Carlo Ancelotti calls for divided Everton to unite after speaking with Fabian Delph over fan argument

Everton manager has spoken with his midfielder after he posted an exchange with an infuriated supporter on Twitter following last weekend’s Merseyside derby defeat

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed he spoke with Fabian Delph after the midfielder's war of words with a fan were released on social media, and provided an update of the club’s business in the January window.

Delph reacted badly to criticism following the humiliating 1-0 Merseyside Derby loss to a second-string Liverpool side in the FA Cup third round last Sunday.

But the Italian manager implied on Friday that the issue had been resolved ahead of Saturday's match with Brighton, saying: "I spoke with (Delph) and told him it was a mistake, he should not have reacted like this.

"After the game everyone was frustrated and sometimes you can react emotionally. I spoke with Marcel (Brands, director of football) but now we need the support of our fans because I think we have a great opportunity to improve our league position.

"In Italy it is normal. I will speak to them if they want, there is no problem. We have to look forward. I understand the frustration of the supporters which is normal when you lose a derby but I hope that atmosphere in the stadium tomorrow will be good because we need the support.

"We need a great performance to react after the defeat. There was no argument, absolutely in the training ground or in the dressing room. Full stop."

The 60-year-old also provided an update on Everton's January business following the confirmation of striker Cenk Tosun's loan move to Crystal Palace, adding: "I spoke with Cenk Tosun and he wanted to find a club with opportunities to play. I hope Crystal Palace is a good solution for him."

Elsewhere, the Italian confirmed Everton are looking to recruit this month, but dismissed any of the reported targets that the club have been linked with so far this month, giving his full backing to the under-pressure Jordan Pickford after it was suggested the club were looking for a new goalkeeper.

"We are looking to see if there is some possibility to improve our squad,” Ancelotti said. “I have the full support of the owner, board and director of football. If you want names all the names in the papers give are wrong. I have a great goalkeeper and we are not looking for a goalkeeper.

Asked whether Everton are looking to recruit a central midfielder, Ancelotti replied "maybe".

Only one point separates 11th place Everton and 14th place Brighton in the league and Ancelotti is wary of the threat they pose. "They are a team that like to play football, they try and play from the back," he said.

"I like them, they are a dangerous team. With good spirit and intensity, we can win."

Ancelotti also confirmed that Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Alex Iwobi remain sidelined, and that Andre Gomes will return to Finch Farm next week to train individually as he continues his recovery from a serious ankle injury.