Everton Round-Up, Wednesday 21st October: Ownership Uncertainty Dominates as Blues Eye January Strikers
Everton Women were in Subway Players' Cup action this evening, hosting Newcastle United at Goodison Park as Scott Phelan's side looked to make it two wins from two in the competition following their opening victory (Royal Blue Mersey).
The big off-field talking point remains The Friedkin Group's decision to put Everton up for sale, with reaction continuing to pour in. The Liverpool Echo warns that "dark clouds are gathering" at Hill Dickinson Stadium after what has been described as underinvestment during TFG's ownership (Liverpool Echo). Everton hero Anders Limpar has used the moment to urge the prospective new owners to back David Moyes with further signings in January, regardless of the uncertainty surrounding the takeover (Liverpool Echo) (Read Everton). Louis Saha has also given his backing to the search for a new ownership group, according to Royal Blue Mersey (Royal Blue Mersey). Elsewhere, Paddy Boyland has pointed to the club's failed 777 Partners takeover as a cautionary tale, noting that 777 co-founder Josh Wander has pleaded guilty to fraud charges in the US, as Everton weighs up its ownership future (Read Everton) (Read Everton).
On the pitch, Pat Nevin has sounded a stark warning following the defeat to Chelsea, insisting that avoiding relegation should remain the club's main priority given his concerns over the depth of Moyes' squad (Read Everton). Royal Blue Mersey's notebook also reflected on the Chelsea stumble, noting how Moyes' pre-match comments had hinted at trepidation before the Blues' unbeaten home run came to an end (Royal Blue Mersey). Looking ahead, Everton return to Premier League action on Saturday away at Arsenal as they bid to bounce back from the 2-0 loss (Read Everton).
In transfer news, Everton and Leeds United have reportedly received a response from Rennes regarding their interest in striker Esteban Lepaul, according to Sports Mole (Sports Mole). Read Everton also reports that the Blues are monitoring Club Brugge forward Nicolo Tresoldi, who has been in fine form including a Champions League hat-trick, as Moyes weighs up his attacking options for January, with TEAMtalk being the source of that claim (Read Everton) (Royal Blue Mersey). On Folarin Balogun, former striker Teddy Sheringham told the Liverpool Echo he can understand why the forward made a U-turn away from Everton, describing the centre-forward role at the club as a "strange scenario" (Liverpool Echo).
There was better news on Thierno Barry, who turns 24 today. Louis Saha, speaking to the Liverpool Echo, said it is "a good sign" to hear how the Frenchman is responding to added responsibility under Moyes, having scored six goals this season (Liverpool Echo) (Read Everton). Meanwhile, Hayden Hackney revealed that Moyes' track record of developing players from the Championship was a key factor in his move from Middlesbrough, and he also spoke of his excitement ahead of the Merseyside derby (EvertonFC.com) (Read Everton).
Away from the first team, Everton's Under-21s drew 1-1 with Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Premier League International Cup (Royal Blue Mersey) (EvertonFC.com), while the Under-17s thrashed Derby County 5-0 (EvertonFC.com).
Finally, Everton icon Duncan Ferguson made an "gobsmacked" NHS stalwart's day by visiting Sheila Westhorp, who has given 60 years of service, before taking up his new role as Glentoran manager (Liverpool Echo) (EvertonFC.com). Everton also announced that the Magic of Christmas is returning to Hill Dickinson Stadium this festive season (EvertonFC.com).
This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.