasions once more gave proof that he is the best centre of the age.
We were shown that Dixie's delight is club football –Everton's football. I have never seen such heading as his, O'Dowd, Chelsea's new centre-half; shadowed him zealously, but not once did he beat Dean in a heading duel, and neither was he successful in any attempt to stop Dixie.
No pivot could have held Dean in this game, so there is compensation for O'Dowd.
Everton's attack was dynamic, and the Chelsea defence was powerless.
The references to international football were relevant.
Four days later England played Wales at Anfield - without Dean.
Dean had been overlooked in favour of another Birkenhead born centre-forward, Aston Villa's Pongo Waring.
But as the British Movietone images show, Dean was still at the peak of his powers and ended the season at the First Division's leading scorer - again - with 44 goals.
He was recalled for a 7-1 romp against Spain at Highbury a month later, when he scored his final England goal, and won his final England cap on October 17, 1932 in a 1-0 win over Ireland at Bloomfield Road.

M'Baye Niang agent trying to fix up move to Everton - transfer rumours
Five years after striker snubbed Blues, AC Milan bad boy reportedly wants a second chance at Goodison
By Chris Beesley
27 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Five years after he snubbed Everton, AC Milan flop M'Baye Niang's agent is trying to fix him up with a move to the Blues according to calciomercato in Italy. The player's representative Federico Pastorello has reportedly met with officials of the Serie A club at their Casa Milan training base and presented a supposed offer from the Blues. The 22-year-old spent the second half of this season on loan at Watford but the Hornets will not be taking up their €18million (£15.7million) option to buy him because he has told them he doesn't want to join them on a permanent move.
Niang has been mooted as a potential replacement for Romelu Lukaku but his goalscoring record hardly fits the bill to step into the prolific Belgian's boots. The former France Under-21 international found the net just twice in 11 outings for Watford while he also failed to reach double figures in loan spells at both Montpellier in 2013/14 (19 games, 4 goals) and Genoa in 2014/15 (14 games, 5 goals).
Born in the Parisian satellite town of Meulan-en-Yvelines, Niang was considered a teenage sensation at his first club Caen.
He went for a trial under David Moyes at Everton in the summer of 2012 and the Blues looked set to win the race for his signature but they were pipped at the post by Milan.
Drawing comparisons to Mario Balotelli for his playing style, his time in Italy though has been disappointing both on and off the field.
Niang has netted 12 goals in 77 outings for the Rossoneri and has found himself embroiled in several controversies These include being stopped by the police for not having a driver's licence; crashing his Ferrari into a tree and also receiving a suspended 18-month custodial sentence for an accident which left others injured; another car crash that damaged his ligaments and left him with a shoulder injury plus having just returned from his lay-off following the last aforementioned prang, he jumped off the roof of his house into a pool and posted a video on social media.

Who is Davy Klaassen? The Everton-linked Ajax star with an eye for a goal
Dutch international midfielder has reportedly been scouted by Everton in recent weeks
By Tom Clarke
27 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton's midfield has been perhaps their strongest area on the pitch this season, following the emergence of Tom Davies, the signing of Morgan Schneiderlin despite recent injuries, and the performances of Idrissa Gueye. Still, recent reports suggest that Blues boss Ronald Koeman has been heavily personally scouting Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen to add another attacking aspect to the middle of the park.
Who is he?
Name: Davy Klaassen
Age: 24
Height: 5' 8"
Nationality: Netherlands
Current club: Ajax
After being scouted playing for local amateur sides as a boy, Klaassen was signed to the famed Ajax youth academy in 2003 aged 11. He worked his way up the system before making his first-team debut in the 2011-12 Champions League, in a group stage game against Lyon.
Klaassen scored on his Eredivisie debut just 42 seconds after coming off the bench, before his progression to the first team was stunted by a career-threatening groin injury which sidelined him for eight months. The central midfielder scored a hat-trick in the league shortly after returning to the first team, and was named club captain for the 2015/16 season. His 50 goals and 33 assists in 162 appearances for Ajax have earned the attention of Koeman and Everton scouts. He is also attracting interest from other clubs such as Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt.
What could he bring to Everton?
Klaassen has been likened to Dennis Bergkamp during his career but operates further back in midfield than the former-Arsenal maestro. He is an intelligent, technically-gifted attacking midfielder with an intuition for pressing and the ability to position himself well to provide a creative outlet for his teammates. He has created 55 chances in his 30 appearances for Ajax this season, as well as scoring 12 goals. Klaassen was touted as a replacement for Christian Eriksen after the Dane left Ajax for Spurs in 2013. With a passing accuracy of 80% this season, Klaassen specialises in link-up play, playing through balls and key passes whilst also being able to get in the box and finish off chances well.
Koeman would likely employ Klaassen in front of a defensive midfielder or midfielders, and could complete a high-pressing midfield by forcing opposition defenders into mistakes and providing chances for the striker, whether that be Romelu Lukaku or someone else next season.
Although Koeman has options even on the bench at central midfield at the moment to ensure there is competition in the area, James McCarthy was heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park in January and Gareth Barry's playing days are numbered.
However, Klassen is likely to find himself in the starting eleven if a move is completed.
Koeman is still trying to build a squad which he can call his own and be completely content with, and Klaassen fits into what Koeman is trying to do at Everton. He would undoubtedly be an asset to Everton and provide a creative outlet to ensure that the striker does not become isolated.

Everton's pre-season opponents looking for new manager
Blues face Sevilla in flagship friendly at Goodison in August
By Phil Kirkbride
27 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton's pre-season opponents Sevilla are searching for a new manager.
The Spanish side face the Blues at Goodison on Sunday, August 6 in the final warm-up game before the start of the new Premier League season. And Sevilla will have a new man in the dugout after it was announced that boss Jorge Sampaoli will leave to become boss of Argentina.
A statement issued by the La Liga club said: "Sevilla FC and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) have reached an agreement in principle for Jorge Sampaoli to become Argentina's national team manager. "The agreement is subject to the writing and presentation of relevant documents, which must be signed by all parties on Thursday 1 June. "The figure impliacted in the clause to release Sampaoli from his contract has not been compromised in discussions between Sevilla FC and the AFA, who have acted as Sampaoli's representative.
Sevilla appointed Sampaoli last summer and he guided them to a fourth placed finish in the league and to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Everton youngster Jonjoe Kenny on what he must show Ronald Koeman this summer
Blues right-back currently starring on international duty with England at World Cup
By Phil Kirkbride
27 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Jonjoe Kenny insists he will have to prove himself a "top young player" to force his way into Ronald Koeman's plans. The 20-year-old right-back came off the bench against Swansea City earlier this month to play under the Dutchman for the first time. Kenny has enjoyed a fine season as captain of Everton's Premier League 2 title winning side and is currently starring at the Under-20s World Cup in Korea.
Jonjoe Kenny of Everton during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Everton at the Liberty Stadium The Kirkdale full-back is expected to be part of the Blues' first-team squad this summer during pre-season training and will be pushing to remain part of Koeman's plans for the new campaign.
It is understood that Kenny would've been handed a first league start against Watford on May 12 if he had not been away with England in preparation for the World Cup. Jonjoe Kenny and team mates celebrate with the trophy after the Premier League 2 match between Everton U23 and Liverpool U23 at Goodison And so with Seamus Coleman expected to be sidelined for at least the first half of the season, does Kenny see a chance to stake a claim? "I've got to come back to pre-season and get in front of the gaffer's eye and do my best, that's all I can do, try and impress him and try and get into the Everton team," he said. Mason Holgate, who has been deputising for Coleman, is one of a clutch of young players who have featured regularly for Koeman this season. Tom Davies made 20 appearances from January, Dominic Calvert-Lewin finished the campaign with 12 games under his belt while January signing Ademola Lookman scored on his debut and played eight times.
Jonjoe Kenny (C) Anthony Evans (L) and Kieran Dowell of Everton arrive before the Premier League 2 match between Everton U23 and Liverpool U23 at Goodison
Asked how many more of the title winning u-23s squad could progress into the first-team, Kenny said: "You know there are a few talents but it's not as easy as you might think.
"Just because you're young, the manager isn't going to throw you on, you've got to be a top young player and you've seen it with Dominic, Tom, Mason and Ademola, they are top young players and that is what you have got to reach for."

Everton legend Neville Southall praised by Jeremy Corbyn for article
Big Nev backing Labour plans to invest Premier League money into grassroots
By Phil Kirkbride
27 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton legend Neville Southall has received praise from Jeremy Corbyn.
Southall wrote an article in The Mirror backing the Labour leader's plans to help grassroots football should he be elected Prime Minister.
And Corbyn responded by describing Southall's work as an "excellent article".
Excellent piece by former Wales goalkeeper @NevilleSouthall, backing our plans to return football to the grassroots: https://t.co/RncelMAEQC
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 27, 2017
Southall wrote: "The billions from Sky and other broadcasters may have transformed the English game and made the Premier League a global brand.
"It may have tempted some of the most talented players to our shores.
"But clubs outside the top flight didn't share the wealth.
European Cup Winners Cup Final. Rotterdam, Holland. Everton 3 v Rapid Vienna 1. Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall celebrates with the trophy after the match 15th May 1985.
"And fans didn't get the best of deals either.
"That's why I'm fully behind Labour's plans to deliver a better deal for clubs and fans alike.
Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn
"Corbyn will ensure 5% of the Premier League's domestic and international television rights income goes to the grassroots game."
Big Nev concluded his piece by saying: "I might have been a Blue Nose all my life.
"But on June 8 I'll be a die-hard red. I'll be backing the man who wants to make the Game Beautiful again.

Wayne Rooney to Everton - Blues facing battle to secure striker's Goodison return
Rooney also has offers from China and MLS
By Phil Kirkbride
27 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton face an increasingly difficult fight to sign Wayne Rooney this summer.
Ronald Koeman and director of football Steve Walsh have both declared their interest in the 31-year-old who looks set to leave Manchester United. But the ECHO understands that Rooney is, at this stage, leaning towards a move abroad. Rooney came close to joining the Chinese Super League in February before deciding to remain at Old Trafford for the rest of the season. Offers from the Far East remain on the table but England's all-time leading scorer is also attracting serious interest from Major League Soccer. On Wednesday night, Rooney came off the bench to help United lift the Europa League trophy in Stockholm and afterwards was asked about his future. "There are lots of offers on the table, both in England and abroad, and that's what I have to decide on," he said. "I've got some decisions to make now over the next few weeks so I will talk with my family and then I'll decide. "I think I have to make a decision in terms of a football decision,and that's what I'll do, I'll do that the next few weeks with my family while I'm away and as soon as I know what's going on I'm sure you will."
Koeman and Walsh both went public with their admiration for Rooney.
Speaking in late February, the Everton manager said: "I believe that Wayne Rooney is still playing on a high level. I think he made a good choice to stay at Manchester United and stay in the Premier League.
"I think he still has two or three years in front of him to play on a high football level.
"Okay, what will happen at the end of the season I don't know but in my opinion who can make Everton stronger than it currently is. "It's all about what the player likes and what Manchester United needs to do. We are not involved in that project.
Timcahill1878
I cant understand how blues can say things like he is not good enough or he wont get a game!! He would walk into our first 11. Our forward 3 behind rom is so weak its apalling, about 15 goals between all 3 all season. They have no cutting edge and no idea how to attack on the break, they always make the wrong pass or dont pass at in key moments usually leading to key attacks fizzling out time and again.
Rooney is top drawer and a true LEGEND at the biggest club in the country and at international level.
I agree he is not at the peak of his powers but his decision making in key areas, his experience in WINNING TROPHIES, plus his shooting and set pieces would make him a fantastic signing.
Lets be honest.....if he wasnt a blue he would not be considering us!!
I dont think Wayne would enjoy China so USA looks like a good bet, but why uproot his young family when he is already rich?. He may mave to go back on his statement it would only be Everton in thr PL. Someone like Newcastle would love him but who would pay his wages?

Everton and Liverpool Merseyside XI 2016-17 - How many Blues make the cut?
Ian Doyle puts on his hard hat and prepares for the abuse as he makes his selection
By Ian Doyle
28 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Yes folks, it's that time of the year where we put our head above the parapet to announce our Mersey XI for the season. It was a campaign of encouragement for both sides of Stanley Park, with Liverpool and Everton meeting their Premier League targets of Champions League and Europa League qualification respectively. And for Jurgen Klopp and Ronald Koeman, it was a decent first full season in charge on Merseyside. There were plenty of fine individual performances over the course of the campaign, and here is an attempt – in the favoured (more or less) 4-2-3-1 formation of both sides – to mould a team that represents the best of the city for 2016-17.
Goalkeeper
It was a rare campaign where all four senior Merseyside goalkeepers were given a fair hit between the sticks. At Goodison, Koeman found it difficult to choose between Maarten Stekelenburg and Joel Robles with neither particularly convincing. Loris Karius arrived at Liverpool with a burgeoning reputation that was soon dented by a succession of below-par performances. Simon Mignolet, meanwhile, was unlucky to be dropped in the autumn and was back in goal before Christmas and went on to become one of the Reds' best performers.
Right-back
Difficult one, this. Seamus Coleman started and ended the season on the sidelines and struggled for consistency in between, while Mason Holgate is a centre-back really. Nathaniel Clyne has had his critics at Liverpool despite being a regular, although Trent Alexander-Arnold will look to change that next season. Seamus Coleman edges it. But only just.
Centre-backs
Lots of players and lots of indifferent performances in this position for the most part.
Phil Jagielka's star is on the wane, even if he did recover well in the closing weeks, Ashley Williams was solid enough without being spectacular while Holgate was primarily used at full-back and the less said about Ramiro Funes Mori the better.
Across the way, Joe Gomez was barely spotted while Ragnar Klavan's fortunes varied wildly.
It means the heart of the defence is manned by Liverpool's first-choice partnership of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip. Lovren has improved once more, while Matip enjoyed a hugely encouraging debut season at Anfield.
Left-back
The travails of Bryan Oviedo during the autumn underlined how fortunate Everton are Leighton Baines avoided serious injury. Liverpool have had issues in this position for as long as anyone can remember, and basically gave up on Alberto Moreno and stuck a midfielder in there. But James Milner effectively demonstrated how it was done. And his ability to convert crucial goals from the spot ensure he is given the nod.
Central midfield
One berth is nailed on, Idrissa Gueye hitting the ground running on his arrival at Everton in the summer, even if his performances tailed off somewhat after his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The other is open to debate. Jordan Henderson was a huge influence for Liverpool but missed half of the season, while Emre Can came strong in the closing months and Gini Wijnaldum contributed some big goals. For Everton, Morgan Schneiderlin and James McCarthy – when fit – did their bit but not often enough, Gareth Barry is no longer first choice and Ross Barkley was, well, Ross Barkley. There's always room in this team, though, for potential. And there's no doubt Tom Davies is going to be a hugely influential midfielder for years to come. At 18, he gets the call.
Attacking midfield
The likes of Barkley, Davies and Wijnaldum have operated in several midfield positions this term.
But the switch of Adam Lallana to a central position has paid real dividends.
Like Liverpool, he lost his way a little bit after Christmas but finished the campaign strongly.
Right wing
No contest, really.
Yannick Bolasie could have been in with a shout were it not for his devastating injury.
But the success of Sadio Mane since arriving at Liverpool means he is a definite. Goals, assists, pace, he has it all.
Left wing
Again, not much competition here.
Everton tried out several players on the flank but ended up usually turning to Kevin Mirallas, with wildly contrasting results. And there just has to be room in this team for Philippe Coutinho, arguably the most naturally gifted footballer on Merseyside at present. After all, Barcelona don't pursue any old attacking talent.
Striker
Probably the first name on the teamsheet.
Roberto Firmino was the very real false nine for Liverpool in big games, while Divock Origi flattered to deceive and Daniel Sturridge turned up just in time to help earn Champions League qualification.
But nobody can usurp 25-goal Romelu Lukaku. For £100million he could be yours – but hopefully he'll still be knocking them in at Goodison next season.

Everton youngster Brendan Galloway opens up about tough spell at West Brom
The Blues defender struggled to play at the Hawthorns and found style of play difficult
By Greg O'Keeffe
28 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Ian Doyle's Merseyside XI 2016/17
Brendan Galloway has opened-up about his difficult loan spell at West Brom and how he learned to cope with not playing. The young Everton defender admits it was tough adapting to a different style of play under the direct approach of Baggies boss Tony Pulis. But he insists it has made him a more rounded footballer, and now hopes to get his promising career back on track under Ronald Koeman at Goodison. And the left-back says his time away from Merseuside has made him appreciate there is "nothing quite like Everton". Galloway moved to the Hawthorns last August but played only five times during his stint with the Baggies. Pulis described Galloway as a "pleasure to work with" but opportunities ultimately proved limited in the left-back position for the 21-year-old.
"It was a tough season and I learnt a lot," Galloway said. "I experienced something different but now I'm happy to be back.
Shilow Tracey of Tottenham Hotspur controls the ball from Brendan Galloway of Everton during a Premier League 2 match "It was frustrating [not to play more games] but I learnt a different style of football, completely different to here. As a young footballer, you need to learn other aspects to your game. The lads were all brilliant and I made a lot of friends there - they welcomed me and they are all good footballers and good people. "I learnt how to deal with not playing, which was very hard, but I'm happy to be back here. It is tough because as a young boy all you want to do is step out on to that pitch but when you are not able to, it gets frustrating. "It was a tough year but walking back into Finch Farm and seeing all the lads has really made me happy. Now you've experienced something else, you realise there is nothing like Everton. "Experiencing another Premier League football club and coming back here, you realise every single one of us is in a fortunate position. We've got to work hard to stay here and maintain that level that the gaffer wants." Galloway was granted permission to return to Everton for the final couple months of last season and play for the Under-23s team in their successful bid for the
He featured in April's victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park before suffering a hamstring injury. The former MK Dons man, who joined the Toffees in 2014, is expected to be back fit for the start of pre-season where he aims to lay down a marker. "I really want to push on and play now, get back playing in that Blue shirt and doing my best for the team," added Galloway.
"I'll spend some time with my family and then get back into it. I'm already looking forward to the pre-season trips, the pre-season games and having a good season.
"When you are in the off-season it gets quite boring after a while. You want to be running, kicking a ball, back with the team. A few weeks' break is good, to get some sun with the family, and then come back and work hard. "I have spoken to the manager [since I returned] but because of my injury, we'll have a good chat when I come back. I worked with him last pre-season and I'm really looking forward to working with him again."

Has Eden Hazard just confirmed Chelsea's plans to break the bank for Romelu Lukaku?
The Chelsea winger joked that his new contract might mean Londoners can't afford Everton man
By Greg O'Keeffe
28 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Eden Hazard has given a tongue-in-cheek hint at Chelsea's plans to sign Romelu Lukaku this summer - but joked that a new contract for him might prevent them signing the Toffees striker.
The Belgian winger is a man in demand after a season which saw him return to top form as he spearheaded Antonio Conte's successful Premier League title bid. Hazard's current deal expires in 2020 and in recent months the 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Recent reports from London have suggested he will stay at Stamford Bridge, but in an interview with Belgian paper Het Nieuwsblad he said that if he does the club's summer transfer budget could be reduced. "If I sign a contract, maybe there won't be enough money left to get Romelu!" he said after the ECHO reported in April that the Blues asking price for Lukaku is £100m. "I'm kidding. Whoever comes in, we'll be ready for the new season." Lukaku has been silent on his future since publicly addressing his decision not to sign a new contract at Everton in March.
Speaking when he was on course to become the Premier League's top goalscorer Lukaku, who was eventually over-taken by Harry Kane despite netting 25 times, said: "You want to show who is best.
"But as a team you want to be the best. I want my team to be the best.
"I want my team to be the most attractive to play in the league. The big aim in football is to win as many titles as you can. "I'm really happy but I can't say that I am overjoyed. There have been parts that we could have done better. "We have a team that has a lot of quality and a lot of ability but we let ourselves down before Christmas. One win in 10 games? That's where we let ourselves down."

Ronald Koeman attends Monaco GP as Everton stars enjoy their holidays
Blues boss Koeman was in Monte Carlo to watch Sebastian Vettel clinch victory
By Paul Gorst
28 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton 's stars have been enjoying a well-earned break - and none more so than manager Ronald Koeman. After signing off from their Premier League campaign last Sunday, the squad were given some time off ahead of next month's international round of fixtures.
And Blues boss Koeman has certainly been making the most of his holidays.
On Sunday, the Dutchman posted a picture on to his social media accounts from the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo. Sebastian Vettel clinched the win after edging out Kimi Raikkonen and Daniel Riccardio, as Ferrari secured their first one-two finish for the first time since 2010, and Koeman was in attendance to see it unfold.
"Great experience! #MonacoGP" tweeted Koeman from a sun-drenched Monte Carlo.
Elsewhere Romelu Lukaku took a trip back to his Belgium homeland as he spent an evening with friends.
Mason Holgate was in attendance at Bramall Lane to watch Kell Brook defend his IBF welterweight title against Errol Spence Jr. The Sheffield fighter was stopped in the 11th round after suffering heavy damage to his left eye against the American. Enner Valencia took a vacation to the Atlantis Palm resort in Dubai with his wife and their two young children. However, the Ecuador striker's future remains in the air, with the Blues prepared to walk away from talks to turn his loan deal from West Ham into a permanent one. Goalkeeper Joel Robles flew out to Barcelona, and was in the Palau Sant Jordi this week to watch Spanish pop star Melendi.

Ronald Koeman's Everton signings so far graded - one A star but a couple struggled
We run the rule over Koeman's recruits from the 2016/17 campaign
By Greg O'Keeffe
28 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton face a momentous summer in the transfer market - one which could arguably define Ronald Koeman's reign at Goodison even though it is only his second. The Dutch boss agreed to a three-year contract when he arrived last June, and has rarely stayed at clubs beyond his initial terms. With the Toffees already linked to a host of signings as Koeman attempts to bolster his squad ahead of a campaign which includes Europa League football, we review his success in the market so far.
Idrissa Gueye B
The man who racks up more tackles, interceptions and blocks than even top flight player of the season N'Golo Kante has been an impressive signing. Gueye came out of the blocks flying after his arrival from Aston Villa last summer, quickly becoming an indispensable part of Ronald Koeman's midfield engine.
Alas his form dipped after the African Cup of Nations in January, and his lack of creative nous is an issue.
Nevertheless he is a committed and influential performer.
Ashley Williams C+
The Wales captain's grit and experience helped shore-up a backline which was woefully leaky under Roberto Martinez, but the suspicion lingers that Everton signed him a season or so too late.
Ashley Williams
Hasn't quite had the impact fans may have predicted after his superb last season at the Liberty Stadium and triumphant European Championships.
A solid, usually reliable defender but limited in terms of distribution.
Yannick Bolasie B
Had a bright opening to his Goodison career before injury curtailed his contribution.
Everton's Yannick Bolasie on the attack
Looked to have established a great rapport with Romelu Lukaku and his ability to fashion something from nothing, even if he endured quiet spells in games, would have been hugely useful on the road as the Blues struggled.Enner Valencia B-
He didn't get the chance to start many games but became Koeman's secret weapon from the bench; particularly in the second half of the season.
The Toffees may well be reluctant to sign him long term but there's no doubting the rocket-fuelled Ecuadorian's contribution, with three goals and plenty of game-changing cameos.
Ademola Lookman B-
A difficult one.
Couldn't have asked for a brighter start to his career in the Premier League with that lively display and goal against Manchester City.
Then he showcased his eye-catching repertoire of flicks and tricks in the topsy-turvy win over Bournemouth.
Ademola Lookman in action at West Ham
But Koeman had seen something he clearly felt required further fine-tuning and the teenager's opportunities in the first team dwindled thereafter.
Plenty of potential.
Morgan Schneiderlin A
What a signing. He's exactly the calibre of recruit needed this summer, as the France international took to life at Goodison with considerable aplomb.
His absence in the derby and against Manchester United was costly though, so let's hope a full pre-season gets him in top condition and his time on Merseyside isn't blighted by further injuries.
Maarten Stekelenburg C-
Never really good enough to be Everton's long-term No 1 despite some encouraging displays; especially the heroics at the Etihad.
Maarten Stekelenburg
Overall he is likely to remain the Blues second, or maybe third, choice and the experienced Dutchman can't really argue about it given his mixed displays.
Dominic Calvert Lewin C+
Did extremely well to get as many appearances as he managed last season and his enthusiastic attitude was infectious.
The jury is still out on whether he could develop into a striker who might save the club a lot of money in the future, but he made his mark and for a lad who spent the previous campaign on loan at Northampton Town, that can't be too bad.
Time Line
Timeline of a Blue summer
Koeman confirmed
June 14: Everton finally announce appointment of Ronald Koeman as manager on three-year contract
Boss gets £100m war chest
June 14: The Blues new boss is believed to have been handed a £100m transfer budget
Big names linked
June 15: Everton immediately linked with a move for Axel Witsel following Koeman's appointment. Goalkeeper Tim Krul also said to be on the manager's list.
First one in
July 1: Maarten Stekelenburg becomes Koeman's first signing as Everton manager. Everton paid a nominal fee to Fulham with the goalkeeper penning a three year deal.
Get Kalidou
July 12: Everton launch mega-money bid to try and hijack Chelsea's move for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegal centre-half would end up signing a new deal with the Serie A club.
Walsh arrives
July 21: Everton appoint Steve Walsh as the club's first ever director of football. The Blues paid £2m in compensation to Leicester City to land the talent spotter.
How much?!?
July 21: Blues cool interest in Witsel after player's wage demands.
In for Gylfi
July 21: Everton register interest in Swansea City's Gylfi Sigurdsson. The Swans, however, insist he is not for sale.
Sissoko in demand
July 21: Moussa Sissoko emerges as a £30m target for Koeman.
Gueye In
August 2: Koeman raids relegated Aston Villa for midfielder Idrissa Gueye. Everton triggered his £7.1m release clause and signed him on a four-year deal.
Stones Out
August 9: Everton agree sale of John Stones to Manchester City for an initial £47.5m. The 22-year-old became the world's second most expensive defender.
Williams fills gap
August 10: Koeman fills the void left by Stones' departure by signing Swansea City captain Ashley Williams in a £12m deal. Williams signed a three year deal.
Here's Yannick
August 15: Yannick Bolasie arrives from Crystal Palace in a deal that could eventually be worth a club record £28m. The winger penned a five-year deal.
Rom Stays
August 19: On eve of the trip to West Brom, Romelu Lukaku tells Koeman he will stay with Everton. The Blues had been left infuriated by Chelsea's attempts to unsettle the striker.
Spanish chase
August 22: Everton close in on £17m Deportivo striker Lucas Perez.
Another right back?
August 23: Cuco Martina closes in on move to Everton
Perez a Gunner
August 25: Arsenal hijack Blues' move for the Spanish striker.
No Joe
August 25: Koeman insists he has "no interest" in signing out-of-favour Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart.
Not happening
August 26: Deal for Southampton's Martina collapses following injury to Saints' Jeremy Pied. St Mary's club refuse to release the right-back
Manol-no
August 31: Everton officially give up on chase for Napoli forward Manolo Gabbiadini. The Blues were willing to meet the asking but the Italian side refused to sanction his sale.
Enter Enner
August 31: With the clock ticking down on deadline day Everton sign West Ham striker Enner Valencia on a season-long loan. Valencia had been set for a move to Swansea but made a late u-turn.
Moussa moves on
August 31: Everton agree a £30m deal with Newcastle United for Sissoko late on deadline day but Spurs moved late to match the offer. The France international opts to join the London outfit.

Everton fan flies the flag on board multi-billion pound US aircraft carrier
Engineer Andrew Huizenga loves the Blues and spreads the word among shipmates
By Alistair Kleebauer
28 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton were surprisingly represented by one of their supporters on the maiden voyage of the United States' latest multi-billion pound aircraft carrier. As it cut through the Atlantic Ocean powered by two nuclear reactors and carrying surface-to-air missiles, the $17.5billion USS Gerald R. Ford also had a committed Everton fan on board. Mechanical engineer Andrew Huizenga wears his Everton cap whenever possible on his voyages with the US Navy. It allows him to spread the good word of the Merseyside club to American workers and naval staff more interested in basketball, baseball and American football. Surprisingly, Andrew also found two other Everton fans on the ship, which can hold more than 5,000 people, when it carried out a trial run off the east coast of the United States in April.
The ship, named after the 38th US President who served on an aircraft carrier during the Second World War, is the first new design for an American aircraft carrier since 1975. Andrew, from the city of Suffolk in the US state of Virginia, tweeted the club to let them know he was "representing" the Blues on the journey. He has a large collection of Everton shirts and polo shirts to show his love for the club and an opportunity to wear his cap on board meant he was sought out by two fellow fans.
He said: "I was pleasantly surprised to be approached by Everton fans among the crew.
"It is normally difficult to identify each other as the work environment during construction and repairs requires personal protective equipment and it is very dirty so I don't normally wear my Everton clothing on board." The seven-day voyage put the ship through its final paces before it is commissioned into the US Navy this year. It was made by 5,000 shipbuilders in Newport News, a city in Virginia, and has been under construction since 2005. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is seen underway on its own power for the first time on April 8, 2017 in Newport News, Virginia. Though the trial meant a packed schedule for those on board, Andy said he was still able to grab several chats with his fellow Everton supporters about the club, its season and their favourite players. Everton supporters who follow the club home and away might raise their eyebrows at how committed a fan can be from America's east coast, especially one who has never been to Goodison Park. And, okay, he does call it soccer instead of football.
But what he lacks in matchday experience, Andrew, a Department of the Navy civilian mechanical engineer, makes up for in enthusiasm and he knows what he is talking about with regards to the team.
Blues fan Andrew Huizenga in his Everton apparel with son Will He has a growing collection of Everton shirts, normally buying several each season, alongside t-shirts, polo shirts and caps. His fellow Suffolk residents may raise their eyebrows at his EVRTN FC license plate and will definitely be confused by his Z-Cars theme tune ringtone. Andrew said: "It is difficult to describe why I so connect with the club and its players. "The club has a great history from the earliest foundations of association football with many great players and accomplishments. "A history that I hope will be repeated in the near future."
His son Will got him interested in the Blues six years ago.
Since he was eight years old, Will has been a big fan of American goalkeeper Tim Howard, who made 415 Everton appearances between 2007 and 2016.
Andrew Huizenga's Everton licence plate
Andrew said: "I was not a sports fanatic at the time and I don't fully understand why Everton became such a passion for me. "My wife would probably call it more of an illness or uncontrolled obsession."
The family's love for Tim Howard was sealed when Andrew made efforts to get his son's goalkeeper shirt signed by the then Everton player. Andrew emailed the club and was told if he shipped the shirt to them, they would get it signed. It returned, signed by Howard and with the message, "Dream BIG!!!"
Andrew, who returned the shirt to his son as a surprise 12th birthday present, said: "To say he was shocked and thrilled would be an understatement.
"I can't thank the club enough and I don't believe too many clubs would have done that.
"It's truly the People's Club."
The Evertonian has previously been a US Naval officer and a mechanical engineer at the Norfolk Naval shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Andrew Huizenga's son Will with his signed Tim Howard shirt
It is the seventh aircraft carrier he has been at sea on and the ninth he has worked on.
While he is at sea, he cannot watch any Everton games and has to nervously wait for the return to port to find out how they have done. He has previously worked on aircraft carriers in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Arabian Seas and the Persian Gulf. Andrew is desperate to go to Goodison Park with Will but is worried they may run out of time. He said: "While I am excited about the possibility of a new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock, I am disappointed that the opportunity for a matchday at Goodison may pass us by." There is no local Everton supporters' club either so he watches the games on his sofa with Will, who is now 13. As weekend matches start between 7am and noon on America's east coast, coffee is Andrew's drink for a game rather than a beer. He admires Everton supporters on America's west coast who watch games at around 4am or 5am. Weeknight matches are played when it is mid-afternoon in Virginia so he has to rely on Everton's website for live commentary.
Everton fan Andrew Huizenga's son Will in his Everton shirt
He said: "The popularity of English soccer is definitely growing [in America] with the greater access to watch matches. "Also, youth soccer growth is exploding and we now have multiple generations that are or have played soccer increasing the soccer IQ in this country. "This is helping increase supporters' clubs for English soccer as well as other world leagues." He is a fan of the changes Ronald Koeman has made but said there is still a lot of work to do to build the squad's quality and depth so it can consistently challenge for the top four "and even the championship". He added: "I think the quality of the team is better than how they currently are playing and they have to overcome the mental aspect, instilled during the David Moyes era, of being the plucky underdog." To strengthen the team for the Europa League next season and for a top-four challenge, Andrew said signing a top goalkeeper should be the priority. He would also like to see a centre-back join the club to provide cover for Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams. Andrew hopes they can hang on to Romelu Lukaku for one more season and bring in a solid striker to support him. His immediate ambition for Everton is that they win a domestic cup next season and he has a final message for Everton supporters. He said: "I think they are the greatest there are. "I love hearing about the incredible support they provide at both home and away matches, no matter where they are. "I am also envious that they get to watch the best club in the world week in, week out."

Diego Costa welcomes prospect of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku joining Chelsea
The Chelsea forward said he has been impressed by Blues striker this season
By Greg O'Keeffe
29 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Chelsea striker Diego Costa has welcomed the prospect of Romelu Lukaku joining him at Stamford Bridge. The Spain international conceded that Antonio Conte's Premier League Champions could be in the market for a new goalscorer even if he remains in London. Costa, who was speaking after Chelsea lost the FA Cup final 2-1 to Arsenal on Saturday, ruled out a move to China, insisting he would only leave England for Atletico Madrid. And asked by Belgian paper Het Nieuwsblad , he said he has been impressed with Lukaku this season. The Everton striker scored 25 goals, five more than Costa, and has been strongly linked with a move back to Chelsea after refusing the offer of a new contract at Goodison.
Blues chiefs have slapped a £100m price on Lukaku's head but Costa was not ruling out a move.
Asked if he could play with Lukaku in a two striker system under Conte, he said: "I do not know, that's a decision for the club. Of course Lukaku is a very big player who has played an impressive season.
"I hope he will ever have the possibility to sign at Chelsea because Chelsea is a unique club. "
Costa was also asked about the future of another Belgian striker, Michy Batshuayi, who has struggled for games since moving to London. "Batshuayi is a big player and has an impressive future for himself," he said. "He has proven in the last games that he has quality and scoring ability. He is a boy who will take more big steps. "Hopefully he will continue to grow and keep his head up. He has all the qualities to stay here at Chelsea). " On the future he added: "Chelsea might sign a new striker, Batshuayi may stay because he's young and I could be leaving."

Here's what the bookies think will happen at Everton this summer
Some big names will come and go from Goodison according to the bookmakers
By Greg O'Keeffe
29 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
The bookmakers predict some high profile arrivals and departures at Everton this summer.
As Ronald Koeman, Steve Walsh and the Blues board prepare to bolster their squad, punters have already began laying money on who might go where. With upwardly mobile Everton financed by ambitious Farhad Moshiri, it's perhaps no surprise to see them featuring among the suggested big spenders. But what do the bookies reckon will actually happen? Based on aggregator site Oddschecker.com , we had a look...
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
The gifted Arsenal midfielder may end up at Goodison, with a 16/1 price making the Blues fifth favourites for his signing. Unfortunately, depending on if you rate him or not, Liverpool are favourites at 4/5.
Andre Gray
Their second at 3/1 behind promoted Newcastle, who are 5/2.
Cesc Fabregas
The veteran midfielder is most likely to go to Bayern Munich (5/1) but there's a faint chance, say the bookies, he'll come to Everton at 20/1 - the same as Juventus.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Many Blues will hope the bookies are spot on with this. Everton are red-hot favourites to sign the Swansea playmaker at 4/7.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
West Ham by comparison are 16/1 and Spurs 11/2.
Joe Hart
What about this one!? Koeman may have passed up the chance to sign him last summer, but the oddsmakers think Hart is favourite to make his Premier League return at Goodison (2/1). Chelsea and Liverpool are 5/1.
Luke Shaw
The Toffees are second (12/1) behind Spurs (2/1) in the running.
Michael Keane
The Burnley defender is most likely to re-join the Red Devils at (1/3) but admirers Everton and Liverpool are both 8/1.
Burnley's Michael Keane has a big decision to make this summer over his future
Romelu Lukaku
He's just about tipped for Chelsea this summer at 11/10 but could very well, they think, stay where he is (5/2). What about bis next club even if he doesn't move this summer?
Bayern and Chelsea are both 5/2 while United are 6/1 and a lucrative move to China is at 9/1.
Ross Barkley
The midfielder is more likely to stay at Everton (11/10) but Tottenham are waiting in the wings at 2/1.
Inter Milan, weirdly, are 12/1.
Read More
Wayne Rooney
The one they're all taking about - but the Blues aren't favourites. China is (5/6) then the Blues (11/8), with a move to the MLS (8/1) and Stoke City 14/1 with Paddy Power.

Everton transfer rumours - West Ham to rival Blues for Man City striker
A round-up of EFC transfer rumours and speculation from around the web
By Joe Rimmer
29 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
West Ham are to make a bid for Man City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, according to Sky Sports.
The Hammers have reportedly made the first move for a player linked with Everton in recent weeks.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2015/16, scoring 14 goals and impressing for City before Pep Guardiola's rival.
However last season the Nigerian international struggled for appearances this season, scoring seven goals in 23 appearances in all competitions. Elsewhere today and Burnley could hand Oumar Niasse a Premier League lifeline.
The Senegal striker spent the season on loan with Hull, who were ultimately relegated to the Championship. Ronald Koeman has made it clear that Niasse, who joined Everton for £13.5m in January 2016, has no future with the Blues.

Everton have Morgan Schneiderlin smiling again
French midfielder's frustrating spell at Old Trafford is forgotten
By David Prentice
29 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Morgan Schneiderlin admits that his January move to Everton has helped put a smile back on his face.
The French international midfielder was signed by Manchester United from Southampton for £25m in the summer of 2015. But after Jose Mourinho was appointed manager at Old Trafford he endured a miserable spell - featuring in just 11 minutes of Premier League action. A £20m move to Goodison helped wipe away that frustration and now Schneiderlin has a mission to try and play every single match next season. "Since I've come I've said I like the club, I like the people who are around this football club and I still have the same view," he said. "My feelings haven't changed one bit.
"I'm very happy to be here, very happy to come in every day and happy - like I've said since the beginning - to find the joy on my face again, to play week in and week out and, most importantly, have good games. "I think that's what I did, even if I know myself that I can be even better and improve. That's what I'm going to try to do next season, have no little injuries or things like that and play every game." "That's my main focus and I want to improve and help this team to be in the top four."
Schneiderlin made an impressive introduction to his Everton career with two cameo substitute appearances in the 4-0 and 1-0 victories over Manchester City and Crystal Palace, then starting seven successive games before limping off against Hull City in March with a calf injury.
That sidelined him for two games and then after three more starts a thigh problem saw him sit out two more games. But now Schneiderlin has a whole month to recharge his batteries before the Blues return to pre-season training on July 3. Schneiderlin, who has 15 full international caps, has not been named in the France squad which faces England on June 13 after facing Sweden in a World Cup qualifier on June 9 and a friendly against Paraguay on June 2.

The familiar face joining Everton in Europe next season
Europa League has been bolstered by the qualification of a team closely linked to Blues
By Ian Doyle
29 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton will be joined by a familiar face when they return to European action in July.
With domestic leagues now reaching a conclusion across the continent, the Europa League is now beginning to take shape. The Blues will enter the competition in the third qualifying round stage, the ties for which take place on July 27 and August 3. And they will be joined in the draw by Spanish side Athletic Bilbao, finalists in the Europa League in 2012.
Bilbao, of course, is where Howard Kendall departed after leaving Everton in 1987, and who provided the opposition at Goodison for his testimonial in 2006. Like Everton, Bilbao finished seventh in their domestic league but qualified for the Europa League after Barcelona, already through to the Champions League, beat Alaves in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday night.
The two sides cannot meet the third qualifying round with both seeded for the draw, which takes place on July 14. Among the other seeds now confirmed are Zenit Saint Petersburg, AC Milan, Dinamo Bucharest and Krasnodar – teams Everton have previously played in Europe, along with Freiburg, Bordeaux, Braga, Sparta Prague, Dinamo Zagreb, Gent, PSV Eindhoven and Marseille. Bilbao will have a new manager for next season with Ernesto Valverde having left to take over from Luis Enrique at Barcelona.

Everton send thank you message to EVERY away fan
Bill Kenwright addresses personal message to "Travelling Toffees"
By David Prentice
29 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has sent a personalised thank you message to every fan who bought a ticket for an away match last season. And those supporters, branded "the Travelling Toffees", have all been invited to a special Everton event this summer as a mark of appreciation. The Blues famously sold out Goodison Park for every home match throughout 2016/17. But their away support has been just as impressive - with the Blues chairman pointing out the 3,000 who travelled to MK Dons for a pre-season friendly and the hundreds who went to Aldershot to get behind the Under-23s' PL2 title challenge.
Addressed personally to every fan who bought an away ticket, the chairman wrote:
"After watching most of our section at the Emirates stay on and applaud our team on Sunday at the end of the game, I felt I must write to those special fans, the Travelling Toffees who have followed the Boys in Blue on the road this season with such dedication - despite our away form not bringing us the results we hoped for. "My message is a simple one. I just want to say 'thanks to you all'. I know that at Everton we are blessed with the best supporters in the land, but I wanted to let you know, once again, just how much your support is appreciated. I can tell you that Ronald, in his first season with us, has been completely blown away by it. From Sunderland (on a Monday night!) to Southampton (on a Sunday afternoon!) you have been incredible. As I've said many times, it humbles me. Farhad fells exactly the same. And, believe me, every single player who has pulled on that famous Royal Blue jersey this season understands and appreciates the efforts you go to for our Club.
"Aside from the 19 league games, seeing more than 3,000 fans make the trip to MK Dons for a friendly on a Tuesday night - as well as hundreds of you travelling to Aldershot to get behind Unsie and his side's PL2 title challenge - says everything about Evertonians. Committed. Passionate. magnificent. Thank you for everything you do for us. "As a small gesture of appreciation, we're planning to hold a special Everton event this summer for fans who've been to our away games, so we can look forward together to what we hope will be a successful domestic and European campaign next season. "I know you'll be right behind us again, from Brighton to Newcastle and to who knows where on the continent!!! And that knowledge makes me and everyone connected with the Club really proud. it is something we will never take for granted, I promise you.
"Europe here we come!!
Bill K."
And last season Everton confirmed that new commercial partner SportPesa had subsidised fans' travel to Swansea after the clash was moved to a 5.30pm kick-off on a Saturday night.

Everton's Gerard Deulofeu faces uncertain future as Barcelona ponder triggering buy-back clause
Blues winger bids farewell to AC Milan and is reportedly against return to Camp Nou
By Ian Doyle
29 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu faces an uncertain future having concluded his loan spell at AC Milan – with the player reportedly not keen on a return to Barcelona. Deulofeu spent the last four months of the season on loan at the Serie A side after falling out of favour with Blues boss Ronald Koeman.
The Spanish winger impressed during his time at the San Siro – scoring four goals and providing three assists – and helped the Rossonieri to sixth place and qualification to next season's Europa League.
However, reports in Italy suggest Milan have now given up on attempts to bring the 23-year-old back next season. The situation is complicated by Barcelona inserting a buy-back clause in the deal that took Deulofeu to Everton for £4.2million in July 2015. The Catalans have until June 30 to decide whether they want to re-sign the player for 12 million euros, with the terms of the agreement dictating they wouldn't be allowed to sell Deulofeu for another 12 months. While Barcelona sporting director Roberto Fernandez has stated they want to trigger the option, the final decision will rest with incoming coach Ernesto Valverde, who has replaced Luis Enrique. However, Deulofeu is said to be reticent to return to Camp Nou given his desire for regular football as he looks to safeguard a place in the Spain squad for next summer's World Cup. Deulofeu took to social media over the weekend to express his gratitude to Milan. "The season is over," he wrote on his Instagram account. "I only have words of appreciation for Milan. "I was happy here and I had support from my team-mates and fans. Thank you from the heart."
Deulofeu began the season up front for Everton, but hasn't started a game since the 3-2 Premier League defeat to Watford on December 10. Should Barcelona's buy-back clause expire, Everton would then have full control over Deulofeu, who is approaching the final 12 months of his contract at Goodison.

Depay, Sissoko, Koulibaly - what happened to the players Everton missed out on last season?
Assessing 10 of the targets who didn't quite manage to make it to Goodison
By Ian Doyle
29 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
If there's one thing guaranteed to make football supporters agitated, it's their team missing out on a transfer target. And Everton fans are no different. From the collective eye-roll to pockets of complete outrage, the emergence another supposed new signing has slipped through the fingers of the Blues almost always prompts an immediate response.
But what of the players Everton did miss out on?
Were they failures to lament, or ultimately lucky escapes?
We profile what happened to 10 of the Everton targets that didn't arrive at Goodison during the last 12 months – and what might happen next.
Memphis Depay
Ronald Koeman was keen to sign his fellow Dutchman from Manchester United in January only for the winger to opt for Lyon instead in a £17million move. Having spent much of the first half of the season on the bench, Depay has since been making up for lost time. In 17 Ligue 1 appearances, the 23-year-old has rediscovered his confidence by scoring five goals and contributing eight assists as Lyon finished fourth to earn a place in the Europa League.
Verdict: Would have done a job
Moussa Sissoko
His was the story of deadline day, as both Everton and Tottenham Hotspur scrambled for the services of the Newcastle United man fresh from his exploits for France in Euro 2016. The Blues, though, were embarrassed as Sissoko claimed he was never interested in moving to Goodison while instead rocking up at White Hart Lane.
Probably just as well.
Having shelled out £29.75m, Spurs got just eight Premier League starts out of the midfielder and are already looking to move him on.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Koeman's appreciation of Sigurdsson has been known for some time, having attempted to sign the Iceland international both last summer and in January. Sigurdsson chose to stay put at Swansea City and was key to their successful fight to avoid relegation. He was an ever-present with nine goals and 13 assists, including a memorable free-kick at Manchester United that edged the Swans closer to safety.
Sigurdsson remains a wanted man – can it be third time lucky for Koeman?
Verdict: Persistence could eventually pay
Manolo Gabbiadini
Everton began the season seriously short of striking options, as demonstrated by the sight of Kevin Mirallas and Gerard Deulofeu up front with Romelu Lukaku short of fitness. Enner Valencia was brought in on deadline day, but not before a failed attempt to sign Napoli's Manolo Gabbiadini. The Blues' bid of around £20m was rejected, with the player ending up at Southampton for £14m in January.
He hit the ground running with six goals in four games – including two in the League Cup final defeat to Manchester United – but hasn't scored in his last eight games.
Verdict: Not for that money
Lucas Perez
Before Gabbiadini, there was Lucas Perez of Deportivo la Coruna.
In fact, Everton were on the brink of signing the forward for £17m when their interested alerted Arsenal, who promptly snapped up the Spaniard.
Then barely played him.
Eight goals in 22 games doesn't sound a bad return, but that he featured for only 265 minutes in the Premier League tells its own story.
Clearly, Perez has had six clubs in six years for a reason.
Verdict: Hard to say, really
Graziano Pelle
Koeman worked with Pelle for two years at Southampton and was interested in snapping up the Italy striker after Euro 2016. Pelle, though, opted for the riches of China when Shandong Lueng Taishan came calling. Among his team-mates there are Brazilian winger Diego Tardelli and former Newcastle United man Papiss Cisse, for a team managed by ex-Fulham boss Felix Magath.
Verdict: Mercenary best avoided
Kalidou Koulibaly
"Everton? We knew of interest from Everton," said the defender's agent in the autumn. "These figures of 50, 60, 70 million are absurd, in part because the president said he is non-transferable."
In doing so, he effectively confirmed the Blues were willing to spend big on the Senegalese defender, despite Napoli not wanting to sell. Koulibaly featured regularly as the Italians finished third in Serie A and reached the last 16 of the Champions League.
Chelsea now want the centre-back. It's difficult to see him staying in Italy beyond the summer.
Verdict: Another bid would be welcome
Michael Keane
Koeman made the unusual decision to go public with his admiration for the Burnley defender in January.
A deal, though, was rarely on the cards realistically, as Keane instead saw his stock rise with some impressive performances to keep the Clarets clear of the relegation zone and earn England recognition.
Keane has now become much sought after, with former club Manchester United leading the chase.
Verdict: Probably bound for Old Trafford
Koeman wanted to take Martina with him last summer to Goodison only for Southampton to put a stop to the deal. Martina featured regularly for the Saints during the autumn but hasn't played since starting the 5-0 home FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in January. He's now out of contract, with Koeman still seeking cover at right-back with Seamus Coleman recovering from his double leg break. Everton were actually on the brink of signing the Standard Liege striker in January when Koeman had second thoughts.
"Belfodil was one of the players on our list and we had the opportunity to buy him but we took the decision not to sign him," said the Blues boss.
There has been plenty of speculation since as to why.
Since the January market shut, Belfodil has scored five times in 13 games. Meh.

The big guns Everton must overcome to lift the Europa League
Most of the major leagues have been decided - so what next for Everton?
By Kristian Walsh
29 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton's Europa League picture is becoming clearer.
This weekend saw several top leagues finish for the season – Spain and Italy included – while Germany hosted their cup final. It meant several nations have now finalised their European representatives for the 2017/18 campaign. The Blues will enter the Europa League in the third qualifying round; they must navigate that, and the following play-off round, before making the group stages. But with the competition two rounds old before Ronald Koeman leads his side into Europe, possible opponents – and which teams will or won't be seeded – are still hard to gauge. It seems certain Everton will be seeded for their third round qualifier, but there is still plenty to be decided. Still, after the completion of La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga and other leagues across Europe, Everton have a better idea of who they could meet on their travels next season.
SPAIN
Villarreal – A side well-known to the Blues after 2005/06, the Yellow Submarine will start in the group stages after finishing fifth. Real Sociedad – The second Spanish side who will begin in the groups, finishing a point clear in sixth. Athletic Bilbao – Their place in the third qualifying round was confirmed after Alaves failed to win the Copa del Rey against Barcelona, seeing the final Europa spot reallocated to the seventh-placed side.
GERMANY
FC Koln – Fired to fifth by former Blackburn flop Anthony Modeste, Koln qualified for Europe for the first time in 25 years, and will enter at the group stage.
Hertha Berlin – The club from the German capital ended the season in sixth, despite losing 15 games throughout the campaign, and head for the group stages.
SC Freiburg – A late addition following Dortmund's cup final win over Eintracht Frankfurt, allowing the side from the south of Germany into the third qualifying round as seventh-placed finishers.
ITALY
Atalanta – A brilliant season for Serie A's surprise package, finishing fourth after final day results went their way. They will head into the group stages for their first European adventure since 1991.
Lazio – The Rome club had looked set to challenge for the Champions League spots earlier in the season but soon tailed off, and relinquished fourth on the final day. They still join in the group stage, however.
AC Milan – Finishing a point ahead of Inter to end up sixth, Milan will join the competition at the same stage as Everton.
FRANCE
Lyon – Europa League semi-finalists this season, Lyon finished fourth in Ligue 1 to move straight into the group stages.
Marseille – After a few campaigns of underachievement, the giants of southern France can be pleased with fifth under Rudi Garcia – although it means starting in the third qualifying round.
Bordeaux – Les Girondins enjoyed a solid campaign to complete France's top six and secure their spot in the third qualifying round.
PORTUGAL
Vitoria Guimares – A brilliant season for the league's surprise package, finishing above rivals Braga in fourth. Benfica's cup win ensured Guimares would start in the group stages – although it was them who suffered defeat in the final to the Lisbon giants anyway.
Braga – A trip to look out for, if only for their rock-based Estadio Municipal. The 2011 Europa League finalists finished fifth and will begin in the third qualifying round.
Maritimo – The final between Benfica and Guimares sealed a further league place for Portugal, snapped up by sixth-placed Maritimo.
HOLLAND
PSV Eindhoven – One of the big boys who begin in the third qualifying round along with Everton, by virtue of their third-placed finish.
Utrecht – Due to the Eredivisie structure, the fourth-placed finish sealed their place in a further European play-off competition – which they won in dramatic circumstances, overturning a 3-0 first leg deficit against AZ Alkmaar to win on penalties.
Vitesse Arnhem – A double from Ricky van Wolfswinkel helped Vitesse to their first-ever major cup win with victory over AZ Alkmaar, and confirming their place in the group stages.
RUSSIA
Zenit St Petersburg – Winners of this competition in 2008, the Russians finished third behind Moscow duo Spartak and CSKA to head into the third qualifying round.
Krasnodar – Everton faced Krasnodar in the 2014/15 campaign, and they have made it out of the group stages in the subsequent two European campaigns. Will begin in the third round qualifier after finishing fourth.
Lokomotiv Moscow – Lokomotiv finished eighth but head into the group stages after their cup final win over FC Ural Yekaterinburg.

Why Everton's away kit has become a football rarity
This might make Everton fans get shirty...
By David Dubas-Fisher
30 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton's away shirt has been found to be one of the most under-used in the Premier League this season. An investigation carried out by the Echo has found that Everton have only worn their away kit twice in the league throughout the campaign. The Blues wore black in the goalless draw at Middlesbrough and 1-0 defeat to Swansea - meaning they did not manage to score a goal wearing it.
Only two other jerseys have had fewer outings than Everton's away kit - Tottenham's and Leicester's away shirts, which have been worn just once in the league.
Of course, teams do tend to prefer to wear their home jerseys wherever possible and if there is a clash then whether the away team chooses their away or third strip will also depend on clashes.
However, in some cases clubs do appear to be choosing their third-choice kits over their away ones.
Everton, for instance, have worn their yellow third strip seven times this season compared to just twice for their black away one. Tottenham have worn their golden third kit six times compared to the one time they've worn their black away one. Leicester have worn their third-choice strip three times to their away strip's once and Liverpool have worn their third-choice kit six times to their away one's four.

Everton transfer rumours - Blues linked with move for former Watford loanee
A round-up of Everton transfer rumours and speculation from around the web
By Joe Rimmer
30 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton have been linked with a move for former Watford loanee M'Baye Niang after the Frenchman admitted he would not join the Hornets on a permanent deal. Niang impressed with Watford after moving from Milan on a short-term loan deal in January. He scored twice in 11 appearances during the six-month loan deal. Marco Silva has since replaced Walter Mazzarri, but Niang does not see his future with Watford, and Everton are one of several clubs mentioned as potential suitors. He told L'Equipe: "I owe a lot to the club that gave me a chance to play in a different championship, to experience a new mentality, and that allowed me to play as regularly as I would have liked to. "But even if Watford have an option to purchase that the management wants to activate, I do not see myself staying there. And that is only for personal reasons. "I have given myself time to reflect, I weighed up the pros and cons and despite the great opportunity offered by Watford, I do not think my future lies there."
Elsewhere this morning and speculation over Kelechi Iheanacho's future continues.
The Nigerian striker is reportedly available for transfer from Man City, with West Ham having made the first move. Everton have also been linked, but the Daily Mail reports today that City will only do a deal if a buy-back clause is inserted into the player's contract.

Blues reunited - look who former Everton hero Steven Pienaar bumped into in South Africa
The ex Blues midfielder was thrilled to meet his old Goodison Park pal
By Greg O'Keeffe
30 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Steven Pienaar treated Everton fans to a snap of true Blue nostalgia on Twitter.
The former Toffees midfielder is currently back home in South Africa after a turbulent season at Sunderland under ex boss David Moyes. But he was joined by a surprise guest when he bumped into former Goodison teammate Seamus Coleman.
Pienaar tweeted: 'Look who I bump (sic) into', accompanied by a grinning selfie with the injured Blues right back. Pienaar, 35, who is from Johannesburg and originally came to Everton on loan in 2007 from Borussia Dortmund, signed a 12-month contract at the Stadium of Light last August. He will leave Sunderland this summer and is reportedly in talks to join South African club Cape Town City.
Cape Town chairman John Comitis said: "Steven is a great player. We are just waiting to see what he is going to do, and what is his decision." Pienaar has been active on Twitter in recent days, sharing pictures of the work he does with underprivileged children in Johannesburg through his own charity.
Piennar grew up in the notorious Westbury township outside Johannesburg, and moved to play for Ajax Cape Town when he was 18. He enjoyed the most successful period of his career during two spells at Goodison, making 229 appearances in between a brief spell at Tottenham.

Everton transfers - Does Ronald Koeman's second summer spending at Southampton offer clues?
Blues boss expected to be given club record funds to improve squad
By Phil Kirkbride
30 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton are expected to spend record amounts this summer as the Blues plot an assault on the top four.
Ronald Koeman only managed to buy four players and sign one on loan during his first transfer window as boss after being appointed in mid-June. The Everton manager added two more faces to the squad in January but it is anticipated that he wants at least six new recruits before the cut off point on deadline day on August 31. But how did Koeman fare during his second summer window with former club Southampton? Ronald Koeman speaks to Virgil van Dijk during a match between Stoke City and Southampton in March 2016 Having replaced Mauricio Pochettino in the summer of 2014, he spent over £55m to rebuild a squad that sold a clutch of key players (for around £92m) and managed to guide the Saints to a seventh placed finish in his first campaign in charge. Again, big name departures shaped Koeman's plans before the start of the next season as Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlin left for Liverpool and Manchester United, respectively but the Dutchman still managed to assemble a squad that improved their league performance and finished sixth at the end of the 2015-16 term.
Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Lallana in action for Southampton Everton could yet face big name departures this summer with the futures of Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley unresolved but Koeman, who spent around £45m last summer before splashing over £30m in January, will be given major funds to improve the Blues squad whether they stay or not.
Summer 2015 - Ins
Cuco Martina (FC Twente) £1m
Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord) - £8m
Oriel Romeu (Chelsea) - £5m
Virgil Van Dijk (Celtic) - £11.5m
Cedric Soares (Sporting Lisbon) - £4.7m
Juanmi (Malaga) - £5m
Total spend: £32.2m
Summer 2015 - Outs
Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool) - £12.5m
Morgan Schneiderlin (Manchester United) - £25m
Pablo Osvaldo (Porto) - Free
Artur Boruc (Bournemouth) - Free
Morgan Schneiderlin (L) fights for the balll with Manchester City's Carlos Tevez in August 2012
Total earned: £37.5m
Summer 2015 - Missed targets
Toby Alderweireld
Marcus Rojo

Everton to face FC Groningen in pre-season, Dutch club confirm
Blues set to face Eredivisie side on July 22
By Phil Kirkbride
30 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton will face FC Groningen in a pre-season friendly, the Dutch club have confirmed.
The Blues are due to face the Eredivisie side on Sunday, July 22 as part of a week-long stay in Holland.
The game is scheduled to take place at Groningen's Noordlease Stadion at 5pm local time.
Groningen have also confirmed that adult tickets for the game are priced at €10 with admission for concessions at €5. Everton kick-off their pre-season schedule with a friendly in Tanzania before the head for Holland. Groningen supporters hold a huge banner prior to the Europa League match against Olympique Marseille at the Euroborg stadium on September 17, 2015. Unconfirmed reports say the Blues will play PEC Zwolle on Sunday, July 16 and FC Twente on Wednesday, July 19.
Groningen, managed by Ernest Faber, finished the Eredivisie season in eighth place and the club's General Managing Director Hans Nijland said: "On Saturday, July 22, we want to have the pitch again in order for a beautiful practice match at the Noordlease Stadium.
"That's why Premier League club Everton from Ronald and Erwin Koeman will visit."

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku got 25 goals but flopped in fan ratings XI
We've compiled Blues team from average ratings by ECHO readers throughout season
By Greg O'Keeffe
30 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
He banged in 25 goals, narrowly missed out on the Premier League's Golden Boot, but Romelu Lukaku wasn't your overall highest rated player. Our writers rate the Blues stars after every game and allow ECHO readers to do the same as the season goes on.
But interestingly Lukaku, who refused to sign a new contract in March, was one of the lowest rated senior first-team players.
Joel Robles (6.2). James McCarthy (6.3) and Ross Barkley (6.2) all scored higher than Lukaku who got an overall mark of 6.0 Perhaps Lukaku, and his high-profile desire to play Champions League football, has placed greater scrutiny on his displays and off-days. Ronald Koeman has recently admitted there are areas in which the 24-year-old has to improve.
The two highest rated players are midfielders; with January arrival Morgan Schneiderlin getting 6.8 - the same as Idrissa Gueye. Ashley Williams doesn't fare partiuclarly well, scoring the same 6.0 as Lukaku, while youngster Tom Davies gets a 6.6.
Tom Cleverley didn't make the grade
The overall lowest mark was for Arouna Kone (4.9) while Tom Cleverley, who joined Watford in January, scored a 5.0

Everton want Jordan Pickford but unwilling to meet £30m asking price
Blues have tabled a much lower offer - but Sunderland have rejected it
By Phil Kirkbride
31 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton are not willing to meet Sunderland's £30m valuation of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The Blues, the ECHO understands, had an offer of £8m turned down earlier this month.
Everton remain keen on 23-year-old but have baulked at the relegated Black Cats' price tag.
It is believed that the Blues hierarchy would be willing to go as high as £15m for the England under-21 international. Sunderland don't want to be seen to sell their star player on the cheap following their demotion to the Championship but risk pricing themselves out of the market by slapping. Everton boss Ronald Koeman remained coy on whether he would target a new goalkeeper this summer but the ECHO understands that Pickford has been on their wishlist for several months. The young stopper has impressed this term despite Sunderland's struggles and Everton are leading the chase for his signature.
But they are prepared to walk away from negotiations if Sunderland persist with their £30m valuation of Pickford. Pickford made 135 saves this season, the second highest in the division behind Burnley's Tom Heaton. Joel Robles finished the season in goal for the Blues but admitted last week that his future is "not very clear". The Spaniard had made 17 consecutive starts from late December but was dropped for the game at West Ham. But injury to Maarten Stekelenburg saw Robles regain his place for the final two games of the season yet this long-term future remains uncertain as Everton pursue Pickford.

Everton 2016-17 Season Review August - Transfers start to happen, fitness a problem and frustrating deadline day
We continue our review of the campaign with a look back at the opening games
By David Prentice
31 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Things did start to happen as August loomed.
Aston Villa's enormously under-rated midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye was recruited for a bargan £7.2m, Ashley Williams followed from Swansea for £10m then Crystal Palace's exciting and unpredictable winger Yannick Bolasie was enlisted for £25m. John Stones saw his wish to join Manchester City granted, with Everton receiving £47.5m for his services, plus the unusual add ons of £1.25m every time City reached the Champions League duruing the terms of his contract. So that's another £1.25m banked.
The pre-season friendlies continued with a dire goalless draw at Old Trafford - a testimonial match for former Blue Wayne Rooney - and a 1-0 home defeat by Espanyol which saw a Ross Barkley penalty saved. Some significance was attached to Barkley being handed the number eight shirt for the season - but even more relevant was the decision to dish out no numbera at all to Oumar Niasse, Conor McAleny, Leandro Rodriguez, winger Aiden McGeady and defender Luke Garbutt. Koeman raised eyebrows with his assessment of the condition of the players he had inherited from Roberto Martinez.
"We're not at the level we need to be in terms of the players' physical state," he said. "I'd say we are 70 per cent of where we need to be and at Southampton it was 100 per cent." That showed as Everton started the season impressively against previous season's title challengers Tottenham but then faded in a 1-1 draw. Koeman's decisiveness was displayed a week later when James McCarthy, employed as a right wing-back at West Brom, was replaced after just 38 minutes with Everton trailing. The Blues boss changes his team's shape and it paid off with a 2-1 win. A 4-0 EFL Cup romp over Yeovil, with captain Ross Barkley wearing the armband, and a hard earned 1-0 victory over Stoke had got Koeman's reign off to a flying start.

Everton transfer rumours - Blues make offer for La Liga defender
A round-up of Everton transfer rumours and speculation from around the web
By Joe Rimmer
31 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton have made a firm offer for Las Palmas defender Mauricio Lemos, according to a report in Spain.
Mundo Deportivo claim that the La Liga outfit are weighing up a bid from Everton for Lemos, who has impressed with his displays this season. Lemos has also been linked with a move to Barcelona in the past, and the Spanish newpaper reports that Ronald Koeman is pushing to get the deal done.
The 21-year-old Uruguayan has made 23 appearances for Las Palmas, scoring five goals.
Elsewhere in Spain and it's claimed that Everton are interested in signing Real Madrid defender Diego Llorente after his impressive displays on loan at Malaga.

'Billionaires? £8million is an insult' - Reaction to Everton's Jordan Pickford bid
Football stunned and Blues fans left concerned by low opening offer for Sunderland goalkeeper
By Chris Beesley
31 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton's £8million offer for Jordan Pickford has whipped up a storm with fans of the Blues, The Black Cats and other football observers alike given that his club have slapped a £30million price tag on the 23-year-old's head. While the Wearsiders' valuation of their player may seem somewhat inflated - even in the current climate - many fear that Goodison chiefs are running the risk of missing out on their target by upsetting and insulting Pickford's club.
The ECHO understands that while Everton remain keen on the player, they are not prepared to meet Sunderland's valuation and would only be willing to go up to half that amount - some £15million.
How much would you pay for Jordan Pickford? The Blues low bid has drawn parallels with when ex-boss David Moyes tried to nab his former players Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines from Goodison during his ill-fated stint at Manchester United, with a cheeky £28million offer for the pair of them which prompted Everton to release a statement declaring that the approach was "immediately rejected out of hand as derisory and insulting" although of course in this instance the boot is now on the other foot.
Many Evertonians expressed embarrassment over the Pickford offer, believing it smacked of the penny-pinching days they thought were now behind them when the club struggled to flex the financial muscle to keep up with the game's elite.
Here is a selection of responses from the ECHO's Facebook page:
Michael Moran He's definitely not worth 30 million but Lukaku isn't worth 100 million and Barkley isn't worth 50. There has to be a middle ground but 8 seems very low. I'm becoming more convinced every day that we don't have the money we think we do
Aide Dews Bidding £8m for him is embarrassing! He's worth at least £20m or slightly more so to bid that is a joke! We've got a billionaire backer and big ambitions yet try and deal like amateurs! To show we mean business and seriously want to go further we need to show ourselves well in market and go and pay the fees for the players we want. Bill Speed this is why we miss out on players..''so nothings changed'' we have money to shop in ''Harrods, Asda, and Sainsburys, but end up shopping in Lidl and Aldi!! no wonder pundits , papers and some good players don't treat Everton as serious thats why if we don't change we will always be ''the underachievers......''
Tim Cardy Modern day football prices. If we want him, got to go a lot closer than 8 million. Irrespective of whether Pickford is worth it, another club will match an opening bid of what Sunderland wants.
Lennie Woods Yes we're off same old story we get built up say we've got money to spend and won't pay the 30m he could be the next England gk think big big Everton before someone else steps in.
And here are the fans on Twitter who are not happy with the Blues opening offer:
However, the feeling that Everton should offer "whatever it takes" to secure Pickford was far from universal and many supporters have doubts over the goalkeeper who has just been relegated with Sunderland and some believe that the Blues should be looking elsewhere, particularly Chelsea understudy Asmir Begovic who is moving to Bournemouth in the search of more regular first team football. Colin Eve Media has been telling everyone how much money we have, prices will rise because of this. If we overpay for him it will have a knock on affect for subsequent transfers but we don't want to lose out. It's a finely balanced negotiation.
Does Bill still do the negotiations?
David Carroll Wow why did they not get Begovic for 10 million with the Barkley and Lukaku situation not looking any clearer this summer looks like it's going to be very frustrating summer
Pickford is an ok keeper not proven like Begovic it's a big gamble for 30 million that would make him the second most expensive keeper in the world and that's madness his last few games he made a lot of stupid mistakes as well Siôn LLoyd-Davies For less than 30 mil we could sign Mattia Perin who is light years ahead of Pickford and only a little older. He will be recovered from his knee injury by now and will be world class Kieran Riley Should have got Begovic. Class keeper, wasn't getting first team football and has now gone to Bournemouth for 10m. We could have easily snapped him up
It wasn't just Evertonians who have been talking about the bid though. Sunderland supporters have understandably been having their say, along with fans of other clubs while even the chief football writer for the BBC Sport website Phil McNulty poured scorn over the quoted figure.

Mino Raiola tells Everton offers for Romelu Lukaku are coming
Agent also says Lukaku was made a "promise" he could leave
By Phil Kirkbride
31 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Mino Raiola has told Everton to brace themselves for offers for wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku this summer. And the super-agent claims the Blues made a "promise" to the 24-year-old they would sell him if "certain" clubs made an approach. Everton have slapped a £100m price tag on their top scorer but Raiola believes the Blues would sell for the right price. "We are not in concrete talks with anybody at this moment, but hearing the market I think some clubs will contact Everton. "If the price is right for Everton and the project is right for Lukaku then I think he will want to make another step, but we are not there yet." Lukaku has been offered a new deal by Everton and Raiola said the contract was "99.9%" complete in December. However, the Belgian has since rejected the offer to become the club's highest paid player. "You know we have the 0.1% now," Raiola added. "At that moment we decided not to sign the contract but I have to say the relationship with the club is very good and we knew if someone would come and satisfy Everton then there is a possibility that he leaves."

How much is Everton target Jordan Pickford really worth?
The Blues have tabled an £8m offer but what's Pickford's true value?
By Greg O'Keeffe
31 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Low-ball or smart opener? Cheap trick or cunning plan?
The internet has been debating our story this morning that Everton have begun their pursuit of Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with a surprising opening offer of £8m.
That could well be merely the opening salvo of a tough negotiating process with the relegated Wearsiders, who are reported to want £30m for the shot-stopper.
But it has set alarm bells ringing with some Blues fans who hope for swift and decisive business in the transfer market this summer, rather than protracted affairs stretching until deadline day.
With Farhad Moshiri's wealth it's not as if the Toffees are short on cash, so the best guess must be that the Goodison Park club are merely being canny.
But how much is the England keeper actually worth?

Everton's Ademola Lookman scores twice as England under-20s make World Cup quarter-finals
Lookman bags goals in either half in 2-1 win as Blues shine
By Phil Kirkbride
31 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Ademola Lookman scored twice to send England under-20s into the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
The Everton winger registered in either half in the 2-1 win over Costa Rica this afternoon with both assists provided by Blues' team-mates. Jonjoe Kenny supplied the low cross that found its way to Lookman in the 35th minute before Dominic Calvert-Lewin found the 19-year-old just past the hour mark. England were forced to endure a nervy final few moments after Cost Rica pulled one back through Randall Leal.
But the Three Lions held on to book their place in the quarter-finals in Korea.
Kieran Dowell, the match-winner in the last game, also started the England before being substituted during the second-half. England will face either Senegal or Mexico in the last eight on June 5.

Everton's hopes of signing Sandro could rest on Atletico Madrid transfer ban outcome
Court of Arbitration for Sport to rule on Spaniard's appeal on Thursday
By Phil Kirkbride
31 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Everton will watch with interest tomorrow as the Court of Arbitration for Sport rule on Atletico Madrid's transfer ban. The authority will reveal its verdict on whether the Spanish side can register new players in the upcoming window. Atletico were banned from registering new signings for two transfer windows and appealed the sanction. Diego Simeone's side hope CAS lift their ban in time for the opening of the summer window. And one of Atleti's targets is Malaga striker Sandro who is also on Everton's wishlist.
Ronald Koeman and director of football Steve Walsh went to watch the striker earlier in the month who has a release clause of just over £5m. A CAS spokesman said: "Thursday afternoon, that's the time slot when we'll deliver the verdict".

Will Everton's new stadium funding mirror Tottenham Hotspur's?
Spurs reveal how they will pay for new ground
By Phil Kirkbride
31 MAY 2017 Liverpool Echo
Tottenham Hotspur's funding model for their new stadium has been revealed - offering a possible insight into how Everton may find the money for their new ground. Spurs have today announced details of a £700m five-year plan which will pay for a 61,500 seater stadium on the site of White Hart Lane. The London club have signed a £400m deal with Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs Group Inc and HSBC Holdings.
A young Spurs fan looks at the plans for the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium outside White Hart Lane in October Tottenham, in an official statement, say they have already spent £340m on buying the land, planning and building works with the remaining costs being covered by the new 'facility' with the trio of leading banks. Spurs will also use their own resources to fund the rest of their new ground development; which will also boast a Tottenham Experience museum and the largest retail store of any football club in Europe.
"We are delighted to have three of the most prestigious and globally recognized banks supporting us," said Matthew Collecott, director of finance and operations.
Everton have struck a deal for Liverpool City Council to act as guarantors for when the club seek out lenders to help them build their new ground at Bramley Moore Dock.
The Blues are in the process of putting together a detailed planning application after agreeing to purchase land on the banks of the Mersey.
Everton hope to be given the green light to begin construction early next year.