Everton round-up: Brahimi still a target, pundits predict derby and Unsworth speaks on youngster

Add as preferred source on Google

Porto man still a target

Yacine Brahimi is still a summer transfer target for Everton, according to L’Expression.

The 29-year-old attacker is a long-term target of the Toffees and according to these latest reports, the interest remains.

An Algerian international, it is thought that he is holding out for a move away from Portugal, having stalled on talks over a new contract.

Brahimi has contributed seven goals and two assists for Porto this season and he would represent a solid signing for Everton.

BBC Pundit highlights when Everton collapsed

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has claimed to know the reason at which Everton’s season hit the rocks.

The BBC Sport pundit believes that the Reds’ win over Everton in December caused the Toffees to derail.

During his weekly prediction column, he told BBC: “Everton had played really well, from front to back. They created some really good chances but lost because of a piece of bad luck, and there is an argument that result has seriously affected their season.”

Marco Silva’s men will seek revenge this Sunday when Liverpool make the short trip to Goodison Park.

Sky Sports pundit also offers thoughts

Sticking with the Merseyside derby and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson hasn’t really given Everton any chance at all of pulling off a result.

He told Sky Sports: “What threat do Everton have? Man-for-man, there is no threat, but it’s Everton’s cup final. Liverpool have to get through this unscathed.”

Merson has been around the game long enough to know that form goes out of the window for local derby contests.

Of course, the Toffees will be massive underdogs but it wouldn’t be any real surprise to see these comments bite Merson on the backside and Everton get something from the game.

Club expected youngster to head out on loan in January

According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton were surprised that Bassala Sambou didn’t depart on loan during January.

A couple of brief enquiries were made regarding the 21-year-old but in the end, he stayed with the Toffees.

The club’s Under-23 boss was particularly surprised that he remains part of his squad and thinks a move could happen in the summer.

He told the Liverpool Echo: “I was surprised nobody came in for him in January because his form was good and his work-rate alone gets you up the pitch and you are able to press behind him

“There were a couple of enquiries but I was expecting a call from Marcel on deadline day that he was going somewhere but he didn’t.”