You're the scout! Which World Cup players do you want at your club?published at 11:46 BST 29 June
11:46 BST 29 June
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We're now into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially with the summer transfer window a couple of weeks into being officially open.
Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?
Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?
This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...
And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.
This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.
This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.
Gossip: Toffees lead race for Delappublished at 08:12 BST 29 June
08:12 BST 29 June
Everton are frontrunners to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap as they work towards agreeing personal terms for the 23-year-old. (Football Insider), external
A to Z: Duncan Ferguson - 'The original Everton hero'published at 19:15 BST 26 June
19:15 BST 26 June
Media caption,
The sixth episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's A to Z of Everton focuses on the letter F - so who else would they discuss but club legend Duncan Ferguson?
The centre-forward made 273 appearances across two separate spells at Goodison Park, scoring 72 goals and contributing 15 assists.
BBC Radio Merseyside's Phil Munns said: "Duncan Ferguson was a talismanic figure for Everton. For many fans of my generation, and even maybe some a little bit older, he was the original Everton hero.
"Even though his goalscoring record might not be up there with the Graeme Sharp's of the game, there was just something about the way he wore his heart on his sleeve.
"He was the big Scot. He was the battering ram. In his peak, he was an absolutely brilliant footballer as well as being a huge aerial threat."
Ferguson initially joined Everton on loan in 1994, but manager Joe Royle made the move permanent when he took over from Mike Walker.
The 6ft4in striker went on to score his first goal against Merseyside rivals Liverpool in Royle's first match as manager, and scooped up the one honour of his career - the 1995 FA Cup - that very same season.
BBC Radio Merseyside's Ian Kennedy added: "He was a big guy so he was great in the air, but there was more to his game than that.
"One of the things that helped him hit the ground running was his derby-day goal against Manchester United. When you do that, you are almost set for life.
"He was a player for a big occasion. He scored some important goals against big sides in the Premier League. I would've hated to have had to mark him because he was such a trademark number nine figure, of old-school proportions really.
"Injuries did get in the way and he probably should've scored more goals than he did, but he had that passion about him. He gave 100% and he demanded 100% of the people around him as well."
Moyes' future and how Everton's scouting workspublished at 16:01 BST 26 June
16:01 BST 26 June
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In the final part of Friday's Q&A, BBC radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould focuses on the manager's future as he enters the final year of his current deal and how the scouting department works at Everton.
Mark asked: Are there any talks of a new contract for David Moyes? It's very unusual for a manager to go into the last year of his contract heading into a big summer window and new season.
Giulia: The manager has made clear it isn't a concern for him. Nothing has been confirmed from Everton's side in terms of an extension, but CEO Angus Kinnear made clear at the end of the season that stability is key to continued progress, and Moyes' experience provides that. It is my understanding the manager is relaxed about the situation.
Kinnear's programme notes were a direct counter to some suggestions the manager may be replaced at the end of the campaign.
Recruitment-wise, it was always seen as a two-window approach. Kinnear added: "Our job in the coming weeks and months is to continue with what we always knew would be a two-summer window plan, and ensure the squad has enough depth to mount an even more compelling challenge next term."
So, the manager's contract would always have worked in that timeframe. I could see an extension for Moyes, especially if 2026-27 starts well.
Andy asked: How does Everton's scouting board work? And how much do you think Moyes really controls in terms of transfers?
Giulia: Once Kevin Thelwell left in the summer of 2025 the role of director of football at Everton was removed and there is now a "football leadership group" instead.
Back in January, the CEO revealed that The Friedkin Group looked at how it all operated when it took over and "the recruitment structures we put in place, marrying world-class analytics with industry-leading talent identification and player trading capability, have borne fruit" - referring to the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Merlin Rohl and, of course, Jack Grealish.
There was also an end to signing short-term fixes, even if it meant the squad would be low on numbers.
But who has the main say in that group? I put this to Moyes in January and he told me: "I have got the final say if we want to buy a player or if we don't want to buy a player. Obviously, I get told by my superiors how much we have got to spend and what we have got available, so I have to work off those thoughts."
Ultimately, then, the buck stops with the manager. After all, if he feels a player isn't good enough, he just won't select him on matchday.
Scroll back down this page for the other two parts of Giulia's Q&A, which look at subjects including transfers, how the club can compete at the top level and how the Burnley financial case might affect the club this summer.
How Everton can compete at the top and impact of Burnley case on transferspublished at 12:01 BST 26 June
12:01 BST 26 June
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In the second part of Friday's special Q&A, BBC Radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould focuses on how the Toffees can compete with the top clubs, which youth players could make an impact at Hill Dickinson Stadium in the future and whether the financial case with Burnley will affect what the club can do in the transfer market.
Ronan asked: What realistic path back to the top exists for Everton and which young players could define our future?
Giulia: As frustrating as it is, time is a big factor. As highlighted by the recent independent panel ruling over a compensation payout to Burnley, The Friedkin Group bought a troubled club that had been chaotically run for years.
However, after spending a full season turning Everton into a financially sound business model, now is the time for the owners to put down some markers on the pitch. There were flashes of what the Toffees can do with a first win at Old Trafford in 13 years and that emphatic victory over Chelsea in March, but the squad was just too small to grind out results for a European finish. That now has to be the aim this coming season if the club is to create that pathway to the top.
As for young players, Harrison Armstrong is one to watch. The 19-year-old went to Preston on loan in the first half of the season but had to be brought back amid an injury crisis, then once the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall returned from the treatment room and Iliman N'Diaye was back from Afcon, he was reduced to substitute appearances.
There are high hopes he has what it takes to become a Premier League regular, and the manager is a fan.
There is huge excitement around Braiden Graham. The forward was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award after an impressive campaign in the academy and now Everton are looking to reward him with a new contract.
The 18-year-old is yet to feature for the first team and the plan for him could include a loan spell at an EFL side first given David Moyes told me: "We need him to build up his physicality and speed [before he can be promoted]."
David asked: Is Everton's transfer business going to be affected by what has happened between ourselves and Burnley?
Giulia: It is something that a lot of Evertonians were immediately concerned about. The club confirmed it will appeal against the decision and it could be months before that process is even heard.
However, I am informed there will be no impact on the summer transfer activity as a result of the ruling.
The Toffees are in a much more solid place with the finances thanks to the earning capacity of Hill Dickinson Stadium, not just on a matchday but also with the extra revenue coming in from other events such as Magic Weekend.
Whatever the outcome of the appeal, if Everton still have to pay Burnley a compensation package, the amount won't be included in PSR calculations.
Come back to this page later on Friday for the third and final part of Giulia's Q&A, which will look at Moyes' future at the club and how the scouting department works.
Transfer strategy and how club can target European-level playerspublished at 07:40 BST 26 June
07:40 BST 26 June
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We asked you to send in your Everton questions for BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould. In the first part of a special Q&A, she focuses on what the club is going to do differently this summer and whether the Toffees move slowly in the window compared with others.
Barry asked: If we need new players to get European football but can't attract them because we don't have European football, what is the club going to do differently?
Giulia: It feels a bit 'chicken and egg', doesn't it? Ending the season without a win in the last seven games and missing out on Europe felt a blow.
However, there is the context that Everton were without Jarrad Branthwaite for the majority of the campaign and Jack Grealish, who had been instrumental to the Toffees' form, was out from January. Grealish remains a strong option for manager David Moyes this summer and could well extend his stay. He would be a big draw when it comes to attracting new signings.
The manager is working at the World Cup in a media role, but is also using it as a scouting opportunity.
There will be some Championship players looked at too. Possibly the most famous to make the step up under Moyes was Tim Cahill, who came in from Millwall and went on to make 278 appearances, scoring 68 times along the way.
Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney remains a target this summer as those at Everton believe he has the ability to play at a higher level.
Greg asked: When are we going to start getting players in earlier? Other clubs seem to do it but, as usual, we drag our heels.
Giulia: At the time of writing this, business is slow across the whole league. The World Cup will have an impact on the start of the window as clubs assess who is available, if their own players at the tournament will return uninjured or be a target for others. Given Grealish remains at Finch Farm for his rehab, I would expect that to be boxed off soon.
Some players not in action in North America are having a well-earned break so deals will begin progressing as they return.
The pool Everton are shopping in will impact the speed of deals too. For instance, while the finances are now much more secure, the rules still stop them from throwing in a huge bid for someone.
The season is still eight weeks away, so there is time.
Keep across this page on Friday for parts two and three of Giulia's Q&A, which will look at subjects including how the club can compete at the top, whether the situation with Burnley will affect transfer plans and Moyes' future.
What are the chances of a successful compensation appeal?published at 13:54 BST 25 June
13:54 BST 25 June
Barrister Gary Lewis has told BBC Radio Merseyside that Everton's appeal against an independent panel's ruling that the club must pay Burnley £35m because of the impact of their breaches of the Premier League's financial rules is "not one without argument".
Burnley have been awarded £26m in damages and £9m in interest after successfully arguing that the breach impacted their chances of staying in the top flight and seeking compensation for their losses associated with relegation.
However, during the appeal process, the Clarets will have to "prove that the losses from relegation itself were caused by Everton's breach", which could be "difficult".
Meanwhile, Arsenal have lowered their asking price to between £20m and £25m for Brazil striker and long-standing Toffees target Gabriel Jesus, 29. (Caughtoffside), external
Your World Cup scouting: Bouaddi and Summerville at Everton?published at 16:08 BST 24 June
16:08 BST 24 June
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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Everton.
Here are some of your comments:
Neil: Crysencio Summerville is just what Everton need. He is skillful and fast. He and Jarrod Bowen were the outstanding players for West Ham last season and he is looking very good in the Netherlands team.
Jameson: An obvious target because of his age and quality is Ayyoub Bouaddi from Morocco - looks class and would be a great successor to Idrissa Gana Gueye. Everton badly need full-backs - and Merchas Doski from Iraq looks a talented, athletic player and presumably a bargain. I'd also love them to sign Sergino Dest of the USA from PSV Eindhoven. A proven winner at club level, just what the Blues need - although probably not cheap.
Phil: Jonathan David. Finally. Each of his goals against Qatar were examples of exactly the attacking prowess we've been missing for years. Get it done!
Keith: Johan Manzambi of Switzerland really does look like someone who could lead the Everton line, even at such a young age. Shades of a young Romelu Lukaku and certainly everything the club hoped Thierno Barry and Beto would turn out to be. Go all out for him.
Jayden: Hwang In-beom is such a class midfielder with such great vision and potential on the ball. I feel he would work well in our midfield alongside James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to thread balls through to our wingers and make the passes needed.
The right-back position has been a problem for some time and West Ham and DR Congo's Aaron Wan-Bissaka is of interest to Everton - as is England and Tottenham full-back Djed Spence.
Everton Q&A: Send in your questionspublished at 14:14 BST 22 June
14:14 BST 22 June
It is just under two months until the next Premier League season starts and there is plenty on the Everton agenda before a ball gets kicked.
David Moyes will be hoping his side can kick on in 2026-27 after a disappointing end to the last campaign and European ambitions will be at the top of most fans' goals for the next season.
There is plenty to discuss, so BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould will be on hand to answer your questions later this week.
Put your thinking cap on - what do you want to know about the Toffees right now?
A to Z: Dixie Dean - 'There was nobody better than him'published at 18:50 BST 19 June
18:50 BST 19 June
Media caption,
The fourth episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's A to Z of Everton focuses on the letter D.
Little surprise then that Dixie Dean accounts for a significant part of the episode.
Dean was a prolific goalscorer during his time at Goodison Park between 1925 and 1937, notching up 349 goals in 399 league appearances.
BBC Radio Merseyside's Ian Kennedy said: "Well, not many people are around that saw him play, but that stat, you have got to say that is mind-boggling. The goals per game ratio, with every club he played for, including England, is incredible."
Since Erling Haaland's arrival in the Premier League, the Norwegian striker has set new goalscoring records, yet he is still to break Dean's record of 60 goals in a top-flight season.
"People talk about Haaland these days, but I don't think anybody will get anywhere near that [record]," added Kennedy.
Instead of the largely perfect Premier League pitches, Dean had to set the standard on boggy and muddy surfaces which was the norm at the time.
But, does that mean it was harder to reach the impressive tally of 60 goals for Dean?
BBC Radio Merseyside's Carl Woodward, said: "I think it must have been hard as you have to kick a ball harder and also how muddy it was. It must have taken a toll on the body. It was hard in a different way."
Records come and go, but this record could be one which will stand tall for another 98 years.
"You can only be the best of your time and clearly, as a goalscorer, there was nobody better than him," added Kennedy.
Can Everton take European push to the end of the season?published at 17:43 BST 19 June
17:43 BST 19 June
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The news Everton start the season at home with a 3pm kick off on a Saturday is cause for celebration for fans before a ball has been kicked. Last season, the Toffees had just four 3pm games on a Saturday at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
First up, Crystal Palace under new boss Pierre Sage will mean tougher prep for David Moyes and his staff as they work out how a new-look Palace will operate. Last time out on Merseyside, Everton came from behind to win thanks to a 93rd minute Jack Grealish goal.
The first away trip is a 265-mile journey to Bournemouth, who have been a problematic side for Everton in recent seasons. After three defeats on the bounce at Vitality stadium, the Blues did break the curse last season thanks to another Grealish winner.
There were no bragging rights after the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson in April, but Moyes' side can go again with the meeting coming sooner on the weekend of 28 November. The reverse sees Liverpool host the fiery match on the 30 January.
Everton's 2025-26 season fizzled out, much to the disappointment of supporters as they watched the side fail to win a game in April and May. They will hope a successful European push goes to the end of the 2026-27 campaign with the final run seeing the Toffees close the home season against current champions Arsenal and their final game will be at promoted Ipswich Town.
🎧'I had to learn what it was to be a Blue' - Cahill chats with Rooneypublished at 16:15 BST 19 June
16:15 BST 19 June
Media caption,
Wayne Rooney is in conversation with Tim Cahill on the latest episode of his podcast.
The pair discuss England's World Cup chances, Australia's hopes and, of course, life at Everton.
"I had to learn what it was to be a Blue," said Cahill.
"Playing in the Premier League was my dream. I didn't want much more. Every time a club came in I signed a new contract and that was literally every year.
Everton v Crystal Palace: Did you know?published at 12:03 BST 19 June
12:03 BST 19 June
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When Everton welcome yet another season of top-flight football, Crystal Palace's new boss Pierre Sage will be making his Premier League debut on the touchline at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Ex-Palace boss Oliver Glasner may have won an FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League with the Eagles, but the Austrian manager was unable to beat Everton home and away during his tenure.
So Sage will have to buck an ugly trend as Crystal Palace have won just one of their past 23 Premier League matches against the Toffees (D10 L12), a 3-1 home victory in December 2021.
However, the opener has not provided the emphatic start the Toffees have been hoping for in recent years.
Everton have lost their first match in each of the past four Premier League seasons – their joint-longest losing run in their first game of a league campaign.
Fixtures released - how does Everton's league season look?published at 10:01 BST 19 June
10:01 BST 19 June
Everton will kick off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign with a home game against Crystal Palace.
The match will take place on Saturday, 22 August at 15:00 BST, with the Toffees' first away fixture against Bournemouth on the weekend of 29-30 August.
Cottee masterclass and 'geriatric' defenders - fans' opening-day memoriespublished at 08:41 BST 19 June
08:41 BST 19 June
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With the countdown to the 2026-27 Premier League fixture release well and truly on, we asked for your stories of opening-day games - both good and bad - that have stuck in your minds most.
Here are some of your replies:
Trevor: Best opening day - Goodison Park 1996 against Newcastle, with British transfer record Alan Shearer making his debut. The Magpies were put to the sword by inspired performances from 'Big Dunc' and Gary Speed. Special mention to a Tony Cottee hat-trick in 1988 on his Everton debut - again versus Newcastle. Worst opening day - newly promoted Crystal Palace were the visitors in 1997. Their new signing Atillio Lombardo destroyed us - probably his best performance for the Eagles - in a 2-1 loss.
Brian: After winning the FA Cup, we were all in good spirits inside Goodison as the trophy was paraded around before the opening game of 1984-85 season. But a surprise 4-1 home defeat by Tottenham on 25 August put a dampener on the celebrations. Despite the opening-day defeat, we went on to win the First Division title and the European Cup Winners' Cup, and then the Charity Shield before the following season.
Tony: Cottee signed for a record £2m fee and scored after 15 seconds on his debut against Newcastle, then went on to get a hat-trick. First game of the season was the highlight. Downhill thereafter as usual.
Anton: Worst opening day - 2009-10 and the 6-1 thrashing at home by Arsenal. I was at Bloodstock Festival and it did briefly dampen my spirits. Best was 1999-00 and the 1-1 at home against Manchester United with our two geriatric centre-halves - Dave Watson and Richard Gough.
Come back to this page at 10:00 BST to see how the Toffees' 2026-27 Premier League fixtures have fallen.
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