With Thierno Barry already on his way, Everton and The Friedkin Group are now reportedly pushing to sign a World Cup-winning defender at a bargain price this summer.
Michael Keane "delighted" to extend Everton deal
The good news has kept coming for Everton following reports that they reached an agreement to sign Villarreal forward Barry, with Michael Keane officially putting pen to paper on a new deal. Whilst the Toffees failed to keep hold of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, they have managed to avoid the same fate in the defender's case, who has signed a one-year extension.
After confirming his new contract, Keane told Everton's official website: "I love Everton and have been massively proud to play for this club since the day I joined so I’m delighted to extend my stay here.
“The manager wants a competitive squad and I still feel I have a lot to give to Everton. We’ve been through a difficult few years but it’s an exciting time ahead for us as players and our brilliant fans.
“We’ve got a world-class new stadium to play in, and our form under the manager last season shows there’s a lot of reasons to be positive. I’m looking forward to being part of it.”
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Everton are interested in signing a new central defender or two this summer.
As the defender said himself, David Moyes is keen to put together a "competitive squad" at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and that has led to decisions such as Keane's extension and Barry's pending arrival.
The Toffees may not be done there, either. Reports are now suggesting that Everton have set their sights on the likes of Wilfred Ndidi and stepped up their chase to sign a World Cup-winning defender this summer.
Everton hold advanced talks to sign Tagliafico
According to reports in Spain, Everton have now held advanced talks to sign Nicolas Tagliafico and are pushing to secure his signature. The talented left-back is now a free agent after leaving a Lyon side in financial turmoil and could yet be on his way to the Premier League.
At a bargain price, the Toffees could land an experienced World Cup-winning defender for Moyes and kickstart a new era in style. Alongside Barry, the Argentina international would be an impressive signing.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Vitaly Mykolenko Nicolas Tagliafico
Minutes 3,082 1,902
Assists 2 1
Tackles Won 38 37
Ball Recoveries 88 102
In fewer minutes, it was Tagliafico who stood out compared to Vitaly Mykolenko last season and his place as Everton's starting left-back is likely to be a guarantee if he completes a summer switch.
Tagliafico-Man-United-Ten-Hag-Martinez-Premier-League-transfer
Dubbed "superb" by scout Jacek Kulig in the early days of his career, Tagliafico is now a player with plenty of experience at 32 years old. Adding his first Premier League move to an impressive list of clubs would be quite the way for the defender to round things off too, and that could see Everton seal a bargain deal.