Two Coventry City stars may now miss Sheffield Wednesday after fresh injury news

As they look to maintain their impressive form against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, Coventry City may have to do so without two players following the latest injury news.

Lampard: Coventry "spot on" in Millwall thrashing

Frank Lampard is doing an excellent job at Coventry. The former Chelsea manager is reviving his career in the technical area and has transformed the Sky Blues from a frustrated mid-table side into serious play-off hopefuls, and that transformation was on show for all to see against Millwall.

Hagi Wright’s brace, followed by goals from Ellis Simms and Kaine Kesler-Hayden from the bench saw the visitors secure a 4-0 rout of their London opposition and move into the automatic promotion spot after eight Championship games.

Still unbeaten and not slowing down, Lampard was full of praise for his side in his post-match reaction – saying: “A really good performance because that’s a tough place to come – it’s a strong squad, strong team they have and the feeling is the stadium is hard to come here and get tight wins, let alone finish the way we did.

“Everything was spot-on from the lads in a busy week – to come here in the middle of the week is a tough challenge. It was great how we started the game, great how we dealt with everything in between, great how we finished the game.”

Up next for Coventry is a trip to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday. The Sky Blues will be hoping to avoid any upset against a side dominated by struggles away from the pitch rather than any progress on it.

This time around, however, Lampard’s side may have to maintain their unbeaten run without two of their star players following the latest injury news.

Update on Torp and Eccles' injuries

As revealed by Lampard, Coventry could be without Victor Torp and Josh Eccles against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. The duo were forced off through injury in the second half and face a race against time to travel to Hillsborough.

Lampard seemed fairly relaxed about both injuries in his reaction. Whether that’s a good indication as to how serious they are will be interesting to see, but it would come as no surprise if Saturday came too soon for both Torp and Eccles. The big task that the Sky Blues manager now has is finding replacements for two fresh injury concerns.

Not Barry or Beto: Moyes has a "game-changer" who's Everton's new Lukaku

After losing Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer over the summer, Everton will be hoping that Beto and new signing Thierno Barry can provide them with a rich source of goals. Already, Beto is off the mark this season, having bagged in the 3-2 win away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

As for Barry, he is only a young player, so there should be far less pressure put on him. Yet, the Frenchman is a talented centre-forward who scored 11 goals in 35 La Liga games for Villarreal last term. He can certainly become a top-level striker in the future.

David Moyes would surely love for the strikers to have the same impact at Everton as Romelu Lukaku did.

The numbers behind Lukaku’s Everton success

Initially a loan move before the Toffees made it permanent, Lukaku’s time at Everton was excellent. He lit up Goodison Park for four seasons before joining Manchester United after the stellar performances he put in.

In 166 games for the Merseysiders, he found the back of the net 87 times and chipped in with 27 assists. His minutes-per-goal ratio was strong, too. The Belgian scored once every 160 minutes in an Everton shirt.

Although the weight of goals he scored only increased the further into his career at Goodison Park, it was that initial loan spell in 2013/14 that really showed how much of a success he could be at the club.

In his first campaign as a Toffee, Lukaku bagged 15 Premier League goals and assisted seven more in 31 games, and also scored in his only FA Cup appearance that season.

Averaging 0.7 goal involvements per game was certainly a strong start to life on Merseyside.

Whilst, overall, Moyes would love his two centre-forwards to recreate Lukaku’s impact at Everton, there might be another loan star who could add similar firepower to the Belgian in his debut season over a decade ago.

Why Jack Grealish is Everton’s new Lukaku

It was a hectic summer transfer window for Everton, who secured several new signings to bolster Moyes’ squad. Of course, they brought Barry to the club and permanently signed the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

However, the marquee signing this summer for the Toffees was surely Jack Grealish. The England international signed on loan from Manchester City and has made an incredible start to life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

In his two Premier League starts so far, the 30-year-old has already assisted four goals.

Two of those came in the 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion, with the other couple away to Wolves, including a pass that set Beto up.

Well, Everton’s supporters have certainly taken to Grealish well, although given the start he has made, that isn’t much of a surprise. Toffees supporter and tactical analyst Matt Smith said he has been a “game changer” so far.

Looking at the match stats from the games against Brighton and Wolves highlights Grealish’s impact so far. In both matches, he created three chances apiece, and away to the Old Gold, his off-the-ball work was clear to see. The 30-year-old won 13 duels at Molineux.

Grealish vs Brighton & Wolves

Stat

Brighton

Wolves

Touches

57

61

Passes completed

29/35

33/36

Ground duels won

5

13

Tackles won

3

1

Key passes

3

3

Assists

2

2

Stats from Sofascore

Just a handful of games into his Everton career, it is easy to see how Grealish can replicate Lukaku’s impact on loan as the Toffees’ newest talisman. The Belgian striker added firepower in attacking areas through goals and assists, and already, Grealish is doing the same thing.

The fact that Moyes has potentially uncovered Everton’s new Lukaku, in that sense, will be a huge benefit for the club. Life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium could not have started any better for Grealish, and he’d surely love to continue this form.

Friedkin must sell "really poor" Everton star who earns more than Ndiaye

Everton might be better off cutting their losses with one high earner…

By
Joe Nuttall

Sep 10, 2025

Big Bash drafts moved earlier in bid to secure best overseas players

The event will now take place in the middle of June, which is hoped will boost availability of big names for the BBL

Andrew McGlashan10-Apr-2025

The Big Bash drafts will be held much earlier than usual this time•Getty Images

The BBL and WBBL drafts have been brought forward to mid-June in an attempt to ensure the men’s tournament has first pick at leading overseas players while providing more clarity for both competitions.The drafts have previously been held in late August or early September, but this year will take place on June 19 – which falls between the World Test Championship final and the start of the men’s tour of the West Indies.Brisbane Heat have secured pick one in the BBL draft, via a weighted lottery based on last season’s finishing positions, while Sydney Sixers have that advantage in the WBBL. BBL defending champions Hobart Hurricanes have pick five and WBBL holders Melbourne Renegades have pick seven. Draft picks can be traded.The challenge of securing leading overseas players and having them stay throughout the tournament is particularly acute for the BBL given the rival leagues which also take place during January, especially the SA20 and ILT20.Big Bash draft order

BBL: 1 Brisbane Heat, 2 Adelaide Strikers, 3 Melbourne Renegades, 4 Perth Scorchers, 5 Hobart Hurricanes, 6 Sydney Sixers, 7 Melbourne Stars, 8 Sydney Thunder

WBBL: 1 Sydney Sixers, 2 Adelaide Strikers, 3 Melbourne Stars, 4 Perth Scorchers, 5 Hobart Hurricanes, 6 Sydney Thunder, 7 Melbourne Renegades, 8 Brisbane Heat

Last season, that was compounded by Australia Test players not being available for the finals due to a camp in Dubai ahead of the Sri Lanka series.There is hope that they may be able to feature until the end of next season’s competition, after the conclusion of the Ashes, although there could be a squeeze on those involved in the T20 World Cup with Australia expected to have a warm-up series ahead of that tournament, which is due to start in early February.While the WBBL has a more dedicated window in the calendar, it is not immune from player availability challenges although they stem largely from the increasing international schedule.In the 2025-26 season, the WBBL is also set to be pushed later due to the women’s ODI World Cup and the finals could overlap with international series involving India, Bangladesh, South Africa and Ireland.Clubs can secure up to four overseas players in the draft, which includes any pre-signed names. If a fourth player is signed, they become the club’s first replacement. Most clubs already have a pre-signed overseas player on their books from multi-year deals ahead of the 2024-25 season.Related

WBBL and BBL drafts – all you need to know

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Shield hero Jason Sangha signs two-year Adelaide Strikers deal

In the BBL, only Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Sixers have that spot vacant, while in the WBBL it is Strikers and Renegades. Any pre-signed players have to be available for the whole tournament.”We’re confident bringing the draft date forward will ensure greater certainty for clubs as they build their squads in the lead-up to another highly competitive season,” Alistair Dobson, the general manager of Big Bash Leagues, said.The salary bands will remain unchanged with a Platinum player in the BBL earning AU$360,000-400,000 and in the WBBL AU$110,000, dependent on availability.Players will be able to register for the drafts from April 28. Fixtures for both the BBL and WBBL will be announced in the coming months.Pre-signed BBL and WBBL overseas playersAdelaide Strikers N/A
Brisbane Heat Colin Munro, Nadine de Klerk
Hobart Hurricanes Chris Jordan, Lizelle Lee
Melbourne Renegades Tim Seifert
Melbourne Stars Tom Curran, Marizanne Kapp
Perth Scorchers Finn Allen, Sophie Devine
Sydney Sixers Amelia Kerr
Sydney Thunder Sam Billings, Chamari AthapaththuBig Bash overseas salary bands (AU$)Platinum BBL: $360,000-420,000 | WBBL: $110,000
Gold BBL: $300,000 | WBBL: $90,000
Silver BBL: $200,000 | WBBL: $65,000
Bronze BBL: Up to $100,000 | WBBL: Up to $40,000

Julian Alvarez is 'the best player we have!' – Diego Simeone defends decision to substitute angry forward as replacement Alexander Sorloth gets sent off 10 minutes later

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone defended his decision to bring off Julian Alvarez for Alexander Sorloth during their most recent La Liga fixture by claiming that the Argentine is "the best player we have." The Colchoneros' boss also reflected on the referee's decision to show a red card to Sorloth just 10 minutes after he was brought on for Alvarez.

Atletico Madrid struggling to pick wins

Los Rojiblancos are experiencing one of the worst starts in La Liga under Simeone's orders, as they languish in 12th place after the first five league games, bagging just one win and a paltry total of six points. Their latest outing, a 1-1 draw against relegation-battlers Mallorca, has left them nine points behind cross-city rivals Real Madrid. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe beginning of the end of Simeone's time at Atleti?

Reports from Spain in the past year have already started hinting that Simeone's time at the Metropolitano could soon come to an end and there are even murmurs of club icon and former striker Fernardo Torres being the favourite to succeed Simeone.

Further evidence of El Cholo seemingly losing the dressing room's faith was provided over the weekend, as his decision to bring off Alvarez in the 62nd minute against the Balearic outfit evoked an angry reaction from the 2022 World Cup winner. The situation grew worse when Sorloth, his replacement, was sent off shortly afterwards and Mallorca went on to equalise in the 85th minute.

Simeone defends decision to substitute Alvarez

Speaking to reporters after the game, Simeone said: "He's the best player we have, offensively confident. We need him at his best. He was having a very good game, but I realized we needed Sorloth to create some deeper situations inside the box. He was sent off in a confusing play. We were down a man. And with Julian… all the players get angry when they come off."

Reflecting further on Sorloth's sending off, he added: "There's no point in arguing about whether it was or wasn't. In the end, it was a red card. With one man less, we settled in and the goal came, taking advantage of [Marcos] Llorente's speed. We did what we had to do. We couldn't hold on because of that great goal from [Vedat] Muriqi."

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GettyWho will Atletico Madrid face next?

Simeone's side will host 14th-placed Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, before welcoming Real Madrid in the all-important Madrid derby on Saturday.

مواجهات كأس السوبر الإسباني 2026.. ديربي منتظر

أعلن الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم مواجهات كأس السوبر الإسباني الجديد 2026 والذي سيقام في مدينة جدة بالمملكة العربية السعودية.

ويستضف ملعب “الإنماء” مباريات نصف النهائي والنهائي لبطولة كأس السوبر الإسباني، في استمرار للشراكة الاستراتيجية بين السعودية والاتحاد الإسباني.

وأصدر الاتحاد الإسباني، بيانًا رسميًا بمواعيد بطولة كأس السوبر، والذي سيقام خلال شهر يناير المقبل من العام الجديد. مواعيد مباريات كأس السوبر الإسباني بالسعودية

نصف النهائي: برشلونة ضد أتلتيك بلباو، الأربعاء الموافق 7 يناير 2026 في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والحادية عشر بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.

اقرأ أيضًا | الإعلان عن أفضل لاعب في الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإنجليزي.. موقف محمد صلاح

نصف النهائي: ريال مدريد ضد أتلتيكو مدريد، الخميس الموافق 8 يناير 2026 في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والحادية عشر بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.

مباراة النهائي ستقام مساء يوم الأحد الموافق 11 يناير 2026 في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والحادية عشر بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.

ويستعد عشاق ومشجعو ريال مدريد لمواجهة ثأرية أمام أتلتيكو مدريد في نصف النهائي، بعد الخسارة التي لحقت بالفريق بخماسية مقابل هدفين، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

Moyes’ new Arteta: Everton plot offer for “world-class” star after enquiry

David Moyes didn’t return to Everton to make up the numbers.

With the club in need of smart squad-building, his second spell promises a more ambitious approach. That outlook has already shaped Everton’s summer.

The permanent signings of Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo and Thierno Barry from Villarreal, along with Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich, suggest a clear shift towards technical, mobile players who can play through pressure.

But Moyes still wants one more key addition – a player with the composure to dictate rhythm in attack, and the tactical awareness to protect the defence.

Someone who can carry the creative burden left behind by the likes of Abdoulaye Doucouré, who departed the club alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ashley Young this summer.

That figure could soon arrive. And while he’s not yet an established name in Italy, he’s no stranger to the Premier League.

Everton's priority midfield target emerges

According to GIVEMESPORT, Douglas Luiz, who once thrived at Aston Villa, is firmly on Everton’s radar as Juventus prepare for a late-window departure.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The Old Lady, for their part, are holding out for a £39m fee but are open to loan arrangements if no permanent buyers emerge before deadline day.

Everton are monitoring developments closely and the club is prepared to move in the final weeks of the window – particularly if Luiz remains on the market – having already made a loan enquiry.

Douglas Luiz at the Club World Cup with Juventus.

A deal would likely be structured around an initial loan with an option to buy, given the financial limits imposed by Everton’s ongoing compliance with FFP regulations.

Such interest has been corroborated by Fabrizio Romano, who stated that three Premier League clubs are in direct contact with Luiz’s camp – Everton and Nottingham Forest among them.

Luiz’s time in Italy has been underwhelming.

Since making a £42m move from Aston Villa, he has struggled to impose himself under either Thiago Motta or Igor Tudor, making just six starts in Serie A last season and featuring for only 45 minutes at the Club World Cup.

Juventus'DouglasLuizin action with PSV Eindhoven's Joey Veerman

Still, his technical quality remains undisputed – It’s no surprise that Luiz continues to attract admirers. In 2024, ESPN Brazil’s Leonardo Bertozzi described him as world-class.

“On the national team level, he will be one of the leading names for the 2026 World Cup.”

For Everton, the prospect of acquiring Luiz on loan, with a view to a permanent move, would represent an astute piece of business.

He wants to return to England, and Goodison Park could give him the platform to rediscover his best form.

Why Luiz could be Moyes' new Arteta

If Everton do get their man, comparisons to a certain former blue won’t be far behind. In his pomp under Moyes, Mikel Arteta was the heartbeat of Everton’s midfield.

A graceful and intelligent operator, he could switch tempo, pick out a pass, and arrive late in the box to score.

His 2006/07 campaign, marked by nine goals and nine assists in 35 games, remains a benchmark for midfielders in blue. Douglas Luiz offers similar potential.

Despite limited minutes, according to data from FBref, Luiz ranked fifth last season in the Juventus squad for both passing accuracy (89.5%) and successful dribbles (72.2%), while also contributing three big chances created and a solid 0.69 key passes per game.

Those numbers, while not elite, reflect a player capable of impacting games even when on the fringes.

Like Arteta, he came through under Guardiola’s influence, albeit at Manchester City rather than Barcelona, and shares a similar mix of technique and tactical intelligence.

During his peak at Aston Villa, Luiz was an all-action midfielder.

He pressed high, recycled possession with ease, and regularly contributed in the final third, with nine goals and five assists in the 2023/24 Premier League season.

Statistically, Luiz offers a slightly different skillset to Arteta, with a greater emphasis on carrying and dribbling through midfield rather than serving purely as a distributor.

But his ability to dictate games from deep, maintain high pass accuracy, and play through pressure makes him an ideal fit for Moyes’ system.

He may not tackle with the frequency of Idrissa Gueye, but his intelligent positioning and ability to escape tight spaces provide a more rounded midfield profile.

Perhaps more importantly, Luiz is a player with something to prove. At 27, he’s entering his prime years and eager to re-establish himself as a key figure for Brazil ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Everton, with a stable role and clearly defined structure under Moyes, could provide the perfect stage.

Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.

While the financials may be tight – Luiz still has four years left on a contract worth over £150k per week – a well-structured loan move could make the deal viable.

Juventus want to offload him, Luiz wants to play, and Everton need a man in midfield.

Back in 2005, Moyes signed a young Spanish midfielder who would go on to define his Everton side for the next five years. In 2025, history may be about to repeat itself.

He's better than Fofana: Everton make contact for £51m "offensive menace"

Everton are pushing to sign a new right-sided forward this summer.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 31, 2025

Lauren Filer flies north on three-year deal with Durham

Fast bowler adds to Durham’s growing squad ahead of maiden season as Tier 1 county

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Oct-2024

Lauren Filer has played 17 times for England across formats•ECB via Getty Images

Lauren Filer, the England fast bowler, has joined Durham on a three-year deal, ahead of the club’s maiden season as a Tier 1 women’s county in 2025.Filer, the fastest bowler in England’s current ranks, follows her international team-mate Mady Villiers as another significant signing for Durham, who have taken over from Headingley-based Northern Diamonds as the northern-most representative in the new women’s domestic set-up.Now aged 23, Filer made her mark on the international game during last summer’s Ashes, including a memorablly hostile debut in the one-off Test at Trent Bridge. To date, she has played 17 matches across formats for England, but was overlooked for this month’s T20 World Cup in the UAE.She heads to Durham after coming through Somerset’s pathway, having made 41 appearances for Western Storm since signing her first professional contract in 2020, with her best figures of 3 for 8 coming in this season’s Charlotte Edwards Cup.She has also appeared for Welsh Fire, London Spirit and Manchester Originals in the Women’s Hundred, and claimed an England-best haul of 3 for 10 during the recent ODI series against Ireland in Belfast.Related

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Tammy Beaumont's 150* leads England to massive win over Ireland

“I’m super excited to make the move up north,” Filer said. “Durham is a great place where I share some very happy cricketing memories.”The values the club holds as a whole were extremely important to my move up to the North East and they hold everything I think is necessary for a successful and healthy environment.”After the change to the women’s structure, it’s important to keep the women’s game moving in the right direction, and I believe Durham has the support and infrastructure to do that. With this vision and the extremely talented group of girls we have, it’s very exciting to see what we can do.”Marcus North, Durham’s Director of Cricket, added: “We are delighted to have signed one of the most exciting young fast bowlers in England.”Lauren is already regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in the women’s game since bursting onto the international scene during the Women’s Ashes last year and we cannot wait to welcome her to Durham.”Our squad is coming together nicely and with the addition of Lauren she adds a huge point of difference with her pace and quality.”We look forward to supporting Lauren’s ambitions on the field for England and in playing an integral part in establishing a successful Women’s Team at Durham.”

Ryan Higgins, Sam Robson centuries bat Middlesex towards stalemate

Centurion Ryan Higgins became this summer’s second batter to reach 1,000 runs in the Vitality County Championship as Middlesex batted themselves to an almost certain draw against Yorkshire on day three at Headingley.Unbeaten all-rounder Higgins, who followed Glamorgan batter Colin Ingram’s lead after he achieved the feat on day two, top-scored with 117 off 210 balls in Middlesex’s 441 for five as they replied to Yorkshire’s first-innings 601 for six declared.Higgins posted his fifth hundred of the ongoing Division Two campaign, in his 10th appearance, and was joined in posting a century by opener Sam Robson with 108 off 219 balls.Higgins was slightly more aggressive against an accurate spin-led Yorkshire attack, as reaching his hundred with a six suggests, while Robson’s innings came on the ground where he scored his only Test century for England 10 years ago.Another ex-England player, Dom Bess, claimed four for 168 in 64 overs of off-spin.Robson started day three 65 not out, with Middlesex 141 for one, and he went on to record the 35th first-class century of an impressive career including seven Test appearances in 2014.Having been trapped lbw defending against Bess, before lunch, Robson then watched Higgins build on his good work and see his side to the verge of the 452 follow-on target late in the day.Robson’s England century – 127 – came in the first innings at Headingley against Sri Lanka, a Test the visitors won in June 2014. It was the now 35-year-old’s second of seven home appearances before being discarded.Jonathan Trott acted as a locum opener alongside Sir Alastair Cook for a West Indies tour in early 2015 before Adam Lyth took over for that summer’s home series against New Zealand and then Australia.Ironically, Lyth is playing in this game for Yorkshire and bowled at Robson late on day one.Lyth also played seven home summer Tests before discarded, and his only century came at Headingley.Robson was expertly watchful against the rare bursts of seam but mainly spin in the form of Bess, Lyth and Dan Moriarty, and he worked well off his legs.Having shared 61 for the first wicket with Mark Stoneman either side of tea on day two, he completed a second-wicket 121 with Max Holden this morning.Left-handed Holden made 51 before feathering behind off Bess, leaving Middlesex at 182 for two in the 64th over.Robson was trapped lbw playing forwards at Bess with the score on 207 in the 76th, a key time with the new ball around the corner.Leus du Plooy and Higgins negated that threat, utilised by the spinners, as they added a fourth-wicket 57 either side of lunch, where Middlesex reached at 248 for three.Du Plooy was ousted early in the afternoon for 33, caught at short cover off a low full toss from new ball seamer Ben Coad, who was bowling only his seventh over of the innings – 263 for four in the 93rd.While determined Middlesex will be delighted to achieve their mid-match goal of avoiding defeat, this wasn’t a day they dominated.They weren’t able to break free and achieve a sizeable haul of batting bonus points as Bess and Moriarty have bowled 116 overs between them in the innings.Upon reaching 321 for four after 110 overs, they claimed two batting points to Yorkshire’s one for bowling. In the match overall, Yorkshire have edged that battle five to three.Should this contest finish in a draw, as expected, second-placed Middlesex would be one point clear of Yorkshire in third with three matches remaining in the promotion race.Fifth wicket pair Higgins and wicketkeeper-batter Jack Davies shared 128 either side of tea, the latter adding 61 before edging a low catch to slip off Bess – 391 for five in the 133rd.Excellent Higgins, who swept and reverse swept well, reached 1,000 Championship runs for the season upon getting to 92 and brought up his latest century with a six over long-on against Moriarty’s left-arm spin.He got there off 185 balls amidst an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 50 with Luke Hollman, 21 not out.

Perfect Branthwaite replacement: Everton considering bid to sign £30m star

The 2025/26 campaign represents a new era for Everton football club, making the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium, after saying goodbye to Goodison Park a few weeks ago.

David Moyes will be the man to lead the Toffees into their new home, hopefully making it one to remember, building on the excellent work conducted since he returned to the club.

His side finished 13th in the Premier League table, a superb finish considering the side were just a couple of points above the drop zone after Sean Dyche was given his marching orders.

Everton manager DavidMoyes

However, if the club are to reach the next level and push for a place in the top half of England’s top-flight, additions are needed, allowing for more quality and depth in numerous key areas.

With the transfer window now open, the 62-year-old has the opportunity to work with the Friedkin Group over the summer to land targets who could improve the options at the Scotsman’s disposal.

The latest on Everton’s hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Everton have been touted with a shock double swoop for two players currently on the books of bitter Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

Winger Ben Doak and centre-back Joe Gomez have been the two names mentioned over a short move across the city, but it’s unclear whether either are keen on the move or if the Reds would allow them to leave this summer.

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez

However, another name has been mentioned in recent days, with Burnley defender Maxime Esteve on their radar, according to The Athletic’s latest report.

They claim that the Toffees have been monitoring his progress over the last couple of months, even sending scouts to watch him and could consider a move this summer.

However, Crystal Palace are also said to be keen on landing the 23-year-old French star, with Scott Parker’s side demanding a fee in the region of £30m to part ways with him this window.

Why Everton’s £30m target could be the perfect Branthwaite replacement

Centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has once again been a shining light for Everton, going from strength to strength within their backline in recent seasons.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite

The 22-year-old featured in 30 league outings this campaign, often partnering James Tarkowski at the heart of the defence, helping the Toffees pull clear of any looming relegation threat.

His excellent form hasn’t gone unnoticed, being named the club’s Young Player of the Year, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur plotting moves for the youngster this summer.

Given the financial situation behind the scenes in recent years, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him sold for a huge profit this window, with such a decision leaving a huge hole in Moyes’ backline.

However, they appear to be targeting a readymade replacement in Esteve, with the Burnley star able to fill the gap should Branthwaite leave the club during the off-season.

When comparing their respective stats from this season, the French star has matched or bettered the current Toffees star in numerous key areas – having the potential to improve further given his tender age.

The Burnley star, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by current boss Parker, has managed more progressive passes and a higher take-on success rate – highlighting his ability to play out from the back.

Games played

46

30

Goals scored

1

0

Progressive passes

3.1

2.3

Pass accuracy

90%

82%

Tackles won

1.1

1

Blocks made

1.3

1.1

Take-on success

78%

80%

Aerials won

62%

50%

Esteve has also won more tackles per 90 and made more blocks, showcasing his ability to impress without the ball, fitting into Moyes’ defensive philosophy.

He’s also won more aerials and scored more goals, subsequently allowing him to have an impact at both ends of the pitch if needed, potentially being an excellent pickup for the Toffees.

Whilst no supporter would want to lose Branthwaite this summer, the interest from the so-called ‘big six’ could see the club receive some serious cash for his signature – allowing for investments elsewhere.

A deal for the Frenchman would certainly soften the blow, having the qualities to replace the Englishman should he move on to pastures new in the coming months.

Everton want to sign "phenomenal" Denmark international who’s won 4 league titles

He could be a brilliant addition for the Blues.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 3, 2025

Everton now racing to beat Man City in race to sign £1.5m EFL rising star

Everton are now in a race with Manchester City to sign a “crazy” homegrown talent, according to a recent report.

Everton in Bayern Munich tussle to sign Woltemade

The Toffees are looking to take advantage of the fact that the transfer window has opened early and are interested in adding to their attacking options next season. The situation around Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future is still very unclear, and with that, Everton appear to be keeping their options open.

VfB Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade in action with Bayern Munich's JoaoPalhinhaand Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae

According to SportBild, relayed by Sport Witness, Everton have joined the race to sign striker Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart. The 23-year-old made his international debut for Germany in Wednesday night’s defeat to Portugal after his performances this season left Julian Nagelsmann impressed.

But the German manager is not the only one impressed, as Brighton & Hove Albion, Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid are all interested in signing Woltemade, as well as the Toffees.

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The forward doesn’t have a release clause in his contract, though it has been claimed he could leave for around £16 million. But given he has now made the international stage and he is under contract until 2028, Stuttgart may be looking for a bit more than that, which could be bad news for Everton.

Everton looking to beat Man City in race to sign Caelan-Kole Cadamarteri

As well as looking at a more senior striker, the Toffees also have their eye on a more up-and-coming forward. According to The Star, Everton have now submitted an offer to sign Caelan-Kole Cadamarteri from Sheffield Wednesday.

Everton manager DavidMoyesbefore the match

The Toffees have submitted a bid which is in the region of £1.5 million plus add-ons, but Everton are not the only team to submit an offer, as Man City and Chelsea have also done the same. This report states that Wednesday’s chairman, Dejphon Chansiri, is now in discussions with the clubs about the specific terms of the deal, as the Owls want a substantial fee handed over up front, despite agreeing to the £1.5m valuation.

City are the team leading the race to sign the 15-year-old, but as of now, the young forward has yet to give any indication of which team he would prefer to join.

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Sheffield Wednesday Under-18

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England Under-16

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Cadamarteri, who has been dubbed “crazy” for his rapid pace, came through the academy at Wednesday, and while he has yet to appear in the first team, he has impressed in youth football.

The Toffees have obviously seen enough from Cadamarteri that they want him to join their academy, with the view of him making the step-up into their first team in the next few years, and that is likely what the player is going to make the decision on – which club will give him the best pathway to make the jump into the first team.

Everton have not been afraid of giving young players a chance in the first team, and they will hope that helps them when it comes to getting this deal over the line.

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