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

Joao Virginia has staked his claim for playing time at Everton under manager Sean Dyche.

The 23-year-old keeper spent the 2022/23 season on loan in the Eredivisie with Dutch club SC Cambuur. Preparing to return for pre-season with the Blues next month, the Portuguese told the Liverpool ECHO of his determination to compete with Jordan Pickford on Merseyside.

Virginia said: "I want to show myself and prove myself to the new staff and the new manager because I have been away for so long.

"It is up to Everton because I respect the Club’s decision and I think I am at a stage in my career where I want to compete and I want to play. If it is at Everton, then perfect, I know I can compete for a spot.

"Being at Everton is fantastic. It is up to them to decide what is better for me because I still have one more year left on my contract so let’s see what happens. The thing I appreciate a lot with Everton over the past few years is that they want to develop me, they believe in my development.”

In transfer news, Everton may face competition should they look to sign Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to the Blues for more than a year, and Portuguese outlet Record has reported Sporting CP have 'made a request' regarding his availability on the market this summer.

However, offers for the striker are to be expected in the region of £17million which may be seen as 'difficult' for the Lisbon-based side.