Everton are said to be ready to consider offers for a ‘whole squad’ of players as they turn their attention to departures, with the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Alex Iwobi and Theo Walcott set to depart. May leave before the line.
The Toffees have backed Carlo Ancelotti in the transfer market this summer, with James Rodriguez, Allen and Abdoulaye Doukoury all making high-profile switches. The club are said to still be looking to do more business in terms of revenue – Fikayo Tomori has been linked – but also need to balance the books.
James enjoyed an excellent debut for Everton/Alex Pantling/Getty Images
The Times now report that while Ancelotti wants to sign Tomori this summer, the real focus is on offloading players. It has been claimed that a ‘vast number’ of those who did not start Everton’s first Premier League game of the 2020/21 season against Tottenham could be allowed to leave this summer if the right offer is made. will be given
This includes the likes of Sigurdsson and Walcott, while the futures of Iwobi, Bernard, Fabian Delph and Cenk Tosun are also described as ‘uncertain’. In addition, Yannick Bolasie, Muhamed Besic and Sandro Ramírez are not considered part of Ancelotti’s plans.
Of course, not every player will be allowed to leave as the Toffees need squad depth, especially as the season progresses. A new-look midfield means Iwobi will be offered less game time alongside Sigurdsson, Delph, Walcott, Bernard, however, if he stays.
Iwobi failed to deliver last season / Michael Regan / Getty Images
Iwobi and Delph only arrived at Goodison Park last summer but struggled to make much of an impact.
Meanwhile, the likes of Walcott, Bessek, Ramirez and Bolasie are all out of contract next summer and Everton could struggle to recoup significant transfer fees for unloved stars.
One player Ancelotti is trying to keep is young Moise Kean. The striker struggled to settle during his first season in the Premier League and has been linked with a return to Juventus on loan, but bosses are keen to keep him. But his stance on his future could be ‘tested’ if an interested party makes a genuine move for him.