On the eve of the Merseyside derby, here's your Everton headlines for Saturday, April 23.
Frank Lampard makes Donny van de Beek transfer admission at Everton
Donny van de Beek's future is in his own hands as he assesses his options at the end of the season, Frank Lampard said.
Everton worked hard to agree a late transfer window swoop for him in January, the midfielder a last-minute loan arrival as Lampard sought to strengthen his squad. He has since spoken highly of the player despite injury and illness limiting him to just six appearances.
Speculation over van de Beek's long-term destination persists, with parent club Manchester United set for a summer overhaul under their new manager. That appointment, Erik ten Hag, managed van de Beek at Ajax - leading to suggestions he could help revive the 25-year-old's Old Trafford career.
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This week the player 'liked' a series of posts by Ajax as they confirmed ten Hag's departure on Instagram. And the new boss is known to be a fan of his, inferring he may be given an opportunity next season rather than being allowed to explore interest elsewhere.
Asked about the player's situation ahead of the Merseyside Derby, which van de Beek is set to miss through injury, Lampard said: "We worked hard in quick time one or two days before the deadline and we were really pleased to get him. Unfortunately in recent weeks Donny wasn't so well, then he had an injury then he had a baby - not that that affected us, it's great news for him - so we just need to get the most we can out of Donny in these next seven games and then of course the options are all in his hands. He is a Manchester United player at that point.”
Everton face simple Liverpool reality as Manchester United fate not an option
As Everton head to Anfield there have been some suggestions the game may be a 'free hit', that expectations are so low there is little or no pressure on Frank Lampard's side. The players cannot think like this.
Liverpool are all-conquering so far this season, riding their latest high amid impressive wins over both Manchester sides. The form guide offers Everton little comfort and to deny Liverpool are huge favourites would be foolish.
But this game cannot be written off before it has even started. Everton's Premier League survival is, frustratingly, so precarious with seven games to go that every one matters, whoever the opponent.
Every 90 minutes represents an opportunity to pick up valuable points and just like many supporters earmarked the Leicester City game as holding the potential for a crucial win, only to see Everton forced to take solace from a desperately-snatched draw, the games against Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal could all hold their own surprises.
The simple reality is Everton cannot afford to cave to the form guide and target specific games for the points necessary to stave off relegation, sacrificing others to rest or protect players.
The strongest available first eleven needs to start on Sunday afternoon and they need to give themselves the best chance of a positive result. They have the ability. Now would be a good time to prove that to the world and a fanbase that has endured a miserable campaign.
Read Everton reporter Joe Thomas ' full comment HERE.
