Everton are now reportedly willing to trigger the £26m release clause in an "incredibly solid" player's contract when the January transfer window opens.
Everton look to build on impressive start
The Blues are back in Premier League action this weekend after the September international break, with Aston Villa making the trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
After the disappointment of losing at Leeds United in the opening game of the season, Everton have responded impressively with two wins in the league, with new signing Jack Grealish catching the eye with his performances, and David Moyes continuing to thrive in his second stint as manager.
Jack Grealish and James Garner
Villa will pose a greater threat to the Blues than Brighton and Wolves did, however, with Unai Emery's side among the teams with genuine European aspirations, despite not yet impressing in 2025/26, failing to win any of their opening three matches.
Another win for Everton on Saturday, against strong opposition, would further suggest that an exciting campaign is on the cards for them, and now a player has been linked with a move to the club in January.
Everton willing to trigger £26m release clause for full-back
According to a report from Spain, Everton have decided to trigger Espanyol right-back Omar El Hilali's £26m release clause in the next transfer window. The clause has now increased to £26m after El Hilali made his debut for Morocco during the international break.
The Blues tried to sign the 22-year-old in the summer window, but failed to get a deal over the line, however, it looks as though he is still a priority target, with The Friedkin Group not messing around when it comes to transfers of late.
Espanyol right-back Omar El Hilali
El Hilali is a young player with a huge amount of promise, but also someone who could come straight in as a starter for Everton, providing great competition for Jake O'Brien at right-back from the off.
The Morocco international has racked up a total of 90 appearances for Espanyol, and 44 in La Liga, also registering seven assists in that time and showing that he can shine in one of Europe's toughest leagues.
El Hilali has also been lauded by scout Jacek Kulig, who described him as "incredibly solid" during last season, helping his side finish 14th in La Liga.
Still only 22, Everton would be bringing in a long-term acquisition in El Hilali - one who should only improve as a player as the years pass, and he would be a different option to O'Brien, arguably adding more natural attacking quality than the Irishman, who is still a centre-back by trade.