Everton

Unai Emery has reportedly been approached by Everton as the Toffees search for a permanent successor for Marco Silva.

According to Sky Sports News, Emery, who was sacked as Arsenal head coach at the end of November, has asked for more time to consider his options after an "informal meeting" was held with Everton representatives in London over the vacant manager's position at Goodison Park.

Silva was sacked by Everton after last week's 5-2 Merseyside derby defeat against Liverpool:

"I'm surprised the trigger wasn’t pulled earlier because results have been that poor."

Marco Silva was sacked by #EFC after 18 months in charge. @johncrossmirror says "it was only a matter of time" 👇 pic.twitter.com/c04EH4kcTA

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) December 6, 2019

The Portuguese manager had been in charge for 18 months and left the club lying in the Premier League's relegation zone. Interim boss Duncan Ferguson oversaw a 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Saturday that lifted the Toffees out of the drop zone:

Leicester keep up the chase#PL pic.twitter.com/4BVFbub25I

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 8, 2019

Emery, meanwhile, left Arsenal late last month after a seven-game winless run in all competitions and the Gunners' worst-ever Premier League start:

@Arsenal’s fewest points after 13 PL games

2019-20 18
1994-95 19
2012-13 20
2014-15 20
2006-07 22 pic.twitter.com/ylQhK2Hp9c

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) November 23, 2019

It brought to a close an 18-month spell for the Spaniard at the Emirates Stadium after his appointment as Arsene Wenger's successor in May 2018.

The 48-year-old was unable to get Arsenal back into the UEFA Champions League after they finished fifth in the Premier League last season. He did, though, oversee an improvement of seven points from Wenger's final campaign in charge.

A poor start to 2019-20, combined with off-field issues including the sacking of Granit Xhaka as captain, made his post untenable. He has been succeeded by Freddie Ljungberg on an interim basis, and the Swede has fared little better, leading the Gunners to a draw at Norwich City and a defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Other than his final days at Arsenal, Emery's CV is largely impressive, and he could be a decent fit for a club of Everton's profile.

At Paris Saint-Germain from 2016 to 2018, he won a Ligue 1 title and six other domestic trophies. Most eye-catching are his three consecutive UEFA Europa League wins with Sevilla between 2014 and 2016.

Marco Silva has been sacked as manager of Everton.

The Toffees announced the decision on Thursday with Everton sitting in 18th in the Premier League table after a dreadful start to the 2019-20 campaign.

The 5-2 loss to local rivals Liverpool proved to be the final straw for Everton's power-brokers, with the Toffees suffering nine defeats from their first 15 games of the campaign.

Afterward, the Portuguese was coy on questions regarding his future:

Marco Silva responded to questions about his future at Everton after the 5-2 defeat to Liverpool #LIVEVE pic.twitter.com/AcD5jslFwO

— Everton FC News (@LivEchoEFC) December 4, 2019

Many expected Everton to be challengers for a top-six berth this season after a strong end to the previous term when they beat Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United. However, despite spending big on the likes of Moise Kean and Alex Iwobi in the summer, they have toiled.

Everton have lost 2-0 to all three newly promoted teams and failed to settle on a consistent setup. Kean, who arrived from Juventus amid much hype, has been underutilised, starting just two Premier League games.

While wins over West Ham United and Southampton hinted at a turnaround in fortunes, the team have underperformed for too long, and the club opted to act.

Per Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph, there are also doubts regarding those who have been tipped as possible replacements:

Who is the ideal (next) EFC manager?
Moyes? “Shouldn’t go back.”
Dyche? “Big Sam Jr”
Howe? “Too much like Martinez.”
Benitez? “Still a red & who is paying him £12m a year?”
Pochettino? “You’re deluded”
Hughes? “Are you taking the f&%8@n piss?”https://t.co/tGDdXcZe5N

— Chris Bascombe (@_ChrisBascombe) November 25, 2019

Dave Downie of BBC Sport was critical of the club following the embarrassing Merseyside derby loss:

“Too good to go down.”
“We’ll always turn it around.”
“We do ok against the better teams.”

People need to get real here. It’s irrelevant how much you rate those players, they’re an utter shambles and right now Everton are a bottom three side. #EFC

— Dave Downie (@daviddownie17) December 4, 2019

According to Andy Hunter of the Guardian, Everton have considered ex-manager David Moyes as a possible replacement, with Tim Cahill poised to potentially come in as his assistant.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, who is an Everton supporter, is also said to be in the frame, per Sky Sports.

Everton forward Richarlison has signed a contract extension with the club until 2024, it was confirmed on Tuesday. 

News of the extension came via the club's official Twitter account, with the Brazil international committing his future to the Goodison Park outfit:

🗣 | "I try to pay back the Evertonians' affection. I try to sweat blood and tears for this Club. I intend to continue honouring the shirt."

💙 you, @richarlison97. #EFC pic.twitter.com/UVL59CXq6K

— Everton (@Everton) December 3, 2019

In an accompanying statement, Richarlison said he's pleased with the way he's developed on Merseyside and also praised the influence of the club's under-fire manager Marco Silva:

"The supporters have a lot of affection for me and I try to give back all this affection as much as possible on the pitch. I go out and put my life on the line for them. I try to sweat blood and tears for this club. I intend to continue honouring the shirt and making the fans happy.

"... My development and progress is clear for everyone to see and Marco Silva has been part of that. He has my trust and the trust of the whole group. It's us on the pitch and we are looking to help him as much as possible because Marco Silva is an excellent person."

The 22-year-old posted the following on his own Twitter account after signing the extension:

Thank you for your trust and love @Everton and all evertonians! It's a pleasure and an honor to be able to wear this shirt and to know that we can have an even longer journey together. Love you all! 💙 pic.twitter.com/ybgV8IILKJ

— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) December 3, 2019

There has been some speculation about the player's future. Silva confirmed before the player's contract had been signed that it's "not just Manchester United" that have shown an interest; Barcelona were mentioned as possible suitors earlier in the year.

Richarlison has enjoyed an impressive spell at Everton following his transfer in the summer of 2018.

While eyebrows were raised when a deal was agreed for Everton to sign him from Watford for a potential £50 million in 2018, the Selecao star has made major strides in his game.

Per Squawka Football, he has been a consistent goalscorer for the Toffees, with his most recent coming in the 2-1 loss to Leicester City on Sunday in the Premier League:

Richarlison has scored more goals in the Premier League (17) than any other Everton player since the start of the 2018/19 season.

Tied down. ✍️ https://t.co/Seot3o2yu0

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 3, 2019

Richarlison has also shone on the international stage with six goals in 19 appearances for Brazil's senior team. He netted from the penalty spot in the country's 3-1 Copa America final success over Peru in the summer.

Everton supporters will hope the news gives their star forward and the team a much-needed boost ahead of the Merseyside derby with Liverpool on Wednesday.

The Toffees have endured a torrid start to the campaign, as they sit in 17th place in the Premier League table. By contrast, their local rivals have raced into an eight-point lead at the summit of the top-flight standings.

Marco Silva has confirmed Manchester United's long-rumoured interest in Everton star Richarlison, but the forward has reportedly decided against moving away from Goodison Park. 

According to Andy Hunter of the Guardian, Richarlison could sign a new five-year contract with the Toffees ahead of Wednesday's Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield.

Silva, who is under pressure as Everton manager after a poor run of results, said it is crucial the Toffees keep hold of players like Richarlison:

"I believe it is not just Manchester United [who are interested]. I believe it is some more. As a club, we have to keep our best players. Unfortunately we did not keep one of them in the summer [Idrissa Gana Gueye], but to keep growing and going in the right way we want our most important players, our best players, and we should keep all of them. Then we can keep growing. We don't see other clubs who want to grow selling their best players. That is what we should do."

Everton go into Wednesday's meeting against table-topping Liverpool sitting just two points above the relegation zone in the Premier League:

Matchweek 14 ✅
Matchweek 15 ⏳ pic.twitter.com/ZQengQd5bc

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 3, 2019

Silva has overseen a run of just two wins in 10 league games despite spending over £100 million on signings in the summer.

The Portuguese manager is now in his second season in charge at Goodison, but he has failed to live up to expectations.

Last term, despite similarly high outlays on the likes of Richarlison (£40 million) and Yerry Mina (£27 million), the Toffees failed to trouble the European places as they finished eighth.

Silva, 42, now looks to be on borrowed time:

Winnable games coming up for Everton?

Or have the fans run out of patience with Marco Silva?#MOTD2 pic.twitter.com/TXi6OAb5bo

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 2, 2019

Given the profile of the club and the money they have spent, as well as the fact teams like Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are faltering this season, Everton should arguably be fighting for the top four.

Instead they are in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.

If Richarlison signs a new deal, though, it will be a rare piece of good news for Everton and Silva.

The 22-year-old Brazil international has scored 17 league goals since joining the club from Watford in the summer of 2018, more than any other Everton player in that period. 

Former Everton director Steve Walsh has said the club passed on several tremendous value deals during his time there, including for Liverpool's Andy Robertson, Salzburg's Erling Braut Haaland, Manchester United's Harry Maguire and Leicester City's Jonny Evans. 

Walsh spoke to The Athletic's Rob Tanner (h/t Goal's Chris Burton), saying the club's refusal to back him cost them dearly in the long run:

"While I was at Everton, I offered them Andrew Robertson and Harry Maguire deals, when they were at Hull, and it was worth £20 million for the pair. Everton wouldn't take them.

"I had a deal done for Jonny Evans too before he came to Leicester, but again they wouldn't take him.

"Erling Haaland, the striker with Salzburg, I had him and his dad at the club with a deal done for €4 million. The club wouldn't back me."

Haaland is one of the most wanted forwards in all of Europe after a hot start to the season, while Maguire and Robertson have established themselves among the Premier League's best defenders. Evans has been a key cog for the Foxes after leaving West Bromwich Albion.

A former scout with Chelsea and Leicester, Walsh was unable to find success at Goodison Park during his time there, and was replaced by Marcel Brands in 2018.

The Athletics' Greg O'Keefe noted the former director left out some of his biggest transfer misses with the Toffees, and his spell in charge set the club back significantly:

In a broader financial sense #Everton are still feeling the financial burden of Walsh and Koeman’s unsuccessful dynamic at the club. More insight on that here...https://t.co/sSjyAnXA0r

— Greg O'Keeffe (@GregOK) November 18, 2019

Paddy Power also weighed in on his claims:

Former director of football Steve Walsh says he advised Everton to sign Andy Robertson and Harry Maguire when they were at Hull, discovered Gary Goals and invented Broadband.

— Paddy Power (@paddypower) November 18, 2019

The Toffees haven't finished in the Premier League top five since the 2013-14 campaign, cracking the 50-point barrier only twice in that span. They have finished in eighth place the last two seasons.

This season has been another disappointing one so far for the club, taking a massive step back. Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are currently tied on 14 points in the Premier League, good for a share of 14th place.

Top summer signing Moise Kean has yet to find the net and has played less than 100 minutes across all competitions since the start of October.

Walsh's biggest hits during his time with Leicester include Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante, all key members during their 2015-16 title run. He is reportedly scouting for fellow Premier League side Southampton.

Everton's Moise Kean has hit out at comments made by his own father, Biorou Jean Kean, after he said the striker's move to the Premier League was a "mistake."

Biorou Jean Kean recently said he disagreed with his son's summer switch from Juventus to Everton:

🗣️ Moise Kean's father, Jean:

"Sending him to England was a huge mistake. He is still young and not feeling good at Everton.

"I hope he can go back to Italy and go to Roma, alongside his dear friend [Nicolo] Zaniolo."

🇮🇹🔙? pic.twitter.com/6gN9j9WVBI

— GOAL (@goal) November 16, 2019

Per MailOnline's Daniel Davis, Biorou Jean Kean added he "didn't like this transfer," but his son has since responded on Instagram: "Don't talk about my life when yours is not an example. I don't fear the hard times when the best comes [after] them."

Shortly before the 19-year-old completed his £25.1 million move to Goodison Park in the summer, his father said he had once blocked him joining Manchester United when he was younger:

Moise Kean was heading to Man United, until his father intervened 😱 pic.twitter.com/PO0P1JDtmU

— GOAL (@goal) August 1, 2019

Moise Kean is now represented by Mino Raiola, but his father served as his agent when he joined Juventus' academy in 2010.

It is not the first time Moise Kean has publicly responded to comments made by his father.

In March, the teenager slammed his father's assertion that Juventus owed him two tractors as part of the deal that saw the striker join the club.

Per ESPN FC's Ben Gladwell, Moise Kean responded to the comments on Instagram: "Tractors???! I don't know what you're talking about. If I am the man I am today it's only THANKS TO MY MOTHER and with this I've said everything! And don't ever forget who puts food on your table when your belly is full."

Moise Kean hasn't enjoyed the best of starts at Everton having failed to score in 11 appearances for the club, although he has only started four games.

He didn't make the matchday squad for the Toffees' 2-1 win at Southampton last time out, and he was an unused substitute in the two matches that preceded it.

The striker is an outstanding prospect, though. He netted seven times from six Bianconeri starts last season, as well as scoring his first two senior goals for Italy.

Moise Kean isn't the only Everton player to struggle in the opening months of this season, either. The Toffees are 15th after 12 games, so it would be harsh to judge him on his performances so far, even if they haven't been his best.

He signed a five-year contract at Everton, so there's plenty of time for him to be a success there.  

Everton striker Moise Kean's father has said his move from Juventus to Goodison Park "was a mistake" and hopes the 19-year-old returns to Italy "as soon as possible." 

Biorou Jean Kean told Centro Suono Sport (h/t Will Griffee for MailOnline) that he is hopeful his son can join Serie A side Roma and was also critical of the starlet's agent Mino Raiola.

"Sending my son to England was a mistake, because he's still too young, he's not feeling good at Everton, I didn't like this transfer. I hope he can come back to Italy as soon as possible, I hope he goes to Rome, but the important thing is that he comes back here.

"I don't have a relationship with Raiola, I have never met him, I don't think he even wants to see me. He demanded my son's power of attorney when he was 14 and together with my ex-wife he wanted to take him to England. At Everton, where he is playing now, he is not settling in well. I think he was supposed to wait a few more years before he had an experience abroad. If there is a possibility for him to come back to Italy, I hope he can do that, so as not to ruin him."

Kean joined Everton in July for an initial fee of £29 million and agreed to pay him £2.75 million a year, according to Fabrizio Romano at the Guardian.

The deal was initially seen as a real coup for Everton given Kean's talent and youth, and the fact they had been able to convince one of Europe's brightest young stars to swap Juventus for Goodison Park.

Football writer Mina Rzouki highlighted why Kean is so highly-rated:

While the world discusses what a great deal Manchester United could make for Dybala, Everton just bought the hottest kid in Italy. Moise Kean isn’t just bright, electric to watch and has the best minutes per goal ration of any striker in Serie A but his work ethic is sublime.

— Mina Rzouki (@Minarzouki) August 4, 2019

Yet Kean has struggled to make much of an impression on Merseyside since his move. He has made only two Premier League starts and is yet to open his account for his new club.

The teenager was dropped from the squad for Everton's trip to Southampton because he was late for a team meeting, according to Sky Sports News. The report also noted how it was the second time the youngster had been late for a team meeting.

Raiola is reportedly unhappy with Kean's lack of game time at Everton and has contacted AC Milan to discuss a January move, according to Calciomercato's Apollo Heyes.

Meanwhile, Roma have also reportedly expressed interest, and Everton are considering whether a loan move back to Italy might aid his development, per Corriere dello Sport (h/t Jordan Seward for MailOnline).

There is no doubt that Kean has not had the impact expected when he signed for Everton, yet it seems unlikely the club would be willing to give up on such a promising youngster so soon after investing heavily in his talents.

Everton announced on Monday that Andre Gomes has undergone successful surgery to repair a fracture dislocation to his right ankle and are expecting the midfielder to make a full recovery:

💙 | A positive update on @aftgomes. 🙏

On behalf of Andre, we'd like to thank everybody for their support. #EFC pic.twitter.com/RHuIkOAr8V

— Everton (@Everton) November 4, 2019

The 26-year-old suffered the injury during Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park. He received lengthy treatment on the pitch and was taken straight to Liverpool's Aintree Hospital.

Everton have stated Gomes will "now spend some time recovering in hospital" before starting a rehabilitation programme with the club's medical staff, per their official website. 

Gomes was injured following a challenge from Heung-Min Son that left the Spurs forward visibly distraught. He was sent off for his tackle and consoled in the dressing room by Everton captain Seamus Coleman.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino thanked the Everton players for their reaction, per the Guardian's Andy Hunter:

Seamus Coleman went to Spurs changing room after game to console Son. "I want to say thank you to Coleman and the Everton players, they were fantastic" says Mauricio Pochettino, who insists Son should not have been sent off for tackle that led to Andre Gomes' injury.

— Andy Hunter (@AHunterGuardian) November 3, 2019

The South Korea international was described by team-mate Ben Davies as "broken" after the match and will be offered professional counselling, according to Dan Kilpatrick at the Evening Standard.

The horrific nature of Gomes' injury affected many of the other players on the pitch. Toffees striker Cenk Tosun has explained how the Toffees felt after seeing the incident, per Dominic King for the Daily Mail.

"Everybody is so sad inside," he said. "Some players, they nearly cried. Andre was in shock. His eyes were open so big. He was crying, shouting and screaming. I just tried to hold him and speak to him. I tried to tell him to stay calm. We couldn't understand him. He was the one who had got the injury."

Gomes received messages of support from across the football world after suffering the injury, including from former clubs Barcelona, Valencia and Benfica:

We are sorry to hear about the horrible injury of André Gomes. We wish you a speedy recovery, and our thoughts are with you. 💙❤️🙏 https://t.co/f9vVMtBQT9

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 3, 2019

Sending well wishes from all of Valencia CF to former player @aftgomes. Get well soon, André! 🦇🖤💙 https://t.co/fnO8JlDx0e

— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) November 3, 2019

🙏 Wishing @aftgomes a fast recovery, our thoughts are with you!#EPluribusUnum pic.twitter.com/YxRKicNfCm

— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) November 3, 2019

The injury is expected to rule Gomes out for a significant period of time, but manager Marco Silva told reporters after the match the Portuguese midfielder will come back stronger.

"It was a really tough moment for us, forgetting the game and the result," he said. "A tough moment for our dressing room. Andre will have all the support he needs. I am 100 per cent sure he will become stronger as a football player and a man. He is a fantastic man and a fantastic professional."

Tottenham took the lead in the match through Dele Alli's 63rd-minute goal off an assist from Son, but Tosun netted a 97th-minute equaliser to secure a point for the Toffees.

Everton's Andre Gomes suffered a horrific leg injury in the second half of the Toffees' Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Gomes went down under a challenge from Heung-Min Son, who was visibly distressed at the situation and subsequently saw his yellow card upgraded to a red before the Portuguese midfielder was stretchered off:

79' Red card for Son. Long delay in play here as Gomes receives treatment for what looks like a very serious leg injury. #EVETOT

🔵 0-1 ⚪

— Everton (@Everton) November 3, 2019

Andre Gomes suffers a disgusting injury and fouler Heung-min Son is in tears. Replays not being shown bc of nature of injury, and Son's yellow becomes a red. He's devastated at the injury, not the red.

— Nicholas Mendola (@NicholasMendola) November 3, 2019

Andre Gomes was carried off after a horrific injury against Tottenham.

Get well soon, Andre 🙏 pic.twitter.com/qFLC5QYU62

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 3, 2019

Heung-min Son left in tears after his tackle led to Andre Gomes’ injury 💔 pic.twitter.com/phkjCK2T7j

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 3, 2019

Everton later announced that Gomes suffered a fracture dislocation of his right ankle and will undergo surgery on Monday.

Spurs full-back Serge Aurier, who collided with Gomes after Son's challenge, was also clearly upset by the injury, as were numerous other players.

Referee Martin Atkinson's decision to dismiss Son seemingly due to the severity of the injury was widely questioned:

Son clearly massively upset. Without the injury he wouldn’t have been shown a red card. He’ll care less about that than injuring a fellow professional so seriously. Such a shame.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 3, 2019

That's so unlucky. Son with a bad tackle - probably a yellow - and Gomes slides into Aurier, which I think has caused the injury. That's absolutely awful. It's NEVER a red card, though; Atkinson officiating on emotion there.

— Harry Sherlock (@Harry_Sherlock) November 3, 2019

https://twitter.com/DanielHarris/status/1191057515380957185

At the time of Gomes' injury, Everton were trailing 1-0 to Dele Alli's 63rd-minute goal with only 10 minutes of normal time remaining.

However, 12 minutes of injury time were duly added and Cenk Tosun subsequently headed a late equaliser for the hosts.

There was little to celebrate for either side come the final whistle, though, and both remain in the bottom half of the table. 

Based on the reaction to his injury, it seems likely Gomes, 26, will now be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, a big blow for the Toffees as he has been a key player for them this term.

Morgan Schneiderlin has questioned his decision to depart Manchester United after only 18 months at Old Trafford.

The France international opted to leave the Red Devils for Everton after a disappointing opening to his United career.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live (h/t BBC Sport's Simon Stone), Schneiderlin explained his frustration under Jose Mourinho prompted a transfer to Goodison Park.

"I wanted to do more and I had the capacity to do more," Schneiderlin said. "Maybe I jumped out of the boat too quickly when I didn't play for three months. When I look at other players having a great career at Manchester United, they all had a spell of four or five months when they didn't play."

Schneiderlin had built himself a strong reputation after seven years with Southampton, and his switch to United appeared to be a natural progression for the Frenchman.

However, he made only 29 appearances under Louis van Gaal during his first Premier League campaign, and when the Dutch coach was sacked at the end of the season, he failed to convince Mourinho of his talent.

Schneiderlin played just 11 minutes of Premier League football for Mourinho during 2016-17, and he moved to Merseyside for an initial £20 million in January 2017.

The player was viewed as a natural long-term replacement for Michael Carrick in United's midfield, and the capture of Bayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger should have given the Red Devils a solid central midfield to build upon, with Paul Pogba also convinced to sign for United from Juventus.

Schneiderlin added he believes fans and pundits misunderstand his strengths and qualities after receiving criticism of his playing style.

"Some people say I pass square but I don't see it. Look at [Sergio] Busquets at Barcelona. I don't compare myself to him but tell me the passes he does that I don't? Because they win games everyone says he's the cleverest midfielder in football. I don't compare myself to Busquets.

"Football is about perception. You can play the same game but it will be analysed differently depending on whether you have won or lost."

United turned Ander Herrera into a midfield enforcer during Van Gaal and Mourinho's tenures, but Schneiderlin would have been a better fit for this role.

However, the step up to the Red Devils appeared to affect his form and confidence, and his arrival coincided with huge transition at Old Trafford.

Schneiderlin had been a regular in France's squad before he signed for United, but he's not made an international appearance since 2015.

The 29-year-old made just 10 Premier League starts last term, but he has been in Everton's starting XI for six league games this season.