Sean Dyche gives perfect response to Arnaut Danjuma uncertainty with car joke

12 January 2024 , 17:29

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Everton manager Sean Dyche (Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)

Everton boss Sean Dyche has responded to rumours linking Arnaut Danjuma with a move to Lyon, which only intensified after the winger posted a picture on Instagram of him sat in a private jet.

When asked about Danjuma's future and the photo, Dyche joked that he had told the Netherlands international that flying from Manchester to Liverpool for training was "excessive" but also insisted he "will be part of what we do".

Danjuma joined Everton on loan from Villarreal over the summer, but has not made a Premier League start since September. He has featured more regularly off the bench, but understands that Danjuma wants assurances of regular game time from Everton otherwise he will look to leave.

Lyon are pushing hard to sign him, but the move will only go through if both Everton and Villarreal agree to prematurely terminate his loan spell at Goodison Park. Danjuma's agent Michael-Moses Jarman confirmed Lyon's interest in the player earlier this week and revealed talks were ongoing about his future.

"There are conversations afloat, we've had interest," Jarman told talkSPORT. "Look, he's happy and settled at Everton, he's got a contract, so it's only respectful that that's the way the conversation stands.

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"He's not getting his minutes at the moment under Mr Dyche and what's best for his career is to play football. So yeah, there's been interest and conversations ongoing with Lyon, it's been reported in the media, that's why I'll confirm it."

And Dyche was asked about Danjuma's future and his Instagram post ahead of Everton's upcoming game against Aston Villa on Sunday. "I had a word with him and I said it seemed excessive to go from Manchester airport to Liverpool airport for training," he jokingly replied.

"Personally I'd have taken a car, but modern players need to look after themselves and get their rest. He's said nothing other than he wants to work hard and play. The situation is very simple; he's an Everton player.

"He's been playing and there's a fair chance of playing in the next one too. There isn't really a story. He's an Everton player and he will be part of what we do."

Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison have been regular starters out wide for Everton this season, but McNeil recently picked up an ankle injury in the Toffees' recent 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.

Matthew Cooper