In a move that would see David Moyes get one over on his former club, Everton are now reportedly racing to sign a Premier League talent ahead of rival interest from West Ham United this summer.
Picking up where they left off after welcoming Thierno Barry, Everton have also now signed Mark Travers from Bournemouth. The goalkeeper will instantly replace Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia to become Moyes' No.2 behind Jordan Pickford, as the Toffees aim to add quality in depth to their side this summer.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Mark Travers Jordan Pickford
Starts 22 38
Clean Sheets 5 12
Saves P90 3.82 3.08
Save Percentage 76.9% 73%
Whilst Travers is unlikely to take Pickford's place, such is the England international's importance in Merseyside, he will provide Everton with an impressive backup.
On loan at Middlesbrough last season, the Irishman enjoyed an impressive campaign and even earned the praise of former manager Michael Carrick, who told reporters after watching Travers keep a clean sheet against Luton Town: “He's got a really good character. He's a good goalkeeper and he's had to make some good saves for us.
"That’s what we obviously brought him in for and hope for. We don't want him to have to make saves, but, when needed, and especially today to contribute to a clean sheet, is a big one for us.
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“Mark made some big saves when we needed him, but he came for some crosses as well, and had a really good presence in the box from set plays and corners, and we needed that. It was a shared contribution and he had to make saves for us which were important.”
As solid as their business has been so far this summer, though, Everton are reportedly not done there. Reports are now suggesting that they've joined the race to sign a Premier League rival.
Everton racing to sign Jacob Ramsey
According to The Telegraph, Everton have now joined the race to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa this summer and have been joined by Nottingham Forest and West Ham in pursuit of his signature.
The Villans are reportedly willing to accept just £30m to sell their academy graduate this summer as they look to solve any further PSR problems at long last.
Jacob-Ramsey
At that price - plus the fact he's represented by the same agent as Dwight McNeil which could smooth personal negotiations - Everton should not hesitate to make their move ahead of West Ham and Forest. Ramsey is still very much a player full of potential, especially if he moves past his injury troubles.
Jacob Ramsey injury history Season Games Missed (via Transfermarkt)
Hamstring injury 2024/25 9
Muscle injury 2024/25 1
Toe injury 2023/24 17
Hamstring injury 2023/24 2
Foot injury 2023/24 8
Metatarsal fracture 2023/24 9
Missing 46 games across the last two seasons, Everton and other suitors have every right to be concerned about Ramsey's injury history. At 24 years old, however, he is still worth taking a gamble on.
A player who Steven Gerrard believed would become "terrific", Everton should now swoop in and help Ramsey realise his impressive potential.