The summer transfer window is quickly turning into quite a frustrating one for Everton, with another target now missed out on.
Everton are keen to add to their midfield this summer as the Friedkins look to put their own stamp on the squad they inherited.
Among a number of transfer targets, Everton were keen on Habib Diarra, but faced some stern competition from the likes of Leeds United.
In what was a very sudden twist on Saturday morning, newly-promoted Sunderland landed a £30m agreement to sign Diarra.
Fortunately, there is plenty of time for David Moyes to be handed new players before the 2025/26 campaign starts, but this will have been a blow.
Everton’s recruitment chiefs are going to have to go back to the drawing board and put together a plan of players who they could now go after in the market.
David Moyes applauds the fans.
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Everton should eye Wilfred Ndidi and Fred double deal
For the £30m Sunderland are spending on Diarra, Everton could add some real Premier League experience in the middle of the park.
Everton could land Wilfred Ndidi for around £9m, with clubs able to prise the midfielder away from Leicester City through his release clause.
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Of course, fans are going to want to see an exciting addition made, and Diarra could have caught the attention of those on Merseyside.
🚨🤍❤️ More on Habib Diarra and Sunderland exclusive story overnight.
Documents are being exchanged with Strasbourg, initial fee worth €31.5m plus €4m add-ons.
Medical already booked, here we go 100% confirmed. pic.twitter.com/9fHBUgQWPh
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But Everton also need to add numbers this summer given the sheer amount of players departing as free agents.
Moving into the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Moyes wants experience in his Everton squad having already decided on keeping Seamus Coleman.
Everton also have interest in Fred who is valued at around £15m, with Fenerbahce open to his sale.
In potentially landing the former Premier League duo, Everton could sign two midfielders with a combined 359 appearances in the top flight.
They may not provide fans with the excitement of landing a promising, young talent, but it could prove smart business for the Friedkins.
Everton’s midfield targets will depend on Idrissa Gana Gueye’s contract
Heading into the final days of June, there has still been no resolution shared on the future of Idrissa Gana Gueye.
It is believed Everton are confident Gueye will stay following their discussions over a potential new contract.
Keeping Gueye will provide Everton with plenty of experience in the middle, but there is still room to add more.
What will be interesting to see is where the Everton recruitment chiefs turn their attention having now missed out on a move for Diarra.
The Senegal international will know Gueye very well, but their relationship was not enough to secure him a move to Merseyside.