EVERTON MAKE BID FOR MONACO STRIKER BALOGUN

 

Balogun joined AS Monaco from Arsenal in 2023

Everton have made an offer for Monaco forward Folarin Balogun - who is valued at £40m by the French club.

The Toffees want to strengthen their forward line before Tuesday's transfer deadline, with Balogun and Tottenham attacker Richarlison among their targets.

Richarlison is believed to have reservations about returning to Everton, the club he left to join Spurs in 2022.

But Everton are pressing ahead with their interest in United States striker Balogun and have made a bid for the 25-year-old.

Whether the offer is enough for Monaco to part with Balogun remains to be seen.

But the former Arsenal player has emerged as a key target for Everton ahead of the deadline.

Balogun was at the centre of a major controversy during this summer's World Cup.

He was dismissed for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32 match and should have received an automatic suspension.

However, Fifa's disciplinary committee suspended his ban for a year - a decision that prompted widespread condemnation, particularly when it emerged US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied football's world governing body about the American's sanction, external.

Balogun, who scored three goals at the World Cup, was able to start the USA's last-16 defeat by Belgium - a decision European football's governing body Uefa called "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable".

The head of Fifa's disciplinary committee refused to answer BBC questions about the decision-making process which led to Balogun avoiding a ban.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino denied having influence over disciplinary decisions.

England's Jarell Quansah was similarly shown a red card in England's 3-2 win over Mexico following a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo, and the same committee ruled he should serve a two-match ban.

It was classed as serious foul play, meaning the Bayer Leverkusen player was handed an extra match on top of the automatic one-game suspension by Fifa.

- Sami Mokbel

EVERTON FORWARD CHARGED BY FAOAFYER ALLEGEDLY BREAKING BETTONG RULES BY PLACING 61 BETS OVER 15 MONTHS

Everton forward Martin Sherif has been charged by the FA for allegedly breaching betting rules. 

The 20-year-old, who was loaned out to Rotherham by the Toffees last season, has been accused of betting 61 times on matches over 15 months. 

The bets allegedly were placed between November 20 in 2024 and February 12 in 2026 and Sherif now has until next Monday to respond to the charges. 

The FA said in a statement: 'Martin Sherif of Everton FC has been charged with breaching the FA's betting rules.

'It's alleged that the player breached FA Rule E1.2 in respect of 61 bets placed on football matches between 20 November 2024 and 12 February 2026. 

'Martin Sherif has until Monday 17 August to provide a response.'

Sherif has never made a professional appearance for Everton but trained with the first team last year. 

He has been with the club since the age of 13 and boasted an impressive scoring record at youth level.  

He scored twice in 10 games for Rotherham in League One last season but the loan was cut short in December by the Premier League side due to Sherif suffering a number of injuries. 

The Liberia-born forward later joined Port Vale on loan in February but could not help them avoid relegation to League Two, scoring twice in 17 matches.  

- WILL GRIFFEE

EVERTON AIMS CHEEKY DIG AT VIRGIL VAN DIJK AFTER LIVERPOOL STAR'S MERSEYSIDE DERBY JIBE

Everton had the last laugh in Wednesday's Merseyside derby against Liverpool, their last ever meeting to be played at Goodison Park before the club's move to Bramley-Moore Dock

Everton appeared to mock Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after he labelled Wednesday's Merseyside derby their 'cup final'.

James Tarkowski scored a 98th-minute equaliser for Everton, who hosted the derby at Goodison Park for the final time, as they'll be moving to a new stadium next season. Tarkowski's goal sparked chaos on and off the pitch, with Everton fans invading the field of play after his goal to make it 2-2.

There was also a huge brawl between both sets of players in front of the away section. Four red cards were shown AFTER full-time by referee Michael Oliver, three for Liverpool and one for Everton.

The Toffees now only have six more matches left to play at Goodison before the Premier League season comes to an end. Referencing that fact on social media, Everton posted a video of their fans chanting during Wednesday night's game with the caption: "Six more 'finals' left at Goodison," adding two emojis; one face smirking and the other looking sad.

Fans have instantly drawn a connection between their post and Van Dijk's comments. "This is their cup final and they would try to do everything in their power to make it difficult for us," the Liverpool skipper told TNT Sports post-match. "It is a big boost for them but a blow for us."

Replies to Everton's post on X, formerly Twitter, included: "Hahaha, brilliant admin," and "Admin killing it again! Give that guy a raise.

Before kick-off, Liverpool fans taunted Everton with the fact they haven't lifted a trophy since winning the FA Cup in 1995. "At least an empty cabinet is easier to move," a banner read. Liverpool supporters who'd made the short journey across Stanley Park also had balloons with the numbers 30 and 1995.

 Everton won't mind the taunts now, though, as they were able to celebrate a memorable night at their famous home ground. "A special, special night and what a way to finish the last derby here," Tarkowski said. "It will be a special moment for the rest of my career and probably the biggest moment for me really.

I had an 80-year-old man grabbing me and then a five-year-old kid pulling me to the floor. There were stewards everywhere. Chaos – but what a moment it was. I've had a couple of proud moments; promotions and playing for my country, but for me this is the biggest just with everything which is happening right now, leaving this iconic stadium, probably for me it will be the biggest goal of my career.

- Nathan Ridley, Senior Sports Reporter

 

EPL: FANS ARE FURIOUS AT MAROUANE FELLAINI AND SOME CALLING HIM "A DONKEY"

Manchester United woes continue as their match with Everton ended with a 1-1 draw thanks to Marouane Fellaini...He came in as a sub at the 85th minute but that completely changed things as United were on their way to grab 3 points...

EPL: FURRY OVER MAROUANE FELLAINI'S PENALTY GIVEAWAY TO HIS FORMER CLUB EVERTON