On Saturday before the match, Everton hosted a fan takeover at Redds Restaurant and Biergarten (conveniently rebranded as “Blues!” for the special occasion), just a stone’s throw away from MetLife Stadium. Fans from all over congregated to take part in one final gathering before seeing the Toffees in action later that day.

Despite the request for patience, no-one at the club is in any doubt more work needs to be done, with the teamsheet released before the US tour opener against Bournemouth having laid bare the difference that still exists between an upwardly mobile Everton and one of the clubs they would like to catch.

The Premier League Summer Series 2025 kicked off Saturday in New Jersey, where shallow Everton struggled with errors in a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at MetLife Stadium.

Everton are interested in signing Manchester City forward Jack Grealish on loan, with David Moyes understood to be a huge admirer of the England international. The i Paper understands that Everton want to make a pitch to Grealish but there are a number of Premier League clubs ready to rival them, including West Ham.

There is something unique about a football fan's love for their club. As once said by the great Arrigo Sacchi: "Football is the most important of the least important things in life". Tears of joy - and heartbreak. Friendships forged. Memories that last a lifetime.

Looking to recover from opening defeats in the Premier League Summer Series, Everton and West Ham United get Wednesday’s action underway at Soldier Field in Chicago. Bournemouth vs. Manchester United will follow at the same venue, and those two sides beat Everton and West Ham, respectively, in the first round of fixtures on Saturday.

The Everton manager has seen it all in his long career but has lost none of his passion - as The Athletic finds out in New Jersey

Jake O'Brien's ill-timed backpass to Jordan Pickford gets intercepted by Daniel Adu-Adjei, who coolly tucks away Bournemouth's third goal of the second half against Everton at MetLife Stadium.

Everton superfan Dr David France has hailed the Blues’ efforts towards fans during their trip to the USA for the Premier League Summer Series and has called upon the club to show “relentless commitment” to the region.

Everton sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, indicated a fee in the region of €9m was being discussed.