Everton have set a clear condition before allowing Jake O’Brien to leave.
Jack Grealish’s possible return has been complicated by reported AC Milan interest.
Liam Delap, Beto and Wednesday’s Preston cup tie also feature tonight.
Jake O’Brien’s uncertain future, fresh disappointment over Jack Grealish and Liam Delap and David Moyes’s Carabao Cup message dominate Tuesday’s Everton news and talking points.
It has been a particularly busy day on the transfer front, with questions emerging at both ends of Moyes’s squad.
Everton set condition for O’Brien exit
Everton are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for Jake O’Brien, a development which has not gone down particularly well with supporters.
Many had hoped the 25-year-old would eventually be given the chance to form a long-term centre-back partnership with Jarrad Branthwaite.
There was, however, an important update later in the day.
TEAMtalk’s Harry Watkinson reports that Everton would not allow O’Brien to leave without having another centre-back lined up.
That provides some context to what initially looked a surprising decision.
Read more: Everton set condition for Jake O’Brien exit after surprise transfer decision
Grealish reunion looking less certain
The possibility of Jack Grealish returning to Everton has taken another turn.
Football Insider reports that the Blues have cooled their interest in bringing him back from Manchester City, while AC Milan are now considering a move.
That comes only days after chief executive Angus Kinnear spoke warmly about Grealish and confirmed Everton had remained in contact with both the player and City.
For supporters who had hoped his loan spell might eventually lead to a permanent return, it is not particularly welcome news.
Read more: Everton hopes of Jack Grealish return suffer blow as AC Milan enter race
Forest move ahead of Everton for Delap
Liam Delap looks increasingly likely to become another Everton target who ends up elsewhere.
Nottingham Forest are in talks with Chelsea and the striker’s representatives, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that negotiations are under way.
Everton made a serious attempt to sign Delap from Ipswich last summer before he chose Chelsea.
His availability offered Moyes another opportunity to revisit that interest, but Forest now appear to be in front.
Read more: Another one gets away as Forest close in on Everton target Liam Delap
Beto attracts Serie A interest
Delap’s situation comes as Beto’s own future becomes less certain.
Fiorentina are interested in taking the Everton striker back to Italy, while Nicolò Schira reports that the 28-year-old was also offered to Juventus by an intermediary last week.
There is an important distinction there: Juventus being offered Beto does not mean they have approached Everton.
Fiorentina’s interest appears firmer, although Everton would reportedly want another striker lined up before sanctioning Beto’s departure.
Read more: Everton striker Beto wanted in Italy as two Serie A giants circle
Even I’m getting frustrated
All of which prompted a slightly more personal piece this afternoon.
I may not be an Evertonian at heart, but watching Grealish potentially drift towards Italy and Delap towards Nottingham Forest has become increasingly frustrating.
Perhaps Everton have other plans. Indeed, there are still several days of the window remaining in which they can make the argument look rather silly.
I hope they do.
Read the opinion: Even I’m starting to feel frustrated by Everton’s transfer window
Moyes makes Carabao Cup feelings clear
Away from the transfer window, attention now turns to Preston North End.
Moyes gave a characteristically blunt answer when asked about the importance of the Carabao Cup, describing the suggestion that managers might not want to win cup competitions as “stupid”.
Everton travel to Deepdale on Wednesday night looking to take another step towards ending a trophy drought stretching back to 1995.
The manager may make changes, but he left little doubt that he wants Everton to progress.
After a day dominated by players who might be leaving or might never arrive, Wednesday offers the welcome prospect of an actual football match.
David Moyes bristles at Carabao Cup question ahead of Everton’s Preston trip
David Moyes bristles at Carabao Cup question ahead of Everton’s Preston trip
Everton set condition for Jake O’Brien exit after surprise transfer decision
Everton set condition for Jake O’Brien exit after surprise transfer decision