Everton Confirmed Koeman As New Manager

Everton have confirmed Ronald Koeman as their new manager on a three-year deal.

The Toffees will pay about £5m compensation for the 53-year-old, who leaves Premier League rivals Southampton after two years in charge.

Everton have been without a manager since sacking Roberto Martinez just before the end of the 2015-16 season.

Koeman said Everton is a club with a “great history and real ambition”, while chairman Bill Kenwright called the Dutchman his “number one target”.

A deal with the former Netherlands international, headhunted by new owner Farhad Moshiri, was agreed earlier in the week and is reported to be worth about £6m a year.

The official announcement was delayed until Koeman returned from holiday.

“Ronald has such a strong track record in the game, instantly commanding respect for what he achieved as a player and for his qualities and accomplishments as a manager,” added Kenwright.

“We are really pleased to have secured the man who was our number one target from the moment we set out to appoint a new manager.”

He is expected to be joined at Goodison Park by brother Erwin and fitness coach Jan Kluitenberg, although a deal for the pair is yet to be finalised.

Koeman made more than 750 appearances as a player, scoring 253 goals, and won the 1988 European Championship with the Netherlands.

He also won four domestic league titles in both the Netherlands and Spain.

Koeman has also managed Vitesse Arnhem, Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia, AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, winning the Dutch league with both Ajax and PSV, and a Spanish Cup with Valencia.

BBC

Everton Confirmed Koeman As New Manager

Breaking News: Everton Fires Martinez

Roberto Martinez has been sacked by Everton with immediate effect, according to report by SkySports.com.

The Toffees have picked up only four points in the Premier League since March 5 and the 3-0 loss to Sunderland on Wednesday stretched their dismal run of form to just one win in 10 matches in all competitions.

Martinez, who had three years remaining on his contract, led Everton to the semi-finals of the FA Cup and Capital One Cup this season, but their poor league form has ultimately proved his undoing and he leaves after nearly three years at the club.

A “Martinez out” banner was visible at the Stadium of Light, even prior to kick-off, and has been seen in recent weeks at home matches, including when some fans held a protest against the Spaniard following the 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on April 30.

Another protest was planned to go ahead on Thursday night outside St George’s Hall, where Everton will be holding their end-of-season awards dinner.

But following the club’s decision to dismiss Martinez, it would seem highly unlikely the protest will take place.

Martinez had vowed to bring the “winning feeling back” to Everton following their defeat to Sunderland – their fourth loss in their last five matches – but he will not have the chance to do so against Norwich City on Sunday.

He was appointed as David Moyes’ successor in June 2013 and guided Everton to their best Premier League points tally – 72 – and a fifth-place finish in his first season in charge.

Breaking News: Everton Fires Martinez

Lukaku Favours Move To Manchester United

Everton striker, Romelu Lukaku will move toManchester United this summer – even if Louis Van Gaal does not get them into the Champions League according to media reports.

Toffees boss Roberto Martinez has insisted publicly the 22-year-old is not for sale but privately the club are worried they are fighting a losing battle.

And Everton believe United are in pole position – with Jose Mourinho a key factor as he is favourite to take over at Old Trafford and he will provide the star attraction and pulling power.

Mourinho was criticised for allowing Lukaku to leave Chelsea in a permanent deal in 2014 having loaned him out twice previously.

Lukaku insists he would have no problem playing under Mourinho

But there is no problem between the pair – Lukaku has even insisted publicly that there is no animosity – and United are keen.

Lukaku Favours Move To Manchester United

I"m Going To Levante For Playing Time - Atsu

Chelsea FC winger Christian Atsu has explained that his decision for choosing Spanish La liga side, Levante is because he wants enough playing time.

The Ghanaian attacking winger since his move to London, had a brilliant season in Netherland with Chelsea sister side Vitesse Arheim.

But a return to England has curtailed his blistering career. He had a spell at Everton last season to forget, and a move to newly promoted premier league side Bournemouth was worse due to recurring injuries.

Chelsea recalled the 2015 Africa Cup of nations player of the tournament and has loaned him out to Levante.

Christian Atsu, confirming his next move said: “I wished the team [Chelsea] good luck and I told the players i will be going to Levante,” the former FC Porto midfielder said.

Christian Atsu is hopeful that the style of the La liga suits him, but he ia not interested in the kind of game played in Spain.

“I am going to Spain and I think is a new challenge for me and I’m going to work harder. I believe Spanish football will suit my style of play, but as a player you should be able to play in any league.

“Right now, is not about the league that suits you or not where it doesn’t suit you, now is where I will get enough playing time.” He said.

The 24-year-old also revealed that he had a heart-to-heart chat with interim Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink and is convinced a good performance in Spain will earn him first team football with the London club.

“I spoke with the coach and we had a very good chat and I think if i work hard there at least he will give me a chance.”

Christian Atsu moved to Chelsea from FC Porto in the 2013, and a move to Levante will be his fourth move away from the club.

I"m Going To Levante For Playing Time - Atsu

Ghanaian Midfielder Begins Chelsea Training

Black Stars Player Begins Training With English Premier League Club

Ghana international, Christian Atsu, has started training with Chelsea following an unsuccessful loan spell with English side, AFC Bournemouth.

Flashback: Atsu during his time with AFC Bournemouth

The former FC Porto winger and Most valuable player winner during AFCON 2015 in Equitoral Guinea has been battling injuries since he joined the Cherries with hope of getting more games under his belt. Atsu played two games whilst on loan with Bournemouth and all came in league cup matches.

Flashback: Christian Atsu celebrates scoring for FC Porto

Atsu returns from his third loan stint after previous spells with Vitesse Arnheim in the Dutch Eredivise and Everton in the English premier league since signing for Chelsea in 2013 on a 5 – year deal.

Ghanaian Midfielder Begins Chelsea Training