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 publishes quotes from Everton manager Rafa Benitez, who has been discussing the future of Lewis Dobbin.

Benitez expressed his confidence that the young Blues striker will sign a contract extension to remain at the Club. 

“I think the player is quite happy and our conversations with him have been quite positive," said Benitez.

“I have confidence that he will be delighted to stay with us in the future.

“When the situation of the Club changed a little bit in terms of the structure, the first thing that we did was to have two or three meetings with young players and their agents and families to try to make sure they could stay with us for a long time.”

Sticking with the Echo, the publication shares the news that Everton become the first Premier League club to formally support #HerGameToo, which aims to raise awareness of sexist abuse within and around football.

The announcement marks 101 years since Dick, Kerr Ladies' fixture at Goodison Park drew an attendance of more than 53,000.

Transfer speculation continues to circulate in the days leading into the new year and subsequent opening of the January transfer window.

The Athletic claims Everton will attempt to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan from Arsenal for the remainder of the season.

The 24-year-old was linked with a move to Goodison Park in the summer but nothing materialised.

Their source goes on to state that the Blues could face competition from Italy with AS Roma interested in the winger.

Going back to the Echo, the Merseyside outlet believes Jonjoe Kenny, Fabian Delph and Cenk Tosun could move on from the Club in January.

Gazzetta Dello Sport in Italy believes Inter Milan will try to sign Lucas Digne on loan in January.

The Serie A Champions have limited finances according to the report and would be unable to sign the Everton left-back, should he leave the Club.