Everton head coach Sean Dyche was giving nothing away when quizzed on the current takeover talks and the Toffees January transfer plans.
The Merseyside club sit 17th in the Premier League table, just two points adrift of the drop zone.
And Saturday’s clash against Brentford is a vital one as Everton look to put some distance between themselves and the bottom three clubs.
But amidst all the football talk, negotiations are still ongoing with the Friedkin Group over a takeover of the club, which could come before the transfer window opens.
Dyche hinted that their budget and plans may rest on whether that happens, but was tight-lipped on the matter.
He said: “There’s no news, we’re working to the current situation of the club, being very sensible financially. If the Friedkin Group get their hands on the club fully, it might be different.
▶️ Dwight McNeil has had a “really good week” in training and Jarrad Branthwaite trained this morning, Sean Dyche confirmed in his pre-Brentford press conference. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/q694ZKRPdY
— Everton (@Everton) November 21, 2024
“If you carry a lighter squad, those injuries dilute the squad quickly. It can enhance development but it also loses that competitive depth. If the finances are there, we will certainly be looking.
“Every game is vital to the fans, vital to me, vital to the players. That is the feeling about Everton, that every game is a big game.”
On the game against Brentford, Dyche was sure to heap praise on head coach Thomas Frank.
He added: “I have massive respect for their manager. I know Thomas quite well. They work on their margins, they have to progress in so many ways, and you want to find the right side of it.
“Over the last few years, they keep getting on the right side of it. They have good players, I like their manager a lot personally, and I also respect him a lot.”
