What The Papers Say – 4 June

The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

The Liverpool Echo features an in-depth interview with Everton Giant Graeme Sharp, who assesses the Blues' current squad and previews the pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Edinburgh.

The Toffees title-winner believes Evertonians can go into next season with “hope” despite ending the current campaign “poorly” as he lifts the lid on his own return to the Club.

"Obviously, the season tailed off a little bit unfortunately. I thought they were in for a place in Europe, but it was just too much for us," said Sharp.

“However, I think we should go into the new season full of hope. I think David has done a good job.

“If you look at the circumstances he faced when he came in and the couple of seasons we’d had before then it was a bit of a rocky ship and he steadied that. We ended the season poorly which denied us that European opportunity, but overall I think he’s done well."

In transfer news, Football Insider speculates Everton are chasing Arsenal's Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus, but want the Premier League champions to reduce their £20million asking price for the 29-year-old.

The same website also claims Jack Grealish is eager to return to Merseyside next season despite Enzo Maresca being appointed the new Manchester City manager.

Meanwhile, Goal.com reports multiple clubs are interested in signing Blues midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, including Bundesliga duo Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart, and newly-promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town.