Good evening, Everton fans. Here are your evening headlines for Tuesday, September 22.
Everton shot-stopper signs new deal
Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia has signed a new long-term deal at Goodison Park.
The 20-year-old had entered the final year of his previous contract with the Blues before officially extending his deal until June 2024 .
Virginia made his senior debut earlier this month against Salford City in the Carabao Cup and is in contention for a starting place against Fleetwood Town tomorrow night.
The youngster’s development since making the switch from Arsenal has seen him win the Premier League 2 title and he is now on the verge of transitioning into senior football.
Mourinho opted against Keane signing
Michael Keane could have rejoined Manchester United before signing for Everton, but Jose Mourinho’s decision to sign Victor Lindelof scuppered the deal.
The now-Everton centre-back was believed to be high on United’s wishlist, according to the Athletic , with it claimed that personal terms were agreed with Mourinho over the phone .
However, once a move for Lindelof was confirmed, United dropped their interest and Keane subsequently left Burnley for Goodison Park.
The English defender has since become a key part of Everton’s defensive line and it looks like Carlo Ancelotti will get the very best out of him in the Premier League this season.
Premier League disappointed with Government decision
The Premier League has noted its disappointment at the Government’s decision to postpone supporters returning to football stadiums.
It had been planned for the English top flight to allow a limited amount of fans back into grounds across the country in line with government guidance.
However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson today cancelled those plans and placed tighter restrictions across several sectors.
The Premier League has since released a statement outlining its disappointment with the Government.
It read : "The Premier League notes the Government’s announcement today and while the health of the nation must remain everyone’s priority, we are disappointed that the safe return of supporters to matches has been postponed.
"The Premier League is certain that, through League-wide guidelines and a code of conduct developed with scientific experts and agreed by the Government’s Sports Ground Safety Authority, fans in stadiums will be as safe or even safer than at any other public activity currently permitted. This is already evident in other European leagues.
"Football is not the same without attending fans and the football economy is unsustainable without them. Last season, Premier League clubs suffered £700m in losses and at present, our national game is losing more than £100m per month. This is starting to have a devastating impact on clubs and their communities.”
