Everton are looking to add quality to their attacking ranks as David Moyes has identified that as an area of the pitch which needs improving.
For a number of seasons, Everton have been among the lowest scorers in the Premier League, with Sean Dyche especially focusing on the defence set-up.
David Moyes managed to get a tune out of a few of his misfiring attackers when he rejoined the club, with Beto finding form.
But, it still became apparent that they were lacking serious quality, and so, the Toffees have been looking at creative midfielders, as well as strikers.
James McAtee has been linked to Everton, and so too has Sheffield United’s Player of the Season Gustavo Hamer.
Now, another one of Moyes’ playmaking targets has just been the subject of a bid from Napoli.
Matt O'Riley playing for Brighton.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Everton must act quickly as Napoli submit bid for Matt O’Riley
Everton are exploring a deal to sign Matt O’Riley from Brighton and Hove Albion this summer transfer window.
O’Riley, who joined in a £25m switch from Celtic last summer, only started 11 Premier League games in his debut campaign on the south coast.
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That’s alerted a number of clubs, and it’s now being reported by Sky Sports News that Serie A winners Napoli have lodged a bid for the 24-year-old.
Sky also note that Atalanta and Roma, who are owned by the Friedkin Group, are keeping tabs on O’Riley, so Everton will have to move quickly if they’re to land the Denmark international.
O’Riley’s former England coach said he was just as good as Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho
Everton’s former player development coach Dan Micchiche, who recently left Finch Farm to take up a position at Al-Ahli, worked with O’Riley at England.
Speaking to the Celtic Way in 2023, Micchiche admitted that O’Riley was just as good as Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho as a youngster.
“When I had Matt at under-16 level with England these youngsters all have potential. Fulfilling that potential is another thing altogether. In our England group, he was alongside the likes of Jayden Sancho and Phil Foden and he more than held his own in that exalted company.
“I remember a game Matt played against Holland in France and he was absolutely exceptional. He was in the midfield alongside Oliver Skipp who is at Tottenham now as well as Callum Hudson-Odoi. Foden was on the right and Sancho was on the left and Matt controlled the game.”
So, quite clearly, the Brighton playmaker is exceptionally gifted and has an incredibly bright future in the game. Everton will just hope it’s with them.