A busy few days on Merseyside, with the transfer story of the weekend still developing this morning and two more names — one incoming, one already at the club — adding fresh Everton news threads.
Here’s everything worth knowing.
Al Hilal open talks for Ndiaye — and Everton dig in
The weekend’s biggest story: Al Hilal have opened talks to sign Iliman Ndiaye, according to Fabrizio Romano, with the Saudi club wanting a second marquee attacking arrival after completing Crysencio Summerville’s move from West Ham.
Everton’s response, reported this morning, has been firm: the club believe they hold the leverage in any negotiation, with sources suggesting they’re prepared to open talks on an improved long-term contract rather than simply field offers. With three years left on his deal and a £69m valuation attached, Everton are treating this as a retention fight rather than a formality — full detail here.
Jonathan Rowe talks now “firm,” £42m price attached
Everton’s pursuit of Bologna’s Jonathan Rowe has moved from background interest to firm discussions, with a £42m valuation now attached to the winger. It’s been an eventful path to this point — a fractious Norwich exit, a difficult spell at Marseille, and a strong first season in Serie A that’s put him on Moyes’s radar. Manchester United are also credited with interest, though Everton are understood to be more advanced. Full profile, including what Everton would actually be getting, here.
Grealish loan talks stall after Maresca’s first comments
Everton’s hopes of a second loan for Jack Grealish took a step sideways rather than forward over the weekend. Asked directly about his future in his first press conference as Manchester City manager, Enzo Maresca gave nothing away, and the uncertainty has left the possibility of a return in limbo for now. Everton need City’s squad picture to settle before any next step becomes clear.
Forest weigh Beto move
Nottingham Forest are considering a move for Beto, according to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, though nothing has progressed beyond interest at this stage. Everton have given no indication they’re willing to sell — full story here.
Garner sidelined after surgery
James Garner has undergone surgery on a groin issue picked up in pre-season, and is targeting a return to training around the opening week of the season — timing that leaves his availability for the Crystal Palace opener on 16 August in real doubt. Full update, including where things stand with Aston Villa’s interest, here.
Has Moyes found his right-back answer in Merlin Rohl?
Away from the exits, one selection quirk worth watching: Rohl has now played right-back or wing-back in two pre-season games running, against Dundee and Bolton, following a similar cameo there against Manchester City in May. With the right-back search — El Ouahdi, Johnston, Lewis, Norton-Cuffy — still unresolved, it may be more than squad rotation. Full analysis here.
Tuesday’s friendly: Everton v Stoke
Everton travel to the bet365 Stadium tomorrow for a friendly against one of English football’s oldest fixture pairings — the two clubs have met in some form since the Football League’s founding season in 1888. A look back at the history, and how differently the two clubs have fared since, here.
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