Che Adams signs, Michael Keane decision – Everton’s ideal plan for next nine days

In more ways than one, what happens over the next nine days could go a long way toward determining the outcome of Everton’s season.

Not only is the transfer window set to close a week from tomorrow, but the Blues also play three crucial games between now and September 2. First it is a home clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, before a trip to Doncaster Rovers in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Everton then kick off September with an away game against Sheffield United. By the time the full-time whistle blows at Bramall Lane, Blues supporters will have a good idea about what lies ahead for their side this season.

However, before then, all focus will be on the transfer window, and Everton’s predicament is clear. They need new signings of real quality. And with the countdown now on, the ECHO takes a look at three things Sean Dyche and the club must do between now and then.

Strengthening Dyche’s attacking options was the club’s priority heading into the summer window. And so far this summer, Youssef Chermiti, Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma have all been recruited, but the Blues have also been keen on adding an experienced striker to bridge the gap between the youth of Chermiti and the quality of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

That search has led the Blues to Adams, with Everton having had a bid rejected for the Scotland international over the weekend. Now, however, they must find a way to get their man.

It is clear that the Blues are in desperate need of adding additional firepower to their squad. Last season’s struggles in front of goal continued on the opening day against Fulham, while Calvert-Lewin’s injury means Neal Maupay could be the club’s only senior forward available to face Gary O’Neil’s side at the weekend.

But with Adams having now been identified as the man they want to bring in, it is important that the signature of the Scotland international is secured.

Centre-back call

Dyche has a decision to make this weekend: does he stick with Michael Keane or make a change at the back?

In truth, both Keane and James Tarkowski could be replaced following last Sunday’s 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa. Both endured an afternoon to forget.

However, it was Keane who was at fault for two goals, although, as ECHO columnist Michael Ball said earlier this week, every member of the Blues’ squad should be looking at themselves following the defeat at Villa Park.

But Dyche has a decision to make ahead of Saturday’s game. Jarrad Branthwaite is the obvious choice to come in, but the Everton manager could also turn to Ben Godfrey or Mason Holgate.

Supporters, however, would be disappointed not to see Branthwaite given the nod to start after impressing during pre-season and on loan at PSV Eindhoven last season.

Trim a bloated squad

As Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell aim to trim a bloated squad and bring together a group that will be fit for purpose, it is no surprise that a number of Everton’s players have been linked with moves away.

One of the first names to be linked with a move away from Goodison this summer was Holgate. The ECHO first reported back in June that the defender would be allowed to depart on either a permanent deal or a loan should a suitable offer be submitted this summer.

Sheffield United have expressed an interest in signing Holgate, as the defender worked alongside Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom during their time together at Barnsley. While Southampton are also interested in taking the 26-year-old and have held talks with Everton over a move.

In midfield, LOSC Lille are keen to re-sign Andre Gomes, with the Everton midfielder also reportedly attracting interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

The ECHO reported at the end of June that Lille boss Paulo Fonseca was keen to bring the midfielder back to the Stade Pierre Mauroy following a successful loan spell at the club last season. Gomes started 18 games in the French top-flight across the campaign, with Lille finishing fifth and securing a Europa Conference League play-off round spot.

Lille did not have the option to make Gomes’ loan move a permanent one, but the ECHO understands that the Ligue 1 club still remains keen to bring the 30-year-old back to France, either on loan or on a permanent basis.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin’s agent claimed back in May that his client wants to leave Everton and end his “nightmare” at the club.

Gbamin joined the Blues from Mainz for £25m in the summer of 2019, but his spell has been wrecked by lengthy injuries. He has so far made just eight appearances in his time at Goodison, and he spent last season on loan at Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor.

French side Olympique Lyonnais are claimed to have made an enquiry for the midfielder, who still has one year left on his deal at Everton.

“We will have to find another project for him,” his agent, Bernard Collignon, told BBC Sport. “I am the one who chose Everton for him because it would have been a stepping stone to move on elsewhere.

“There was interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and even Jurgen Klopp wanted to sign him for Liverpool six months before but now Jean-Philippe wants to go back to Germany.”

Before he added: “It is unbelievable what has happened at Everton. Jean-Philippe is so disappointed with everything that has happened and how things have not worked out for him.

“The reason he suffered his initial injury was because he was not fit. That is why he got injured. They had to give him time and not rush him back into action.

“The club should have let him play in reserve games to achieve full fitness and also to gain confidence so that he would be ready for the intensity of the Premier League.”