Ancelotti provides transfer update on two Everton players

Everton don’t have too many players they are planning to sell during the January transfer window, even though they would like to lighten the wage bill significantly. Director of Football Marcel Brands indicated during the AGM earlier this week that it was only Oumar Niasse and Cuco Martina were the only two players being actively shopped, and manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that today in his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to West Ham United this weekend.

“They are here and I have to be focused on them. They are doing well, Cuco Martina was not able to train today but Oumar trained well and will be on the bench tomorrow.

“Until all the things are not clear or there are no offers, they are doing well and focused on the team and no problems for me.”

Pressed on if there had been any bids for the duo so far, Ancelotti said that there has been firm inquiries as yet.

“There are no offers absolutely, but when an offer will come we will check. Until now there is no problem as they are professional and serious.”

The manager was also asked if any other players were expected to leave, with rumours circulating that Mason Holgate was a subject of interest from Newcastle.

“We are not talking about letting go other players. This is the squad I have to work on.

“I am happy to work with these players because there is a good spirit in the training ground, they are professional and serious, and so no problem at all.”

Farhad Moshiri’s associate Alisher Usmanov is finding ways to pump money into the club, with a £30 million investment to first shot at the naming rights of the new stadium to be built on the Bramley Moore docks. The question on everyone’s minds is if that will be added to Ancelotti’s transfer kitty.

“We are not anxious for the transfer window. We are focused on the games, starting tomorrow.

“Mr. Usmanov investing in the club is good for the club, but this doesn’t matter for the transfer market.”

Everton Soares has been linked with the Blues this week, and could be a marketing department dream should the Toffees sign him from Gremio in Brazil.

“Just to be clear, I do not want to talk about players I do not have here.

“We are looking for a lot of players and there are a lot of good players around the world.”