BACK TO THE GRAFT

Tarkowski fears allayed as Toffees return to training

- By JOE THOMAS Everton FC Correspondent

EVERTON returned to Finch Farm on Friday for the start of preseason.

The first team were back at the training ground, six weeks on from the final day win at Newcastle United, for a day of testing and assessment.

Work took place in the gym and on the outdoor training pitches under the gaze of David Moyes.

Later in the day, the club sent representatives to Anfield to lay tributes to Liverpool star and Portugal international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

Carlos Alcaraz's first day as a permanent Everton player

When the final whistle blew at St James' Park, the future of Carlos Alcaraz was unclear.

The 22-year-old had finished the season in fine form. He was integral in the comeback win at Fulham then provided the winner in the north east with his glancing header from a Vitalii Mykolenko cross.

Moyes' position in relation to the Flamengo loanee had been in question, with the attacking midfielder initially impressing before dropping out of the starting lineup as he neared the appearance clause that would have forced Everton to make his move permanent.