Sean Dyche dismisses Calvert-Lewin exit rumours, talks goalscoring issues | OneFootball

Everton face a long trip to Bournemouth on Saturday with the Toffees sitting just two points above the drop zone.

Boss Sean Dyche has been under-fire all season, but chose to see things in a positive light ahead of the weekend.

"I don't lose optimism," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "I was hoping to turn those draws (against Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal) into wins.

"We didn't do that against Forest. We've got a chance to do it again - albeit against a side in good form at their home ground."

Only Southampton (12) have scored fewer goals than Everton in the Premier League this season (15) and Dyche took the opportunity to address those shortcomings.

"I've spoken about it endlessly - trying to get more production from all areas; from individuals and as a collective. That's been a big challenge and it still is.

"But it's not just the providing of chance, it's also the final moment of truth. That's usually why strikers and goal scorers are in demand. The next challenge is the quality of production, but the final moment is the finish."

That production could be helped by the return from injury of striker Dwight McNeil, but the boss confirmed that he is unlikely to be ready for the Bournemouth game.

"I doubt Dwight will make the weekend," he continued. [The injury] is settling, but getting it to the final moment, where he can join in again, has been trickier than we thought."

Thoughts inevitably turned towards the January transfer window, and with new ownership, Dyche refused to rule out any new signings arriving at Goodison Park.

"Notoriously, January is a very tough month - because you never know. I'm not saying no, but it's very tough."

Finally, the boss answered questions about Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with reports linking him with a move away from the club.

"There's been no contact from anyone. There's bound to be rumours. There's bound to be conjecture - that's the nature of it."

Everton have won just three games from their opening 18 league fixtures this season.

📸 PAUL ELLIS - AFP or licensors