Panic stations might be heightening at Everton after Kenny Tete chose to reject Everton’s proposal.
It came as a bit of a shock with it seemingly nailed on that Tete would sign for Everton.
But Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Tete will stay at Fulham after agreeing terms to a new contract under former Toffees boss Marco Silva.
David Moyes might feel a little bit played by this deal, after it seemed that the right-back was to be the second summer signing of the window.
However, it won’t be the Dutchman that arrives, so Moyes should instead turn to a more-suited alternative.
Kyle Walker-Peters during a game between Southampton and Fulham.
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
It’s so obvious that Everton must sign Kyle Walker-Peters
Tete would’ve made for a good signing in Everton’s plans, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.
The 29-year-old offers both an attacking tool and defensive stability, which is hard to come by, but thankfully, Everton’s alternative in Kyle Walker-Peters does both to a tee, and also has the versatility to play left-back, which is something Tete doesn’t have at his disposal.
That is sensational. 🔥
Kyle Walker-Peters grabs his first goal of the season in some style as Southampton stun Manchester City! 😇 pic.twitter.com/fqHJ0Qv3Dk
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 22, 2022
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Walker-Peters will leave for free from Southampton this summer with many clubs looking at a deal.
With these clubs lingering, the Toffees will certainly have competition as Chelsea have entered the frame for Walker-Peters.
But out of the teams interested, only one team can offer those first-team assurances, and that’s Everton.
READ MORE: David Moyes gets wake up call as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tables £10m bid for Everton target
How Dele Alli could help Everton land Walker-Peters
With the right-back having plenty of options on the table, Moyes will have to find a way of making Everton’s pursuit unique.
This could be done by offering the clarity of first-team football, but on the other hand the Scotsman might not have to do anything.
A way this can be done is through former Everton star Dele Alli, as it was spotted that Alli had been training with Walker-Peters, as the right-back will be looking to improve on a dismal season with the Saints, but for himself, he did fairly well.
Kyle Walker-Peters’ statistics for Southampton in 24/25 Premier League
Games played 33
Assists 2
Chances created 24
Tackles won % 65.9%
Duels won per 90 4.47
Now, although Tottenham are interested in re-signing Walker-Peters, and the Spurs link between Alli is there, how the Toffees treated Alli could help endorse Walker-Peters.
Before the midfielder left the club, Alli was being considered for an Everton deal, with the 29-year-old clearly making his own choice to move on.
But after training with each other, Alli could convince Walker-Peters of the benefits the club offers compared to Spurs, as even despite his lack of form, the club still trusted in Alli.
It’s unknown what will happen, and the decision lies with the right-back, but out of the options, Everton looks the most viable for his career.