What The Papers Say - 11 March

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 focuses on David Moyes after the Blues boss vowed to keep his team pushing to the end of a season that could yet end with qualification for Europe.

Joe Thomas writes: “Moyes has repeatedly stated he would like to see Everton competing in Europe again, though achieving that as early as next season appeared unlikely given the recent struggles the Club had endured.

“Yet with two months of the season to go, Everton sit in eighth position – which could end up being high enough to reach the Europa Conference League depending on the outcome of various competitions.

“With something still to play for, Moyes is determined to draw as much from his players as possible when they return to Premier League action at the weekend, starting with an away trip to title-chasing Arsenal.”

Moyes’ men will come in to the clash with the Gunners in high spirits, having comfortably beaten Burnley 2-0 on home soil after claiming an impressive 3-2 win against Newcastle in the north east.

Speaking on the remainder of the campaign, the Scot told evertonfc.com: “Nine games to go now, and we need to try to keep ourselves pushing, and try to keep going. We’ll not take our foot off the pedal. We’ll try to get the players in the best condition and do everything we can for those games coming up.

“We’re seeing a much-improved Ili and Gana after coming back from the Africa Cup of Nations. And also, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s improving greatly because he’s just beginning to get back to where he was before the hamstring injury.

“I think getting those players back on form is helping us play better and helping us get a bit better rhythm.”

Elsewhere, Liverpool World speculates Everton are interested in Watford winger Othmane Maamma.

Fellow Premier League side Brentford are also vying for the 20-year-old’s signature according to the outlet, which claims the Toffees are “keeping close tabs” on the forward.

“Everton could see Watford ace Maamma as someone to boost their attacking department, writes Harry Mail. “If he joined, he would give them more competition and depth at the top end of the pitch. In addition, he would provide something different going forward.

"The Moroccan is being tipped for a bright future in the game. He is under contract at Vicarage Road until June 2029. The Hornets could face a real battle to keep hold of him before then though amid attention from elsewhere.

“Maamma, who can play on either flank if needed, has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season. He has chipped in with four goals and one assist. He made the switch to Hertfordshire in July last year and put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal.

“The youngster rose up through the academy at Montpellier. He was a regular for the French outfit at various different youth levels. The France-born man then went on to play 14 times for their first-team and found the net on two occasions.”