MEDIA WATCH

What The Papers Say - 15 October

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 has released the second part of its interview with Everton manager Rafa Benitez.

The Spaniard speaks highly of his assistant Duncan Ferguson, who helped provide vital information on players and departments to Benitez after he joined the Club.

The Toffees boss joked it took him some time to get to grips with the Scot's broad accent, though.

"Sometimes I understand Duncan, sometimes it is not easy!" Benitez told the Echo. "In the beginning I went 'Oooof!' but little by little it got better.

"I remember him as a player from the year of Villarreal and I have watched his goals and he was a great player.

"He helps us with his knowledge about players and his ideas. My first idea was to have meetings with all of the departments and he was one of the key interviews because he gave you honest opinions on all of the players and everything.

"It was helpful. Then I have Paco (Francisco de Miguel Moreni) and Antonio [Gomez] on my staff and Jamie [Harley] - all of them give different ideas but the people that were here have been very helpful. The mentality, the philosophy, the ideas are all important."

On to transfer news, Tuttomercatoweb reports that AS Roma midfielder Gonzalo Villar could be allowed to leave the Italian side in January.

The 23-year-old had been linked with a move to Goodison Park over the summer but a deal failed to materialise.

With limited game time, it appears increasing likely that Villar could be off, according to the Italian outlet, with Everton a possible destination.

However, it is possible that any deal would initially be a loan move, with Jose Mourinho willing to give the young Spaniard a chance next season should he get minutes under his belt.

And finally, The Athletic claims Benitez was lukewarm on a move for Donny van de Beek.

The Manchester United midfielder was reportedly linked to Everton in the final days of the transfer window and while a deal didn't materialise, a report earlier this month from Sky Sports claims the Blues would attempt to sign the star again in January.

However, The Athletic believes Benitez doesn't see the Dutchman's signature as a priority in the transfer market.