Everton could be handed opening day boost if ‘top class’ Fulham man Willian is sold – Romano

Everton face Fulham in the opening day of the 2023/24 Premier League season next week and could be handed a boost should Marco Silva’s side sell Brazilian international Willian.

The ‘top class’ 34-year-old was the Cottages’ joint-highest top scorer last season with five goals and was a constant threat throughout last season’s 3-1 defeat at Goodison Park, earning a rating of 7.34 out of 10 on BBC Sport.

However, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the former Chelsea star is eager to join the exodus of Premier League talent making the switch to Saudi Arabia, agreeing personal terms with Al Shabab.

Romano tweeted: “Fulham have no intention to accept bids for Willian at this stage. Al Shabab are insisting after agreement with the player but Fulham want Willian to stay.

Marco Silva, crucial as he loves Willian and will push to keep him at the club.”

Everton selling Gray is good business, but no replacement will be available for Dyche before Fulham game Saturday

Fulham are reluctant to sell their star man, but when a player wants away from a club, it usually happens, meaning the Toffees could receive a boost ahead of next week’s game against Fulham.

Similarly, wantaway Everton attacker Demarai Gray could make the move to Craven Cottage, despite reported interest from Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia and Crystal Palace.

Once more, Fabrizio Romano broke the news via his Twitter account, confirming that the 27-year-old has not trained at Finch Farm for ‘three consecutive days’ after agreeing personal terms with Marco Silva’s side.

Romano tweeted: “Demarai Gray didn’t train with Everton for three consecutive days – he only wants to join Fulham.

Personal terms agreed but still waiting on the agreement between clubs. He wants Fulham move as priority.”

Having paid just £1.7m for Gray back in 2021, the Toffees could make a substantial profit on the wantaway Jamaican, and provided Sean Dyche is handed the money to reinvest, it wouldn’t be bad business for the club.