Your morning Everton headlines on Thursday, March 23.
Everton given 'boost' in pursuit of Villarreal winger as transfer 'dilemma' unsolved
Everton could have a second chance at signing Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze this summer as the player's future in Spain remains uncertain.
The Nigerian international was linked with a move to the Blues during the summer window, though a potential move failed to materialise and he remained in La Liga.
It has proven to be a productive campaign for Chukwueze, who has registered 11 goals and 11 assists during the current campaign for his employers. Out of contract next summer, however, Villarreal could soon be forced to cash in on their asset unless they are able to agree fresh terms with the player.
A latest report by AS has stated the Yellow Submarine are faced with a 'dilemma’ over the next step to take, having come close to offloading the 23-year-old in the summer after Everton interest 'generated this possibility'.
For the full story, click here.
Sean Dyche has dilemma over who is Everton's best striker as Ellis Simms stakes claim to start
In one fell swoop Ellis Simms not only netted his first Premier League goal at Chelsea but drew level in the scoring stakes with all of Everton’s other strikers this season. But after his heroics off the bench at Stamford Bridge, is he now pushing to be the team's first choice?
Demarai Gray is the Blues’ top scorer in the Premier League this term on four but only one of these goals came when he was being deployed up front – from the penalty spot at Nottingham Forest – while the other two centre-forwards at Sean Dyche’s disposal, Neal Maupay and the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin, have just one goal to their name each against West Ham United and Crystal Palace respectively.
It’s a sorry tale for any club, let alone one that has a rich heritage of prolific goalscorers, including the most-prolific marksman of all, Dixie Dean, who plundered a record-breaking 60 league goals in the 1927/28 title-winning campaign. But who is offered what for Everton when it comes to their attacking options?
Chris Beesley has more, here.
READ NEXT:
- Dele Alli breaks silence after Besiktas boss claims Everton midfielder 'missing'
- The place to go' - Neal Maupay agent speaks out over player's Everton future
- That's what it comes down to' - Ian Wright delivers verdict on Everton and Premier League relegation fight
Billy Kenny: I want to be the cautionary tale, I want people to know about addiction
What Sean Dyche thinks of Neal Maupay as Everton striker's agent hints at move
