A round-up of the latest Everton news as the Toffees prepare to finalise a new contract and Tottenham Hotspur consider rivalling Newcastle United for Ben Godfrey’s transfer.
Francis Okoronkwo snubs interest to sign a new Everton contract
Everton have fended off vast interest in Francis Okoronkwo and got the highly-rated forward to sign a new contract. That is according to TEAMtalk, which reports that a host of clubs are monitoring the 19-year-old. But he is now ready to pledge his long-term future to the Blues.
Teams have taken an interest in Okoronkwo as his current terms expire in June 2024. But an opportunity to stay at Goodison Park pleases the former Sunderland prospect. He moved to Merseyside in September 2021 and has produced a prolific record at the youth level since.
Okoronkwo boasts nine goals over 16 Under-18 outings for the Toffees and seven in 42 with their Under-21 side. The Blyth-born talent is still yet to feature in a single first-team squad at Everton, however. But the Blues aim to announce his new contract by the end of the month.
Read more about Okoronkwo agreeing to sign a new contract with Everton, here.
Sean Dyche hints at Dele Alli’s future move after leaving Everton
Everton coach Sean Dyche has hinted that midfielder Dele Alli could be a manager once he ultimately retires. The 27-year-old is still yet to feature so far this season while he recovers from a calf injury. Dele suffered a setback in his recovery following surgery earlier this year.
Fitness problems and a dearth of form have blighted Dele since he moved to Goodison Park. He is also yet to play under Dyche after Frank Lampard sent him out on loan to Besiktas last season. But Dele has stood out to Dyche at Finch Farm and with his career experiences yet.
Read more about what Dyche has had to say about Dele becoming a manager, here.
Abdoulaye Doucoure opens up on his relationship with Sean Dyche
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has now opened up on his relationship with Dyche and revealed why he enjoys playing under the tactician so much. The Kettering-born coach has helped to get the 30-year-old’s career back on track to earn a new contract this month.
Doucoure’s days at Goodison Park seemed numbered under Lampard, who froze the Malian out of his squad. Yet Dyche gave Doucoure a fresh slate and the former France youth talent has been essential. He has started their 11 Premier League games this term for three goals.
“I enjoy it so far,” Doucoure told the Liverpool Echo. “The statistics show it – they’re very good. Sometimes it’s hard because it’s not my natural position. Sometimes I like to come from behind. But I’m ready to play any position.
“The manager gives me a bit of freedom and allows me to come on the left, sometimes in the middle. He just wants to make sure I’m in the first line of pressing for the team because he knows I have the legs to press the opponents.
“After that, I have the freedom to score goals and make some assists, so it’s been good.”
Read more about Doucoure’s comments on life under Dyche at Everton, here.
Tottenham and Newcastle explore Ben Godfrey’s transfer from Everton
Tottenham and Newcastle are among the Premier League teams now showing an interest in the transfer of Everton defender Godfrey. That is according to 90min, which reports that the top-flight is awash with suitors for the 25-year-old after slipping in the Blues’ pecking order.
Dyche has played James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite and Michael Keane over the centre-half of late. Godfrey has featured for just a minute in the Premier League so far this season despite making all 11 squads. So, Everton are even willing to listen to offers for his services.
Godfrey is also eager to reignite his career having fallen completely out of contention for an England call-up. AFC Bournemouth, Burnley and Crystal Palace could offer him a chance, as well. Godfrey has earned two caps since joining Everton from Norwich for £20m in 2020.
Read more about Tottenham and Newcastle’s interest in Godfrey’s transfer, here.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
