Everton have made their interest in John McGinn clear but are not on course to proceed with lodging a formal bid despite the Aston Villa star working his way onto boss David Moyes' radar ahead of a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed on the latest episode of our Market Madness podcast.
The Toffees are on the verge of confirming the arrival of France under-21 international Thierno Barry, as he has been given permission to undergo a medical after a £27.5million fee was agreed with La Liga side Villarreal, but there is a desire to secure further reinforcements ahead of their first season away from Goodison Park.
Although the striker is poised to join as a replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who departed when his £100,000-per-week contract expired at the end of last month, Everton have also been eager to bolster their options in the middle of the park before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.
Toffees Face Difficulties in Pursuit of McGinn
Premier League rivals not keen to facilitate move for midfielder
John McGinn applauding the Aston Villa supporters
Everton made an approach to sign McGinn at the same time as closing in on landing Barry, according to GMS sources, but they have stopped short of making an offer after Premier League counterparts Aston Villa indicated that they have no interest in selling their captain this summer.
Although the Scotland international has entered the final two years of a contract which allows him to pocket £120,000-per-week, it has become clear that the Toffees will struggle to reach an agreement with the Midlands outfit as he is on course to remain at the forefront of head coach Unai Emery's plans heading into next term.
GMS sources have been informed that Moyes has been looking to add more experience in central midfield and, having seen him enjoy a productive 2024/25 campaign in his current surroundings, McGinn had been identified as a target as Everton aim to enjoy a memorable first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
John McGinn's statistics for Aston Villa this season
The 30-year-old Aston Villa skipper, who has been described as a 'superstar', was earmarked as an option who would bring leadership qualities to Merseyside and also need no time to adjust to the rigours of the Premier League thanks to already being a regular starter in the top flight.
Moyes is determined to make Everton more difficult for opponents to break down, GMS sources have learned, but discovering that McGinn is not on the market as an available asset has complicated matters as he seeks to build on the imminent arrival of Barry from Spanish outfit Villarreal.
Ndidi and Hutchinson Also on Moyes' Shortlist
Tactician aiming to make further adjustments to squad this summer
Wilfred Ndidi in action for Leicester City
GMS sources have been told that Barry and McGinn have not been the only names on Everton's radar heading into next season as Leicester City fan favourite Wilfred Ndidi has remained a target as Moyes goes in search of a reliable figure in the No.6 role as well as a box-to-box midfielder.
The 28-year-old is available for a cut-price fee of £9million as his current employers' relegation from the Premier League activated a release clause written into his contract, which has put the Toffees and a number of domestic counterparts on red alert as they continue assessing their options.
Everton are also among a host of sides looking at a potential deal for Under-21 European Championships winner Omari Hutchinson, GMS sources understand, who joined Ndidi in suffering the drop into the Championship after Ipswich Town were unable to maintain their top flight status.
Jarrad Branthwaite in action for Everton Related
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GMS sources recently revealed that the Tractor Boys are confident of keeping the wide forward at Portman Road, as they aim to bounce back into the Premier League at the first attempt, but Moyes and members of the Toffees' recruitment department are contemplating whether to head to the negotiating table.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 09/07/2025
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