Hello and welcome to the Liverpool ECHO's Saturday live blog for all of the Everton news you need coming out of Goodison Park.
There was big breaking news yesterday afternoon after a report by the Telegraph emerged, insisting the Blues are "facing the threat of a points deduction or heavy fine after being charged by the Premier League with breaching financial rules." The report adds that "there is no timeframe yet on when the case will be heard, but it is thought unlikely that any decision will be made this season."
The Premier League also released a statement on the matter, insisting the club were referred to an independent commission for an "alleged breach" of profit and sustainability rules. Everton have since responded to these allegations, expressing their "disappointment" at the decision while making clear they are "prepared to robustly defend" their position to the commission.
On a transfer front, an update has been issued on the Blues' reported pursuit of Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao.
And stick with us, as we'll have more gossip throughout the day.
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That's all from us!
Thanks for joining us today.
We'll be back with all the latest Everton news in the morning.
See you then!
What a moment for the former Everton youngster
Former Everton youngster Nathan Broadhead was the hero for Wales as he fired a last-gasp equaliser against Croatia on Saturday night.
What a moment!
What a moment for Nathan Broadhead! @Cymru | #itfc
— Ipswich Town FC (@IpswichTown) March 25, 2023
pic.twitter.com/ocdXmrhXao
James Garner hands Everton injury boost
As well as Nathan Patterson earning a run out this afternoon, his Everton team-mate James Garner also did just that as he was a second half substitute during England U21s' 4-0 victory over France.
Garner, like Patterson, has been sidelined in recent months and therefore restricted to outings with the Blues' U21s squad. However, this afternoon he was afforded a late cameo against France by England U21s manager Lee Carsley.
Well in, James!
Nathan Patterson hands Everton injury boost as he returns in Scotland win over Cyprus
Everton defender Nathan Patterson made his long-awaited return to senior action with a late cameo during Scotland's 3-0 victory over Cyprus in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier on Saturday afternoon.
The 21-year-old has been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury in the 4-1 home defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion in January but has made a handful of appearances for the Blues' U21s during that time as part of his recovery - with the most recent of those outings coming during the 1-0 Premier League 2 defeat to Crystal Palace on March 5.
And with Scotland 1-0 up against their Group A counterparts after 79 minutes at Hampden Park, Patterson was given his first senior run out since January 3 as he replaced Brentford defender Aaron Hickey for the final 11 minutes of the contest.
During his time on the pitch, Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay bagged a quick-fire brace, adding to John McGinn's first-half strike, to ensure Steve Clarke's side's hopes of qualifying for back-to-back European Championships were boosted by an emphatic victory on home soil.
Read the full story, here.
Anger at Everton situation from clubs across the Premier League
The Premier League have reportedly been questioned over their decision to belatedly charge Everton over alleged breaches of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.
According to the Daily Mail, Premier League executives told clubs at a meeting last March there were "no concerns" over possible breaches by the Blues. However, on Friday afternoon the Premier League released a statement revealing Everton will be referred to an independent commission over the alleged breaches.
It comes ten months after Leeds United and Burnley threatened legal action against the Premier League due to the Blues loosing more than the allowed £105m over the three previous campaigns.
The Mail report adds: "Whilst there was never any real prospect of Everton being docked points and relegated last season there is considerable anger at other clubs that the issue was not dealt with last summer, with the result that any sporting sanction will not apply to this campaign either."
Jordan Pickford breaks silence on Everton's alleged Premier League breaches
Speaking alongside England manager Gareth Southgate earlier this afternoon, Jordan Pickford said:
“I've obviously seen it on Sky Sports and I believe Everton have put a statement out there, and that's all I can really say.
"My job is playing football and keeping the ball out of the back of the net. I've seen it, but I can't say any more."
Jordan Pickford due to speak to the media
The England and Everton No.1 will be speaking to the media ahead of the Three Lions Euro 2024 qualification match against Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.
However, there will be interest for Blues supporters, as Pickford could be asked about the Premier League's decision to refer Everton to an independent commission for alleged breaches of the league's Profit and Sustainability rules.
We will be brining you all the coverage.
At Hotspur Way where Southgate and Pickford are speaking shortly ahead of England v Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/p8aEgUHVD7
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) March 25, 2023
Hojlund 'eyed' by Everton
Everton are among the clubs reportedly eyeing Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund.
That’s according to Tutto Atalanta, who are reporting that Everton and Napoli are in the mix to sign the 20-year-old since they are 'hunting' for an attacker.
The report goes on to claim that the Serie A side have set a base price of €40m to start the auction for the Denmark international, since 'such a talent is difficult to find'.
Everything we know so far
For quite some time the belief at Everton has been that any problems at the club have been limited to matters on the pitch. That is now set to be put to the test with the club facing an allegation it breached Premier League financial regulations.
Everton strongly disputes the accusation. The club has already gone on the record to insist its belief it has complied with the rules - and that it will “robustly defend its position”.
From the timeframe of any investigation to the potential punishment if Everton were found to have breached the regulations, this is uncharted territory for the club, supporters and indeed the Premier League. But what is clear is that this is another complex problem for the club to contend with during a second consecutive fight against relegation.
Joe Thomas has taken a look at we know so far.
Everton 'face potential points deduction'
Everton could reportedly face a points deduction after they were referred to an independent commission by the Premier League having been charged with a breach of profit and sustainability rules.
That's according to The Times, who are reporting that there is no set sanction should Everton be found guilty as no case has ever been carried through to its conclusion.
The report goes on to claim that punishment could include a points deduction or a fine. In a statement Everton said that they had operated in an “open and transparent manner” with the league.
Salernitana to make 'new attempt' for Maupay
Serie A side Salernitana will make a 'new attempt' to recruit Neal Maupay during the summer transfer window, it has been claimed.
Maupay's agent revealed earlier this week Salernitana were interested in the Frenchman in January, though failed to rule out a move to Italy at the end of the season for his client.
An article by TVOGGI Salerno has suggested a fresh approach could be launched for the Everton striker, with a potential swap deal in the pipeline.
The report adds the Blues have 'long been interested' in Boulaye Dia, who is currently on loan at the Italian side. The Senegalese striker is set to join the club on a permanent basis once the relevant clause is triggered in his contract, paving the way for Salernitana to 'evaluate any offers' for the player.
Latest Royal Blue column
Just what is the 'Everton Way'?
Yesterday the club revealed plans that it's a major feature at their new stadium, giving fans the chance to cement their place at the the site for posterity. But other than that it's also a footballing philosophy and a state of mind.
Alan Ball, the Blues’ greatest redhead and one of the greatest full stop, famously proclaimed: “Once Everton has touched you nothing will be the same” - and in a similar vein things felt different for the club’s latest flame-haired icon Sean Dyche as his side snatched a well-earned point at Chelsea.
Read Chris Beesley's full Royal Blue column here.
Salernitana 'eye' Keane
Salernitana are reportedly eyeing a summer move for Everton defender Michael Keane.
That’s according to TV Oggi Salerno, who are reporting that Salernitana sporting director Morgan de Sanctis has ‘thought about’ a move for the centre-back in recent months.
The report goes on to claim that the Serie A club have the former England international on their list of possible targets for the summer.
Keane joined Everton from Burnley for £25million in the club’s record-breaking summer of spending in 2017. The defender’s contract at Goodison Park runs until the summer of 2025.
A reminder of yesterday's big news
Everton have released a statement after the Premier League referred the club to an independent commission for an "alleged breach" of profit and sustainability rules.
The Blues expressed their "disappointment" at the decision and stated they are "prepared to robustly defend" their position to the commission.
The full statement from Everton reads: "Everton Football Club is disappointed to hear of the Premier League’s decision to refer an allegation of a breach of Profit & Sustainability regulations to an independent commission for review.
"The Club strongly contests the allegation of non-compliance and together with its independent team of experts is entirely confident that it remains compliant with all financial rules and regulations.
"Everton is prepared to robustly defend its position to the commission. The Club has, over several years, provided information to the Premier League in an open and transparent manner and has consciously chosen to act with the utmost good faith at all times.
"The club will not be making any further comment at this time."
Good morning, Blues
Hello and welcome to today's Everton live blog.
We will be bringing you further reaction to yesterday's reports regarding the Blues' FFP breach.
The Premier League have issued a statement on the subject, which Everton have since responded to. Any further developments on this topic will be reported by the ECHO throughout the day.
