Everton are one of the clubs who are in attendance at the U17s World Cup in Qatar this month and they are closely watching Ireland’s Michael Noonan.
The January transfer window is just around the corner and Everton are prepared to add to the encouraging business done over the summer.
David Moyes was delighted with Everton’s transfer activity, which saw the likes of Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall signed.
However, one transfer window was never going to be enough for the Toffees to tick off every need on their wish list.
The Friedkin Group provided their 62-year-old manager with ample backing in the market, but more is going to be needed in January.
Everton News understands the focus of Everton’s January market will be on a new striker following the struggles experienced up top this season.
Speaking to Everton News, transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has shared what he has been hearing about the Blues from the Qatar tournament.
Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers - SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division
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Everton scouting 17-year-old Ireland international Michael Noonan
Everton News reported last week that Everton had scouted Franculino Dju in action against Celtic in the Europa League.
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The Blues are certainly getting their money’s worth out of their scouts ahead of the January window.
With the U17 World Cup being played in Qatar, scouts have been in attendance to watch Ireland international Michael Noonan.
“Everton are at the Qatar World Cup, every Premier League club is there looking at different players,” Bailey told Everton News.
“There’s an Irish forward called Michael Noonan who’s one of the stars from the Ireland U17s. Everton are one of the clubs looking at him.
“Ireland have got through and they’re into the round of 32 and he’s one of their star men. A lot of clubs looking at him and obviously Everton have got a very rich history of shopping in Ireland.”
Everton are keen to sign a striker in January, but this is a youngster who would follow the same path as fellow Irishman Mason Melia.
His compatriot signed for Tottenham Hotspur earlier this year, but he is unable to make the move to England until he turns 18 years of age.
This is a talent for the long-term future which clubs across the Premier League are keen to get a jump on.
Michael Noonan is impressing in U17 World Cup
Everton’s handling of young talent Tyler Dibling has been questioned recently, but the club are still eyeing other potential additions.
Despite playing in Ireland’s top flight at the young age of just 17, Noonan has already offered an immediate impact at Shamrock Rovers.
25/26 (All competitions) Total
Appearances 36
Minutes 1958
Goals 9
Assists 3
Noonan has already netted himself two goals in Ireland’s opening three games at the World Cup in Qatar.
Ireland are next in action on Friday where they will face Canada in the Round of 32, with Noonan the focal point of Ireland’s hopes of reaching the next stage.
Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley has waxed lyrical about Noonan and the talent he possesses.
“He’s got a really, really high ceiling in terms of ability. His finish tonight, I can’t underestimate how good that was. First time finish. But part of Michael’s strength is his mentality and his desire to be a footballer,” he told Sunday World.
“He has an elite mentality and that’s one of his strengths. You put him on a pitch and he’s free. That’s his freedom. That’s the beauty of being young and fearless. He’s an incredible kid to work with.”
Everton have a real lack of talent coming through their youth ranks, but it is apparent they are looking to add prospects where they can.