Everton manager Sean Dyche gives five-word response on Alex Iwobi to Fulham speculation
Everton manager Sean Dyche refused to give much away on the future of Alex Iwobi amid reports that the midfielder is close to joining fellow Premier League side Fulham.
The two clubs are locked in talks over a £20million deal for the Nigeria international [Daily Mail] ahead of the 11pm deadline on Friday [1 September].
Iwobi was not part of Everton’s squad for their 2-1 comeback win at Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup on Wednesday [30 August].
Asked about the speculation regarding the 27-year-old’s future, Dyche is quoted by the Liverpool Echo [31 August] as saying: “It’s noise at the moment”.
Ever-present
Everton’s hand has been forced somewhat due to Iwobi not agreeing fresh terms at Goodison Park.
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It means the Arsenal academy product is due to be a free agent at the end of the season, and Everton do not want to see a player they signed for £35m in 2019 depart for nothing.
Dyche would rather have Iwobi in his squad than not, of course, but it is understandable that the Toffees are prepared to offload to Fulham if £20m is indeed offered.
The most disappointing aspect is that it has taken until the eve of deadline day for discussions to reach this point, giving Everton very little time to bring in a replacement.
Iwobi started all 38 of Everton’s Premier League games last season, which goes a long way to highlighting just how important a player he is.
The Nigerian never truly justified his price tag at Goodison Park, but he was voted Players’ Player of the Season last season and will leave a big void to be filled should he move on.
With defensive and attacking issues to contend with, even accounting for the arrival of Beto, Dyche now also has a midfield headache to further add to his problems.
In other Everton news, another midfielder could be on their way out of the club in the coming hours.
