A round-up of the latest Everton news as the Toffees eye a transfer for Leicester City prospect Kasey McAteer amid fears the Blues may receive a second points deduction.
Why Sky Sports pulled Burnham’s interview on Everton’s points deduction
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has outlined why Sky Sports pulled its interview with Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, debating the 10-point deduction the Premier League gave Everton. The Blues have been docked points after recording losses of £124.5m.
An independent commission decided on their penalty after upholding the Premier League’s charge against Everton from March. The top-flight’s rulebook only allows losses of £105m in a three-year accounting stint. But Everton fell outside of the rules from 2019/20 to 2021/22.
Burnham spoke to Sky Sports about Everton’s points deduction following the penalty. But he has since told the Daily Mail that the broadcaster later opted to drop the interview. Maguire believes Sky Sports’ choice came down to its bid for future Premier League broadcast rights.
“Ultimately, it comes down to money,” Maguire has told The Price of Football, “because the Premier League is in the process of deciding how to award the domestic broadcasting rights from 2024 onwards.
“We know that there’s going to be more matches made available and Sky wants as many of those matches as possible. So, I think Sky doesn’t particularly want to be seen to be siding with an individual, or individuals, who are critical of the Premier League.”
Read more about what Maguire has said about Sky Sports’ interview with Burnham, here.
Everton are at risk of receiving a second points deduction
Everton are at risk of receiving a second points deduction from the Premier League this term over their 2022/23 accounts. That is according to Martyn Zeigler of The Times, who reports that there are fears that the Toffees are ‘sailing close to the wind’ approaching the deadline.
Premier League clubs must now submit their completed accounts for the previous season by December 31. Sides previously had until March to submit their accounts. But the shortened deadline is sparking fears that Everton may fall foul of the financial sustainability rules again.
Read more about what Zeigler has had to say about Everton receiving another penalty, here.
Everton are targeting Leicester star McAteer’s transfer
Everton are exploring a transfer for Leicester winger McAteer but face a huge hurdle for any pursuit. That is according to Football Transfers, which reports that the 22-year-old is likely to reject a move away from the Foxes if his suitor is facing the threat of relegation this season.
Crystal Palace are also monitoring the winger with his current contract only running to 2025. Leicester would like to lock McAteer down with a fresh deal. But Everton intend to test their resolve in January as Blues boss Sean Dyche is keen to add another wide forward to his side.
McAteer is happy at Leicester but has ambitions of being a Premier League player. The Foxes product has so far only played two minutes in the top-flight in December 2021. He has spent time on loan for Forest Green Rovers and AFC Wimbledon, where he was called ‘wonderful’.
Read more about Everton’s interest in McAteer’s potential transfer from Leicester, here.
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