MEDIA WATCH

What The Papers Say - 28 December

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

Tom Cannon deserves his opportunity to be in the First Team across the coming weeks, according to a column by former Everton defender Michael Ball in the Liverpool ECHO 

The 20-year-old has been one of the star performers for Paul Tait’s Under-21s this season, scoring five goals in five games against senior opposition in the Papa John’s Trophy, plus a further six in Premier League 2.   

He’s already been firmly on the periphery of Frank Lampard’s squad in recent months, travelling with the First Team for the tour of Australia, scoring in a friendly there against Western Sydney Wanderers and coming off the bench against Wolves on Boxing Day.   

Within the article, Ball believes more chances should continue to come the way of the youngster. “He [Cannon] is playing, he’s scoring: that's what strikers do," writes Ball. "I don't care if he doesn’t touch the ball, he’s putting it in the back of the net. And if he’s doing that for the Under-21s, he deserves his opportunity. I’d be knocking on that door.”  

Elsewhere, the Daily Mail is reporting Everton are interested in Manchester United attacker Anthony Elanga.   

The Sweden international featured in United's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday but came on with just five minutes of the game to go.   

According to the report, manager Frank Lampard was keen to sign Elanga last summer and is open to a deal in January, even if it’s just a loan move.  

However, it’s said United will not let the Sweden international depart without bringing in forwards themselves.