The current international break has not come at a particularly useful time for Everton.
Beaten 4-0 by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup at the weekend, the Blues could well have done with another match on the horizon to issue an immediate response to this disappointing display. Frank Lampard will be keen to witness an improvement when the first-team are next in action and will have plenty of time to consider his approach to upcoming fixtures.
April will be a vital month for the Toffees as they look to pull clear of the bottom three, though questions remain over the team's ability to put up a fight at a time of crisis. Away from the worries of relegation, here is a look at some of the Everton stories making the headlines this morning,
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Everton rehire Dan Purdy as Gardner exits
Dan Purdy has reportedly returned to Everton as scouting and operations manager, just three months after resigning from the same role at the club. Purdy departed in December when Rafa Benitez was relieved of his duties, though is now understood to be back at the club after being convinced to return by new director of football Kevin Thelwell.
That's according to a latest report by the Training Ground Guru, who add that Tom Gardner has gone in the opposite direction to work as a consultant projects manager with FIFA. Gardner joined the Blues in April 2019, initially operating as academy performance analysis manager.
Rooney added to Premier League Hall of Fame
Ex-Everton striker Wayne Rooney, alongside Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira, have today been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognises 'the exceptional skill and talent' of players to have made a significant impact in the top-flight since its relaunch in 1992.
"It's a huge honour for me to be named in the Premier League Hall of Fame, alongside an incredible group of players who have already been inducted," Rooney told the Premier League.
"Growing up, I watched the Premier League as far back as I can remember. My dream was always to become a professional footballer, score goals and win trophies, and I was lucky enough to win the Premier League five times.
"I have so many brilliant memories from my years playing for Everton and Manchester United, and I'm really proud of what we achieved. To enter the Hall of Fame is very special for me personally and I'm grateful to be recognised."
Juventus' Moise Kean plan
Juventus will reportedly try to cancel their loan deal involving Moise Kean, which was confirmed as a two-year loan deal with an obligation to buy at the end of this period.
Commenting on the situation, Italian journalist Paolo Bargiggia told Calcio Mercato : "On Kean the signals are not very good, they will try to return [him] by not continuing in the set operation when they took it."
Kean has made 24 league appearances this campaign in Serie A, though only ten of these have been full starts. The January arrival of striker Dusan Vlahovic has further limited his hopes of regular minutes.
