Everton fans are still waiting for the club to really spring into action this summer, and one target may have just sent a big message to David Moyes.
Everton have signed Carlos Alcaraz on a permanent transfer, but aside from him Everton have not brought in anyone else so far this summer.
The players will be returning for pre-season in a couple of weeks and ideally, the Toffees will have a few new faces through the door.
They will also ideally still have Idrissa Gana Gueye in their ranks. Currently, Everton are still in talks with Gueye about a contract extension.
One player Everton have considered this summer is James McAtee, whose future at Manchester City is looking bleak.
McAtee was left out of City’s Club World Cup squad, but that allowed him to go and play at the European Championships – where he certainly made his mark.
Everton target James McAtee dazzles in Euro final for England
James McAtee poses with his Player of the Match trophy after wining the European Championship with the England U21s.
Photo by Tullio Puglia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Everton need more quality in the final third.
Last term, the Toffees struggled in and around the penalty area at times, and the contributions of some of the wide players weren’t good enough.
McAtee tends to play centrally, but he can also operate out wide.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
But for England last night against Germany in the Euro final, the City ace played a starring role in the middle. And he was named the official Player of the Match for his efforts.
James McAtee vs Germany
Minutes played –
Touches – 45
Passes completed – 23/28 (82%)
Key passes – 1
Assists – 1
Duels won – 3/8 (37.5%)
The Daily Express handed him a 9/10 rating, and said: “Captained the side and pulled out an incredible Cruyff turn midway through the first half before drilling the ball across goal. Could have pulled the trigger after a fine counter attack from England midway through the first half but tried to pick out Jay Stansfield instead.
“Lost the ball in a dangerous area just before the break but was bailed out. Had an effort saved at the other end moments later and almost found the back of the net in the early stages of the second period. Ran the show for much of the game.”
Goal gave McAtee an 8/10, saying: “The captain was outstanding, creating chances at will from just behind Stansfield while making sure to do his defensive work for the team.”
Everton must endeavour to sign McAtee
Everton manager David Moyes looks on.
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
It’s been suggested McAtee may prefer to join Bayer Leverkusen, who are looking for a replacement for Florian Wirtz after selling him to Liverpool.
But Everton should not give up without a fight.
This is an extremely talented player, who is easily good enough to start for half the teams in the Premier League.
He is in a tricky situation being at Manchester City where there are so many amazing players, and in his position too.
He is reported to be valued at around £25 million, and he is going to make a superb signing for someone at that price point.
On the basis of his performance in last night’s huge game with Germany, and the cameos we’ve seen from him at City, Everton should try to make sure they win the race.