Everton takeover uncertainty reaching boiling point

Sean Dyche entered the news conference room on Thursday wiping his brow and commenting how hot it was, perhaps indicating how hard he is still working his players in training despite securing Premier League survival.

But it's off the pitch were developments are reaching boiling point for Everton, with suggestions that the protracted takeover by 777 Partners is close to collapsing.

Dyche admitted there is "a lot going on" and the uncertainty of that is making it difficult to plan for next season.

He had to navigate the free and loans market last summer, so will there be money to spend this time if the takeover situation is resolved?

Fans have been questioning whether prized asset Jarrad Branthwaite will be sold so the club don't fall foul of Profit and Sustainability rules once again. Will internationals such as Jordan Pickford and Amadou Onana remain at the club?

Dyche has been dealt a particularly difficult hand and so it may have been a surprise he wasn't on the shortlist for the Premier League's manager of the year award.

The boss said he doesn't "need an award", adding: "I know my self-reward as a manager from that job and playing my part in how it's come about to get it done. I've been really pleased with that."

Having achieved safety despite being docked eight points for breaching financial rules on a shoe-string budget, Dyche perhaps deserves more than just an award for the job he has done at Everton so far.