Sean Dyche ready to listen to offers for two Everton players who’ve already been replaced

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Everton have done well to shift on the dead wood from their squad this summer, but for Kevin Thelwell, the work is just beginning.

After all, his entire tenure as director of football has been mired by having to undo the mistakes of the past before trying to forge a brighter future, and despite these hardships, he has never once complained.

Instead putting his head down and getting to work, only now is he reaping the benefits, over two years on from his appointment.

It is a testament to Farhad Moshiri’s gross mismanagement over the years that Thelwell, despite working so impressively, is still far from finished shipping out the dead wood.

Fortunately, two more could now be on their way out the Goodison Park exit door.

Sean Dyche happy to sell Everton duo

The latest comes courtesy of The Guardian, who have sought to outline what Thelwell’s transfer plans are for the rest of the summer.

And whilst the main article focuses on Everton’s completed move for Jake O’Brien, set to be their third permanent deal and fifth signing of the summer, it is what is littered elsewhere throughout the report that really tells the story of the transfer window.

Perhaps most importantly regarding their efforts to raise further funds, having already seen the bulk of their activity funded by Amadou Onana’s move to Aston Villa, is this one line which outlines an unwanted duo who could be on their way out.

It simply reads: ‘There are doubts over the futures of Michael Keane and Mason Holgate. The club would listen to offers for both defenders.’

Mason Holgate and Michael Keane have already been replaced

There were fears around Goodison Park that, when Ben Godfrey was allowed to leave, it would be funds welcomed and not reinvested.

After all, Sean Dyche did already have Michael Keane as one backup, and had Mason Holgate returning from an ill-fated loan spell with Sheffield United too. The personnel was in place.

As a couple of the more unreliable players that Everton have owned in recent times, to have them as direct backups for James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite marked a petrifying prospect.

Especially when combing back through their respective careers, with Keane often being left flat-footed at the back, and Holgate’s rash and reckless attitude getting him in trouble positionally or with the referee.

Hopefully, O’Brien’s signing will change all that, as they will not get a look in with the Republic of Ireland international now the next in line after that aforementioned formidable duo.

Now, with ample backup secured, Dyche can finally sanction the exits of Holgate and Keane by any means necessary without fear of lacking depth.