Sean Dyche makes worrying Everton transfer admission amid Friedkin Group takeover delay
The Friedkin Group agreed a deal to take over the Toffees in September but it has not yet been completed - and manager Sean Dyche has issued a worrying transfer update
by Press Association · The MirrorEverton boss Sean Dyche is expecting to work to the same financial constraints in the January transfer window.
The Friedkin Group agreed a deal to take over the Toffees in September but it has not yet been completed. “There’s no news so we’re working to the current situation at the club, which is obviously being very, very sensible financially,” said Dyche.
“If the Friedkin Group do get their hands on the club and get it done in its totality then things might change but at the minute we’re working with the guidelines that were there before.”
The good news for Dyche is that Everton’s injury problems are easing. Key duo Dwight McNeil, who sat out the draw against West Ham two weeks ago with a knee injury, and Jarrad Branthwaite, who withdrew from England duty, are both expected to be fit for Saturday’s home clash with Brentford.
Forwards Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti, meanwhile, are also closing in on returns, although will not be available this weekend. Everton signed Broja on loan from Chelsea in August but he is yet to make an appearance because of an Achilles injury, while Chermiti has also been sidelined for the whole campaign so far with a foot problem.
Dyche said of Broja: “He’s only just getting into full training. He’s been doing light bits, just getting him integrated into the group, as much for his injury as well. He’s had a full week’s training but he does need a games programme obviously. We’re looking at the dates now because we wanted to ensure he came through his first full week. But he’s done well with that, he says he feels good and he’s looking fit.
“I think he’s hungry, I think he’s got a desire. He’s worked very hard to get fit. Youssef’s making good progress as well. He’s slightly behind but he had his first full day with us today and that’s pleasing because he’s worked very hard, very unfortunate injury.
“They’re two different styles of centre-forwards and let’s see what they offer but first things first is to get them fully fit and out there playing.” Everton have scored just 10 goals in their opening 11 games, failing to find the net in their last two outings, a 1-0 loss to Southampton and a goalless draw with West Ham.
“It’s just constant practice,” said Dyche. “Goalscoring is the hardest thing in football. If it wasn’t, everyone would be a great goalscorer. You try and get players in the right area but the final moment of truth, and every manager will tell you, that’s the bit you can’t do, that’s down to the players.”
Portuguese forward Beto is another option for Dyche but he is yet to start a Premier League game this season. On fan calls for the 26-year-old to be given a chance, the Toffees boss added: “I see these players every single day, so do my staff. There’s a process, we work through it.
“You’ve got a player who’s come out of relatively nowhere – four or five years ago he was playing a very low level of football. It’s a big jump coming into the Premier League, and I think he is developing, but his all-round game still needs work and his all-round awareness of the Premier League and what its demands are still needs work.”
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