In-demand Bayern Munich and Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha is someone who is said to be interesting Everton
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - MAY 03: Joao Palhinha and Harry Kane of Bayern Munich look on after the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern München at Red Bull Arena on May 03, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images)
Joao Palhinha and Harry Kane look on after the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich at Red Bull Arena on May 03, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany
(Image: S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images)
A day does not seem to go by without Everton getting linked with a new signing. But, then, with a shopping list as extensive as the one David Moyes has, that cannot be surprising.
The Blues boss, as well as tying down Jarrad Branthwaite, Idrissa Gueye, Seamus Coleman and Michael Keane to new contracts, has bolstered his squad with the attacking additions of Carlos Alcaraz and Thierno Barry, who completed his £27m move from Villarreal earlier this week.
But with so many experienced players having left on free transfers or returned to their parent clubs after loan spells, there is still so much to do in the transfer market.
As we reported yesterday (July 11), Moyes is attempting to bring in back-up for first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford following the departures of Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic - and a path to signing Bournemouth's Mark Travers could now be clear.
As well as at least one new keeper, a left-back to provide cover and competition for Vitalii Mykolenko is required, and given Everton made a play to sign Kenny Tete on a free transfer before he decided to sign a new contract with Fulham, a new right-back could also be on the shortlist, with Flamengo's Wesley a name said to have been discussed internally.
A new right-winger certainly is on the shortlist. After reports emerged linking the Blues with a move for Real Sociedad's Japan international Takefusa Kubo, it is now being suggested that they have also approached PSV Eindhoven over their Belgium international Johan Bakayoko.
Another area that is definitely high on the agenda for strengthening is the centre of midfield. Earlier this week La Gazzetta Dello Sport claimed Everton were interested in Juventus' Douglas Luiz, while The Athletic reported they also had their eyes on the Brazilian international's former Aston Villa team-mate, Scotland star John McGinn.
Sky Sports then suggested the Blues are one of a number of clubs keeping tabs on Middlesbrough's England Under-21 international Hayden Hackney.
And now another name could be in the frame. According to the respected Paul Joyce, writing in The Times, as well as Luiz and Villa captain McGinn, Joao Palhinha is a midfielder who has been discussed by Everton.
Palhinha, of course, is no stranger to the Premier League. He was outstanding for Marco Silva during his two seasons at Fulham with his form in west London leading him to sealing a £47.4m switch to Bayern Munich 12 months ago.
His arrival in Bavaria was met with delight by Bayern's talismanic top-scorer Harry Kane. The England captain, who came across Palhinha during his goal-laden time at Tottenham Hotspur, said of Palhinha: "Pal is an animal in that defensive midfield role. I’ve had many battles against him.
"He tackles, he intercepts, he reads the game really well - so he’s a great addition."
However, the Portugal international's stint at Bayern has not truly gone to plan, even if he did win the Bundesliga during his debut campaign.
Restricted to just six league starts, partly due to injury, but amid competition for places made fiercer by the development of youngster Aleksandar Pavlovic, Palhinha is now being tipped with a return to England.
As well as the Blues, Tottenham Hotspur, his former club Fulham, Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United have all been credited with interest in the 30-year-old.
And it was during his time at West Ham that Moyes planned to replace Declan Rice, following the England international's £100m move to Arsenal, with Palhinha.
Fulham's £90m asking price put the Hammers off and they instead turned to Edson Alvarez before what proved to be Moyes' final season in charge at the London Stadium.
Now back at Everton, it appears Palhinha could be on the Scot's radar once again.
There are still 52 days remaining of the transfer window.