Koeman on Everton targets for transfer window

Everton ended their preseason programme with a 2-2 draw at home against La Liga outfit Sevilla yesterday, with Sandro Ramirez putting the Blues ahead after less than a minute, and a late penalty from Kevin Mirallas salvaging the tie.

After the game, manager Ronald Koeman mentioned that the deal for Gylfi Sigurdsson was getting closer, but no agreement was in place with Swansea City as yet.

“It is close but we have to wait. The deal isn’t done.”

Going on to talk about more transfer targets, Koeman reiterated what the fans have known for some time now.

“Everybody knows we are looking for three more players.

“A left centre-back, left-back who can play in both positions, a winger and a striker.

“That is the picture and what is best for our team.

“The transfer window closes at the end of the month and we have time.”

Talking about the upcoming season, Koeman said -

“The team is ready for the season starting next week.

“We have had two good games in the Europa League and we know the importance of playing for points. We start at home and that is always good as well.”

The Blues ended the preseason unbeaten, though they looked outclassed for long periods against the Spaniards on Sunday.

“It is always good to have no losses in pre-season because it is better for the confidence of the players. I thought a 2-2 draw was a fair reflection of what happened this afternoon.

“It was a good friendly against a really good football team. Sevilla have good qualities on the ball and they made it really difficult. But everybody got some minutes and we are happy enough about the physical levels of the team.

“Of course we can still improve, because we lost control of the game and found it tough after the first half. But it was a good friendly to end on.”

Koeman was happy to see striker Sandro Ramirez open his Everton scoring attempt, that too at Goodison.

“It was pleasing to see Sandro score.

“It was great movement and a good start to the game. We did what we needed to do when we had the space.

“We know Sandro is a scoring player and it was good for the boy to score in front of the fans.”

Aaron Lennon and James McCarthy both missed the game with minor injuries.

“Aaron was not fit for today and James wasn’t fit, either. James still has some issues with his knee and, out of protection, we kept him out of the squad.”