Here are the Everton morning headlines for Wednesday, September 2.
Ancelotti remains the key in Rodriguez transfer push
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti remains determined to secure a deal for Real Madrid star James Rodriguez ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League season.
The Toffees are keen on the Colombian international, with a move reportedly set to be confirmed before their first game of the new campaign at Tottenham Hotspur on September 13.
And his relationship with Ancelotti appears to be at the heart of negotiations .
The pair worked together during Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, with the Italian stating his admiration for the 29-year old back in July.
"James Rodriguez? I like him, I like a lot as a player. When I left Madrid, James Rodriguez followed me to Bayern Munich. He came to play,” he said.
Ancelotti was also linked with Rodriguez during his time in charge of Napoli last season, making clear in an interview with TV Luna, via Football Italia , how much he admired the former AS Monaco star.
“I rate him very highly and he can certainly improve our team. He doesn't need to re-announce himself, he’s a great player,” he said.
Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane is open to offloading Rodriguez as part of summer overhaul at the club.
Everton’s U23 clash with Manchester United postponed
David Unsworth’s Everton under-23 side will not face rivals Manchester United on Saturday, after both sides agreed to call off the game .
The young Blues were due to complete their pre-season preparations with a trip to United’s training complex at The Cliff, however the move has been made after a demanding run of recent games for Unsworth’s side.
Matches against Morecambe, Southport, Runcorn and Chorley have set the Toffees up for the new season.
Ancelotti’s first team face Preston North End at Goodison Park on Saturday, but the Italian boss will be without a host of players due to international call ups.
However, Ancelotti should be able to call on Richarlison, Bernard and Yerry Mina, after they missed the 3-3 draw at Blackpool last month.
Everton set to miss out on Barcelona defender Emerson - report
Reports suggest Everton will miss out on an apparent pursuit of Barcelona full back Emerson in the coming weeks .
According to a story from Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo , the Toffees have made a loan offer for the Brazilian international, as an option at both right and left back next season.
However, Ronald Koeman’s side are currently looking to sell the 21-year old rather than loan him out.
Emerson is currently at La Liga rivals Real Betis, as part of a shared ownership deal with Barcelona, and the former Atletico Mineiro star reportedly only wants to leave Spain to play for a club playing in next season’s Champions League or Europa League.
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