Everton are preparing to face Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but another busy day has brought developments both on and off the pitch.
David Moyes has provided the latest team news ahead of Saturday’s game, while new reporting has shed further light on The Friedkin Group’s potential sale of the club and what it could mean for the manager’s future. There has also been a claim involving former Everton associate Alisher Usmanov.
Here are Friday’s main Everton stories.
Moyes gives Mykolenko and Branthwaite updates
Moyes says Vitalii Mykolenko has a chance of returning against Chelsea after responding well to treatment. There is less certainty over Jarrad Branthwaite, who is nursing a problem picked up against Hull City and faces a late decision. Christian Nørgaard could also be used if required, although Moyes says the midfielder still has some way to go before he is ready to start.
The Everton boss also discussed Tyrique George’s challenge to Jack Grealish, Jake O’Brien’s route into central defence and Thierno Barry’s missed chances.
Read the full Everton team-news update ahead of Chelsea.
Friedkins reportedly seek around £1bn for Everton
The Friedkin Group is expected to seek around £1billion as it explores the sale of a controlling interest in Everton, according to The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland.
Boyland also reports that Everton’s budgets remain largely unchanged and that TFG would be prepared to fund the signing of a striker in January if the right opportunity arises. The ownership process remains at an early stage, with interest understood to have emerged particularly from the United States.
Read more on the reported Everton valuation and January transfer stance.
New owners could decide Moyes future
The ownership situation could also have implications for Moyes. Boyland reports that senior figures believe the Everton manager is doing a good job, but a decision over his future could ultimately be left to new owners unless the sale process takes longer than expected.
Moyes is out of contract at the end of the season. The same report suggests Everton’s plans involving Nelson Dock and improvements to Finch Farm could also pass to TFG’s successor.
Read more on what the ownership process could mean for Moyes.
Alan Brazil makes Usmanov claim
Alan Brazil has claimed that Alisher Usmanov is trying to become involved with Everton again, although the talkSPORT presenter admitted he could not confirm the information.
There is no evidence of talks between Everton and Usmanov, while a significant obstacle remains: the billionaire is still subject to UK sanctions. That makes any immediate involvement highly unlikely despite his removal from the European Union’s sanctions list last month.
Read the full Alan Brazil and Alisher Usmanov story.
Everton turn attention to Chelsea
Attention now turns firmly towards Saturday’s 12:30 BST kick-off against Chelsea. Everton are unbeaten through their opening six Premier League games and sit fifth on 10 points, with Chelsea one place below them on the same total.
The game will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports, with our Everton v Chelsea match guide containing the full details.
For more Everton news, please visit our news page.
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