Ronald Koeman delivers update on Aaron Lennon following Sevilla friendly

Everton boss Ronald Koeman has revealed that James McCarthy and Aaron Lennon missed out on their pre-season friendly against Sevilla due to fitness concerns.

The duo have been heavily tipped to leave Goodison Park with Leicester City and Watford seemingly keen in their services. Koeman has been open about the club’s unfinished transfer business this summer, but he dismissed speculation surrounding the above-mentioned duo. The former Southampton coach highlighted that the pair were not physically ready to tackle the Andalusian outfit, who came away with a 2-2 draw from Merseyside.

McCarthy has fallen down the pecking order over the past year, and he currently faces the prospect of competing with the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin, Davy Klaassen, IdrissaGueye and a young Tom Davies in central midfield. Meanwhile, Lennon faces a quite similar prospect on the wings with Wayne Rooney and Davy Klaassen having brought him to add more quality in the ranks. Lennon has been linked with a potential move to Watford in recent days, but Marco Silva’s side are yet to make a formal approach for his signature. Continue reading “Ronald Koeman delivers update on Aaron Lennon following Sevilla friendly” →

LENNON THANKFUL FOR ‘INCREDIBLE’ SUPPORT

Troubled Everton winger Aaron Lennon is grateful for the “incredible” support he has received during his trying times. Since the player’s mental health issues became public news, numerous persons have shown support for the player and the case of mental health in sports has received prominence.

The Toffees star returned to training last week, after months in detention over his mental health status. The 30-year old is now focused on returning to the game after some time out.

“There is amazing help out there, and anyone feeling anything out of the ordinary should seek support. The support I have had from Everton, Spurs, their fans, football fans and concerned members of the general public has been incredible,” the player said.

He thanked the clubs, his family and everyone concerned for the help rendered during his trying times. The player moved to Goodison Park in 2015 from White Hart Lane. Since February, he has not played in the first team of Ronald Koeman’s, leading to some Western Sydney Wanderers transfer rumours, but he has confirmed that he will be staying put at Everton.

Koeman says he is happy that the player has resumed training despite “a hard time at the end of the season.” The player is currently working on getting back in shape after the time out.

Lennon was detained by the police due to the Mental Health Act but he is expected to make his full recovery and probably get some action when the season resumes.

Everton have made quite some business in the transfer market this summer. With the players that have come in ahead of their Europa League appearance in the coming term, it would be more competitive but Koeman could hand Lennon a role in local tournaments.

Everton remain in hunt for new attacker in Yannick Bolasie and Aaron Lennon’s absence

Everton boss Ronald Koeman has reportedly not dropped his interest in Swansea City ace Gylfi Sigurdsson despite the club’s recent capture of Davy Klaassen from Ajax.

The Netherlands international joined the Toffees on a £23.6m deal from the Eredivisie giants with whom he enjoyed a fruitful season last term. Klaassen guided the Amsterdam club to a second-place finish in the Dutch top flight while his team also ended runner-up to Manchester United in the Europa League final.

The Toffees are short of attacking options following the departure of Enner Valencia to parent club West Ham United. On top of that, the club may not have the services of Aaron Lennon for the new season as he is still recovering from stress-related illness for which he has been detained under the Mental Health Act by police. The former Leeds United man could take some time to return to the playing field, and his absence reduces the squad depth with Yannick Bolasie still on his year-long recovery from a nasty knee injury.

Sigurdsson was initially on Koeman’s radar at the start of the previous campaign but the Swans opted against his sale with the player more than content at the club. The Swans lingered in the drop zone for a vast past of the previous league season, and it was not until the penultimate week were they assured of their top-flight status. Continue reading “Everton remain in hunt for new attacker in Yannick Bolasie and Aaron Lennon’s absence” →

KOEMAN MIGHT SIGN PLAYERS FROM FORMER CLUBS

Everton is expected to boost its squad ahead of their continental competition in addition to the local ones next season.

Manager Ronaldo Koeman would likely bring in an attacking and central midfielder, a defender and a striker.

Davy Klaassen of Ajax is one of the top players on his list, according to reports. Everton would have to shell as much as £21 million to land him. The 24-year old has numerous admirers but it would be difficult to lure him from the Dutch side. The midfielder scored 20 goals in all competitions this season. If Ross Barkley eventually leaves as it is being rumoured, Klaassen would be the perfect guy.

Southampton’s DusanTadic is another star linked with Goodison Park. When Koeman joined the Saints in 2014, Tadic was the first signing. He is a key player for Southampton but Koeman can appeal to him if he wants. The 28-year old could be the ideal candidate if Barkley leaves and Aaron Lennon does not return. Continue reading “KOEMAN MIGHT SIGN PLAYERS FROM FORMER CLUBS” →

MORE PEOPLE DRUM UP SUPPORT FOR AARON LENNON

Premier League star Aaron Lennon is receiving treatment for stress related illness that stunned many. Many believe that with his wealth and fame the star should have been able to handle his issues. His state of health has prompted discussion about mental health in football, with more top Premier League figures commenting.

Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino says the club is trying its best to help the player as they have reached out to his agent and family. Pochettino says the players, staff and others at White Hart Lane cares for the winger as someone who played for almost a decade. Continue reading “MORE PEOPLE DRUM UP SUPPORT FOR AARON LENNON” →

EVERTON TO SHOCK LIVERPOOL AT DERBY?

The Merseyside derby this time is much more different from the last time where the Toffees where defeated.

Going away to Anfield is a tricky one but can Ronald Koeman’s men get the result?

The last time both sides met at Goodison Park, Everton came into the game with high hopes having defeated Arsenal the previous week. They were struggling to the get the results before facing the Gunners to get their first victory in six games in the Premier League. Despite the sky-high confidence, Sadio Mane punished them for their lapses.

Everton were only able to create one clear attempt, and the fans booed loudly after the game. Koeman sure learnt some lessons as he has made some changes. The manager used to play the 4-2-3-1 formation. He used Kevin Mirallas, Gerard Deulofeu, Aaron Lennon, and Yannick Bolasie or Enner Valencia in the wings. Now the Dutchman employs an extra leg in the middle.

Koeman gave an unproven youngster Tom Davies the benefit of the doubt and he has repaid the debt with his display. Against Man City, Davies showed something spectacular. He fit right alongside Idrissa Gueye – a player that has made the most tackles this term. Continue reading “EVERTON TO SHOCK LIVERPOOL AT DERBY?” →

AARON LENNON TO EXIT EVERTON

Aaron Lennon is set to exit Premier League outfit Everton this term.

The player would likely leave the club this month in the transfer window on a loan deal, according to reports. With Coach Ronald Koeman making chances to his team, he is inclined to send out players that are surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.

Five players have been sent forth already of recent, and Lennon could join them. Bryan Oviedo, Oumar Niasse, Darron Gibson are some of the players. Lennon just needs the right club and terms for Everton to decide.

While not many sides have bided for the Three Lions forward, his potential availability might remind clubs that they have an option in him. Struggling Premier League sides and even Championship sides could ask for the 29-year old player. Continue reading “AARON LENNON TO EXIT EVERTON” →

Lennon Would Not Sulk Even without First-Team Opportunities

Everton midfielder Aaron Lennon says that he will not sulk despite losing his place in the first team in recent weeks.

Lennon was brought to the club in the summer of 2015 by former boss Roberto Martinez. However, he has struggled to become a first team regular under the regime of Ronald Koeman. The Dutchman was appointed as the manager of Everton in the summer. Since then, Lennon has been in and out of the starting lineup and it has really affected his form. He has so far not contributed any goals while coming up with only one assist.

After an extended absence from the first team, Lennon finally managed to complete 90 minutes of football in the recent 1-0 loss against Liverpool. This is the first time he has been able to finish a league game. Known for his pace, Lennon would be an ideal candidate to provide strikers like Romelu Lukaku with ammunition. Continue reading “Lennon Would Not Sulk Even without First-Team Opportunities” →

THIS EVERTON STAR MIGHT RETURN TO LEEDS IN JANUARY

Everton midfielder Aaron Lennon might return to his boyhood club, Leeds Unite, when the January window opens as he struggles in the Premier League.

The Yorkshire-born player has spent almost a decade in the Premier League, and it seems the 29-year old might eventually find his way out. He used to be a good dribbler and the pace he had gave the edge when he faced Premier League left backs.

When Spurs former manager Andre Villas-Boas arrived at the club, Lennon had to give way, as the coach preferred an inverted winger, which Lennon was thought incapable. This forced Lennon to move to Everton. He has been decent, and last term under Roberto Martinez, the player really blossomed. Lennon is not really known for his goalscoring, but he really helped the team from his position – the right wing midfield.

Under Martinez, Lennon was able to break his record, as he netted six times all season. However, since Robert Koeman took over, the manager has been keen on wide positions that have seen him prefer players like Gerard Deulofeu and Kevin Mirallas. Yannick Bolasie has done well to pair with striker Romelu Lukaku, and he remains the preferred option ahead of Lennon.

Koeman lost out in the race to sign Moussa Sissoko but he is targeting out-of-favour Manchester United star Memphis Depay. With Leeds hoping to get a promotion – they are in the play-off spot – the Yorkshire-base club would offer Lennon regular playing time while he contributes to their promotion bid. He would likely be among the outstanding players in the English Championship if he is dedicated. Garry Monk is focused on playing quality football at Leeds, even as they struggle to get the required goals. Lennon would at least help their chances if he does not actually score more goals.

MARTINEZ RECOMMENDS LENNON FOR ENGLAND

Everton former boss Roberto Martinez assured that the midfielder Aaron Lennon’s current form is good enough to make him an incredible asset for England squad at the last Euro 2016 this year.

The England international netted five impactful goals in his 25 Premier League appearance for Everton with 17 starts last season.

The 29-year old, capped 21 times, last played for his country in their friendly victory over Brazil in February 2013, but his ex-coach, Martinez still insists he remains a valuable option for the tournament in France which Portugal won with 1-0 after extra time in the final against the host, France.

“Obviously it is not down to me but I get the opportunity to work with Aaron day in, day out, and he is such an important player,” said Martinez when questioned about Lennon’s international chances. Martinez should know better having coached the player during his time at Everton.

“We all know the quality he brings – the pace, the one on one ability, the work-rate, the understanding. That experience he has is invaluable. There are other players in that position, but I think he is showing he can be of incredible value to any squad and clearly for his national team he could be a real help.” Continue reading “MARTINEZ RECOMMENDS LENNON FOR ENGLAND” →