Everton’s search for a new right-back is continuing on multiple fronts, with fresh claims from Italy suggesting David Moyes and the club’s recruitment team are assessing several options across England and Europe.
Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari reports that Atalanta’s Raoul Bellanova remains under consideration at Goodison Park.
However, the Italian is no longer being presented as a standalone target, with Tottenham’s Djed Spence, West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Strasbourg’s Guéla Doué also said to be on Everton’s shortlist.
Bellanova remains the reference point
Raoul Bellanova remains firmly in Everton’s thinking and appears to be one of the key profiles under consideration.
The 26-year-old enjoyed another strong season in Serie A and has built a reputation as one of Italy’s most effective attacking wing-backs. His pace, ability to carry the ball and delivery from wide areas have helped keep him on the radar of several clubs – including Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.
Longari first linked Everton with Bellanova on June 9, and his latest information suggests the interest has not gone away. Instead, the Merseyside club are exploring alternative solutions before deciding how to proceed.
Spence enters the picture
Djed Spence is arguably the most eye-catching new name on the list. The defender just made his World Cup debut for England this week. And fair to say he enjoyed the most productive period of his career in the past two seasons at Tottenham.
He featured regularly under Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank and now Roberto De Zerbi. However, his situation could become complicated in the months ahead.
Tottenham recently tied Pedro Porro down to a new contract, underlining the Spaniard’s importance to the club’s long-term plans. Spurs have also been linked with further additions in wide defensive areas this summer, which could increase competition for places.
Against that backdrop, any serious Everton interest would be worth monitoring closely, particularly if Tottenham decide they need to create room in the squad.
Other Premier League and European options
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is another experienced Premier League name under consideration.
West Ham’s relegation has created uncertainty around a number of players at the London Stadium and Everton may feel there is an opportunity to strike a favourable deal.
Wan-Bissaka is now a World Cup player, and remains highly regarded for his defensive qualities. He would bring more than 200 Premier League appearances worth of experience.
The final name mentioned by Longari is Strasbourg’s Guéla Doué. The 23-year-old has attracted attention from several clubs after impressing in Ligue 1 and is viewed as one of the more promising options in his position.
What happens next
Everton appear to be keeping multiple avenues open rather than focusing exclusively on one target for now.
Raoul Bellanova remains in the frame, but the emergence of Djed Spence, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Guéla Doué suggests David Moyes and the club’s recruitment staff are casting a wider net before making a final decision on who will strengthen the right side of the squad this summer.