Merson’s remarks follow reports on Thursday claiming that Mikel Arteta’s side have agreed a £67.5m deal to secure the England international from Crystal Palace

Liverpool have been backed to ‘step up their interest’ in Marc Guehi over the coming days, should one prospective scenario materialise. Sami Mokbel reported for BBC Sport earlier this week that discussions with Crystal Palace are expected to ‘accelerate’ as the summer transfer deadline draws near,

Brighton will be the visitor on Sunday for the start of a new era for Everton, which — on the field — began the season in miserable fashion with a 1-0 loss at Leeds on Monday.