Tuesday’s Everton News: Casadei, Zhegrova and Lewis-Skelly linked, Tarks talks

Goodison Park’s rumour mill spun into overdrive on Tuesday as Everton were credited with fresh interest in three emerging talents, while senior defender James Tarkowski outlined his personal blueprint to propel the club toward European qualification.

Tarkowski, whose headed finish sealed last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Burnley, told the club’s official channels that increasing his goal return is now a “priority” if the Toffees are to sustain a push up the table. The centre-back also praised winger Dwight McNeil, saying he was “proud” of the academy graduate’s recent performances.

Off the pitch, Everton have joined West Ham in monitoring Torino midfielder Cesare Casadei. The 21-year-old Italian has impressed in Serie A after leaving Chelsea on a permanent deal last summer, prompting Sports Boom to report that both Premier League clubs are tracking his progress ahead of a potential approach.

Further forward, Sports Mole claims Everton are weighing up a £17 million move for Juventus attacker Edon Zhegrova, describing the Kosovo international as an “eyebrow-raising” target who could offer pace and creativity from wide areas. The fee would represent a significant outlay, yet sources suggest the club’s financial position may allow for one marquee addition should the right opportunity arise.

In the loan market, Team Talk indicates that Arsenal are open to sending 17-year-old left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly out for first-team experience next season, with Everton reportedly “set to hit the jackpot” if they secure the England youth international’s services.

Former Toffees defender Michael Ball believes the club’s upcoming warm-weather training camp could prove a “breakthrough moment” for academy prospects Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George, who have caught the eye with the Under-21s this term. That side, however, suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Reading on Monday night, a result that tempers enthusiasm slightly ahead of the first-team’s continental ambitions.

Away from transfers, Jordan Pickford remains a lock for England’s World Cup squad, according to the Liverpool Echo, which also argues that other Everton players merit consideration. Meanwhile, captains Seamus Coleman and Megan Finnigan marked International Women’s Day by visiting a local primary school, discussing female role models with pupils in a community initiative run by the club.

Francis Jeffers added a nostalgic note, recalling the Christmas Eve phone call from legendary manager Howard Kendall that informed him of his senior debut, while external analysis from Football 365 urged Everton to avoid the “temptation of a chaotic future” once David Moyes’ second spell at the club eventually ends.

With the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals kicking off and European football dominating headlines, Everton’s hierarchy will hope the coming weeks bring clarity on targets like Casadei, Zhegrova and Lewis-Skelly as they plot a squad capable of returning to continental competition under their own steam.