Jarrad Branthwaite’s future returned to the headlines on Friday, while Merlin Rohl delivered some encouraging news on his recovery from injury and discussed the new role handed to him by David Moyes.
There was also international action for Brennan Johnson and Jake O’Brien, with Everton’s England contingent preparing for their opening Nations League game against Spain.
Here are Friday’s Everton news and talking points.
Everton stance clear amid Branthwaite Liverpool claims
Branthwaite has again been linked with a move away from the Hill Dickinson, this time with Liverpool reportedly monitoring the England defender.
Football Insider claimed Liverpool have been carrying out checks on the 24-year-old as they assess their defensive options, while TEAMtalk reported that Everton continue to regard him as a crucial player and aren’t currently considering a sale.
Branthwaite is under contract until 2030 and remains an important part of Moyes’ plans.
Everton’s position on the reported Liverpool interest remains clear.
Rohl gives positive injury update
There was encouraging news from Rohl as he continues his recovery during the international break.
The midfielder has missed Everton’s last three matches after starting each of their opening three Premier League games, but said in a club interview that his recovery is “coming along well”.
Moyes had previously indicated that he hoped to have Rohl available following the break, with Everton not back in Premier League action until the trip to Hull City on 11 October.
Rohl’s positive Everton injury update stopped short of putting a date on his comeback, but his recovery appears to be moving in the right direction.
Rohl enjoying new Everton role
The 24-year-old also discussed his spell at right-back during pre-season.
Rohl admitted there is still plenty to learn in the position but said he enjoyed the experience and is happy to play wherever Moyes needs him.
He began the Premier League season in the side before injury interrupted his run, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles has since provided Moyes with another option at right-back.
Rohl spoke in more detail about learning his new Everton role during the same club interview.
Johnson comes close for Wales
Brennan Johnson came within inches of an equaliser for Wales against Portugal on Thursday night.
The Everton winger played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 Nations League defeat and struck the crossbar during the second half as Wales searched for a way back into the game.
Joao Felix had given Portugal the lead in the first half, while a Cristiano Ronaldo effort was later ruled out for offside.
Johnson’s effort against the crossbar was Wales’ best chance of taking something from the game.
O’Brien plays 90 minutes for Ireland
Jake O’Brien also completed the full game as the Republic of Ireland suffered a late 1-0 defeat against Kosovo in Pristina.
The Everton defender started on the right of a back three, with Vedat Muriqi scoring the decisive goal in the 83rd minute.
O’Brien now has three more Nations League fixtures scheduled during the break, with all of Everton’s international dates available in our full international duty tracker.
Everton trio prepare for England opener
Jordan Pickford, Branthwaite and James Garner are with Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of Saturday night’s Nations League meeting with Spain at Wembley.
Branthwaite is back in the senior squad following his injury problems, while Garner was subsequently called up following withdrawals.
We looked at the three Everton players together in the England camp earlier in the break.
England face Spain at 7.45pm on Saturday before travelling to face Czechia on Tuesday.
There will also be plenty of Everton interest at Goodison Park tomorrow. Tim Cahill, Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and a host of former Everton and Liverpool players will return for Game4Hope, with the charity match raising money for Everton in the Community and Shelter.
Our full Game4Hope guide has the teams and viewing details. Kick-off is at 4.45pm, with the game being shown live and free-to-air on 5.
LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments
Braiden Graham earns senior call-up as Everton squad shrinks
Braiden Graham earns senior call-up as Everton squad shrinks
Rohl opens up on new Everton role after David Moyes position change
Rohl opens up on new Everton role after David Moyes position change