Everton news: Garner trophy belief, Kvernadze & Newcastle latest

Everton’s Carabao Cup progress has continued to provide plenty of discussion ahead of Monday night’s Premier League trip to Newcastle.

James Garner believes David Moyes’ side now have a genuine opportunity to challenge for silverware, while a remarkable statistic has underlined just how long Everton have been waiting for it. There has also been a fresh transfer link involving Georgian winger Giorgi Kvernadze.

Here is the latest Everton news from Saturday.

Garner sees real Everton cup opportunity

Garner believes Everton have a “real chance” to make something of their Carabao Cup run after Thursday’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle took them into the quarter-finals. The midfielder opened the scoring at the Hill Dickinson before Hayden Hackney and Thierno Barry completed the victory, setting up a last-eight trip to Fleetwood Town.

Garner told Everton’s official website that the players would have accepted a quarter-final against Fleetwood at the start of the competition and believes there is now an opportunity to bring silverware back to the club. He also spoke about his own fitness after a groin problem disrupted the beginning of his season, admitting he returned “probably a bit too early” because of his desire to help the team.

Everton’s remarkable 92-club statistic

The prospect of a cup run has also brought Everton’s long wait for a trophy back into focus after ESPN UK highlighted a remarkable statistic. Everton are the only club among the current 92 Premier League and EFL sides not to have celebrated either a senior first-team trophy or promotion this century.

There is important context behind the promotion element. Everton have spent the entire Premier League era in the top flight and have not been relegated since 1951, returning to the First Division in 1954 and remaining there ever since. Their trophy drought is more straightforward. Everton’s last major honour remains the 1995 FA Cup, while they have never won the League Cup despite twice reaching the final.

Everton linked with Kvernadze

Attention has also turned towards January, with Everton reportedly among several clubs showing interest in Frosinone winger Giorgi Kvernadze. Italian transfer journalist Nicolò Schira has reported that Everton, Crystal Palace, Roma and Monaco have made approaches over the 23-year-old Georgia international.

Kvernadze has made an impressive start to the season with Frosinone, although there is currently no suggestion that Everton have submitted a bid or entered negotiations over a transfer. The link remains at an early stage, but Kvernadze is another name to add to Everton’s list of potential January targets as Moyes considers where his squad can be strengthened.

Branthwaite boost before Newcastle rematch

Everton’s immediate attention is on Monday’s return to St James’ Park, where they will face Newcastle for the second time in five days. Moyes expects Jarrad Branthwaite to return after the defender missed the past two games while following concussion protocols. Everton also appear to have come through Thursday’s cup victory without any fresh injury problems.

Jack Grealish’s availability remains less certain after he missed the cup tie because of a breach of club discipline. Moyes backed the club’s decision but refused to say whether the winger will return on Monday. The game kicks off at 8pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK, with Everton looking to carry the confidence from Thursday’s cup victory back into the Premier League.

Full team news and viewing details: Newcastle v Everton: Team news, TV channel, live stream and how to watch

For all the latest Everton news, reaction and analysis, visit our Everton news page.