Everton could miss out on one of their transfer targets if Liverpool succeed with one proposal they are now considering.
It has been a bit of a frustrating start to the summer for Everton in terms of incoming players.
Only Carlos Alcaraz has come in so far, but he was here previously of course having joined in January on loan.
Everton continue to work to bring players in. Kenny Tete remains a player Everton are fighting to bring in, although Fulham have presented an improved contract offer to keep him at Craven Cottage.
And Thierno Barry is a primary target for Everton at the moment, and there is some confidence there that the striker will be signed from Villarreal.
But in recent weeks, Everton have also been linked with Ben Doak of Liverpool.
But one claim has now been made, and Everton’s hopes of signing the player could be dashed.
Liverpool could use Everton target Ben Doak as makeweight to sign Marc Guehi
Liverpool winger Ben Doak playing on loan at Middlesbrough.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Everton are in the market for new wingers this summer.
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Last term, Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom left a lot to be desired in the final third, and neither player is being brought back next season.
Both have returned to their parent clubs after loan spells, and Everton must now land replacements.
Doak has been a target for Everton, with Liverpool valuing him at around £30 million.
But Liverpool are now plotting to do something which could throw Everton’s pursuit out the window.
According to Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, Liverpool could actually now try and use Doak to land defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
Palace reportedly want around £50 million for Guehi, and Liverpool are ready to throw the Scottish winger into a potential deal, as they seek to pay less money.
Nixon adds that such a player-plus-cash deal would require ‘a great deal of negotiating’.
Interestingly, Nixon does also actually mention Everton, adding the Toffees like Doak but are not keen at the £25 million price point.
Doak to Everton unlikely
At this point, Everton signing Doak feels quite unlikely.
Everton seemingly don’t want to go near the £25-30 million asking price to sign the player in a straight deal.
But it looks as though Liverpool may now seek to use him to land Guehi.
Everton manager David Moyes looks on.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
So between that and the valuation, the chances of Everton signing Doak this summer are currently slim.
But things can change very quickly in football, and the proposal may now work for Palace.
Everton could come back into the hunt, but it’s obviously hard to see Liverpool lower their valuation of the player – especially if their rivals are trying to sign their player.