‘The board is going to support me’ - Ancelotti confident of transfer funds to strengthen Everton squad

Carlo Ancelotti says the Everton board will back him with transfer funds this summer as he looks to rebuild the Toffees squad.

Everton’s lavish transfer spending in recent years has failed to bring the success we all crave, instead leaving the squad bloated with overpaid, under-performing players that will be a struggle to move on, limiting the club’s room for manoeuvre in the transfer market.

With the coronavirus pandemic hitting football finances across the globe, there were fears Everton’s transfer budget may be curtailed still further.

That would be ok if the team was in a good state, but as the past few performances have shown, there are gaping holes in a squad that once again needs rebuilding.

Ancelotti, though, was keen to dismiss fears of a quiet summer, stressing that the club’s hierarchy are ready to back him.

Speaking at his press conference previewing Monday’s trip to Sheffield United, Ancelotti said:

”At this moment, we are looking for the quality of player we need to improve the squad for the next season.

“And when the season is finished we are going to talk together and find the right solution for this.

“I think that the board is going to support me, support the team. We have the same idea that the team has to improve.”

Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images

One player who has been linked with a move to Goodison is Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is believed to be the subject of a formal bid by the Toffees.

Fresh reports suggest Hojbjerg is keen on a move to Tottenham, but Ancelotti is working hard to persuade him to head to Merseyside instead.

When asked for an update on the pursuit, the Italian unsurprisingly refused to be drawn on the subject.

”No, I am not able to give you other indication.

“To talk about players from other teams is not fair and I will not be happy if another manager talks about players of my team. So, I don’t want to follow the speculation, I don’t want to follow the rumours.

“Also the transfer window is so long that if we have to follow the rumours and speculation, it will be a hard time for everyone.”

Ancelotti also confirmed striker Moise Kean, who has endured a difficult first campaign at Everton, will not be leaving the club this summer, telling the news conference:

“He will be our player next season.”