The Everton transfer latest from Joe Thomas ahead of deadline day
West Ham United's Scottish manager David Moyes (R) celebrates with West Ham United's Czech midfielder Tomas Soucek (L) on the pitch after the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg football match between West Ham United and Sevilla at The London Stadium, in east London on March 17, 2022. - West Ham won the game 2-0, and the tie 2-1 on aggregate. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Everton boss David Moyes (R) celebrates with Tomas Soucek (L) during their time together at West Ham United
(Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Everton’s 3-2 victory over Wolves highlighted just how far the team has come this summer - and precisely where David Moyes still needs support. The Blues produced a thrilling attacking display in which summer signings Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish combined with Iliman Ndiaye to terrorise the home defence.
Moyes’ priority over recent months had been to build an attacking unit that could end the side’s longstanding creative woes. The evidence at Molineux was he had done just that - the three combining for each of the goals and threatening to provide more.
That new winger Tyler Dibling and Carlos Alcaraz, whose loan from Flamengo was made permanent days after the end of last season, were left in reserve showcased the new-found depth the Blues boss can call upon.
A nervy finale would have been avoided without individual mistakes that allowed Wolves to claw their way back into the game. And an anxiety-ridden final 15 minutes would have been more comfortable had the manager been able to call upon effective cover for Idrissa Gueye.
Gueye’s withdrawal was inspired by a desire to add fresh legs in the closing stages, Moyes said. It had the effect of exacerbating Everton’s struggle to impose themselves as Wolves fought for a late equaliser, however.
The significance of the Senegal international’s role is lost on no-one at Finch Farm. Reducing the club’s reliance on a player who will turn 36 in September - and who is expected to be unavailable for much of January and potentially beyond while on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations - is considered an ambition for the final hours of the summer transfer window.
The Blues have had an eye on midfielders through the summer but it is one of Moyes’ old favourites, Tomas Soucek, who has been among those to attract late interest.
West Ham United have been reluctant to sanction a move thus far though, and could be even more reticent should talks advance with Aston Villa over a transfer for Soucek’s team-mate, Lucas Paqueta.
Moyes would like someone with Premier League experience to complement his midfield. Such an addition would also make the decision over whether to loan out Harrison Armstrong easier.
The teenager is wanted by a host of Championship clubs but Moyes is weighing up whether he is needed with the first team. A loan until January, when Armstrong could then return in time to help cover the absence of Gueye, is one option.
In terms of outgoings, Youssef Chermiti could now depart on a permanent move to Rangers. A deal that would take him to Scotland has been in the pipeline since midweek, when it was the reason for his absence from the squad that faced Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup.
Discussions have focused on a deal that would start in the region of £8m for a forward who has not scored a competitive goal for Everton.
Nathan Patterson has been the subject of interest from Spain, with Sevilla exploring a loan deal for the right back last week, but time is running out on that front.
The Blues do have holes beyond central midfield. Right back remains an area of concern - as it has done for several years now.
The failure to convince Kenny Tete to leave Fulham has meant Jake O’Brien has started the season in that slot again. While it is an area that has been considered, Moyes’ attention has been drawn across the back line to the injuries suffered by Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitalii Mykolenko and Adam Aznou at various points in recent months.
With James Tarkowski having fought a hamstring injury and with O’Brien potentially set to manage duties on the right, the need for a left-sided defender has been countenanced.
Follow transfer deadline day live with the ECHO
Transfer deadline day is almost upon us and Everton still have business to do. It's already been a busy summer for David Moyes' side but they are still trying to strengthen their squad further.
A right-back and a central midfielder remain on the agenda for Moyes with lots of different names linked. It means that they club will likely be trying to do some late deals as the window comes to a close.
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Everton’s top priority since the departures of loanees Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison was a specialist on the right of midfield and they secured that with the move for Dibling in the week. Moyes appears content to also utilise Ndiaye on that side - from which he has now struck twice in the Premier League.
The Scot said ahead of Wolves he “absolutely has faith” in forwards Beto and Thierno Barry, suggesting he is happy with the prospect of the two competing with each other even with the expected departure of Chermiti.
Moyes suggested on Friday that the Blues could still get the two signings required to reach his target of 10 additions, but insisted he is pleased with the business completed to date - particularly given the upheaval across the squad and the wider club.
He said: “We're trying to up the quality as we go along. But I'm sort of saying it now because we're just about at the end of the window, we just can't do everything and we generally don't have the finances to do everything in this window.”