Everton round-up: On-loan winger told to improve; Schneiderlin set sights on former club; youngster needs to earn new deal

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Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu, who is on loan at Italian side AC Milan until the end of the current season, has been told that he needs to start improving his performances by coach Vincenzo Montella.

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The Daily Mail have reported that, whilst speaking to Milan TV, Montella said that the 22-year-old midfielder has a long way to go to reach his full potential.

He said:

“He clearly has quality.

“He needs to grow in terms of being consistent during the game and he needs to be more decisive. He can do a lot better, and I’m convinced he will do a lot better.”

Deulofeu played 90 minutes last weekend as Milan lost to Sampdoria at the San Siro, his third appearance since his January loan move.

Everton’s January signing, Morgan Schneiderlin, has set his sights firmly on catching his former side Manchester United before the end of the season.

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The 27-year-old midfielder left Old Trafford last month in a deal worth around £24 million, after only making eight appearances all season under new manager Jose Mourinho.

With his new side Everton now only five points behind United after an impressive run of seven Premier League matches without a loss, the Frenchman has sent a message to United.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said:

“We want to finish high and catch the teams above us.

“Liverpool are six points clear, Manchester United are five – so why not?

“We can catch them if we had a good run of games. We need to finish strong so we want to give the fans Europa League football for next season and build a platform.”

Everton last played European football under previous manager Roberto Martinez during the 2013/14 season, losing out to Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kiev in the round of 16.

The Toffees, according to the Liverpool Echo, have reportedly told young striker Courtney Duffus that he needs to earn himself a new contract over the next few months – or face an exit.

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The 21-year-old, who has featured mainly for the Everton Under-23 side this season, is out of contract at the end of the season and the club have challenged him to earn a new deal.

Duffus suffered a severe injury to his knee during two years ago, and has been struggling to re-find his form since returning to regular football.

The forward scored in the reserve team’s win over Manchester United last week, before starting the 1-0 win over Arsenal on Monday night.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Kanaya Nanahin.