Welcome to the latest edition of Toffeelinks.
Wwith less than three weeks to go to the new Premier League season the expectation is building. Everton continued their preparations with a behind closed doors friendly, while behind the scenes plenty of moves have been made with regards to potential transfers...
Pienaar plays in friendly draw (video highlights)
Following the cancellation of the Java Cup, Everton had a large gap in their pre-season preparations. Therefore a hastily arranged behind-closed-doors match with Bulgarian champions Ludogorets Razgrad at Goodison took place on Thursday. Steven Pienaar played, his first appearance since re-signing for the club, as did Nikica Jelavic, Steven Naismith and Marouane Fellaini. The Toffees took the lead from the penalty spot through Leighton Baines only for Marcelino to equalise in the second half.
Just 24 hours previously, a Everton reserve team (but still containing Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, Jack Rodwell, Ross Barkley and Apostolos Vellios) took the lead away at near neighbours Tranmere only for former Toffee James Wallace to level from the spot before Andy Robinson grabbed the winner at the death.
Everton revealed on the official site that Joseph Yobo is close to completing a move to Fenerbahce. This has rumbled on for weeks, with all parties wrangling over cash, but that fact Everton have announced it officially suggests a move - finally - may be close.
Sky Sports carries a report linking Everton with FC Copenhagen full-back Bryan Oviedo. They quote Danish paper BT, who claim David Moyes went out to Denmark in order to watch the Costa Rica international at first-hand. My thoughts on this? Another to put in the "If Baines leaves" category, which won't happen, so I would disregard this one.
Everton ready to launch Rhodes bid
Everton earn a mention in this Daily Mail article,suggesting Moyes is ready to make a move for Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes, who was recently the subject of a bid from Fulham. That bid was rejected, with Huddersfield wanting in excess of £4million for the Scotland international. This is one to put in the "if we get taken over and get money" category, which won't happen either.
Premier League new-boys have been linked a move for young goalkeeper Adam Davies, who has come through the ranks at Goodison but has yet to make a first-team appearance.