The Toffees look to beat Arsenal and Fulham to Bristol Rovers’ record-breaking starlet, bringing the clinical Welsh youth international to Merseyside to bolster their ambitious academy ranks.
Everton are leading the race to sign Bristol Rovers midfielder Ollie Dewsbury in the summer transfer window.
The Toffees have not only been looking to strengthen their first-team options this summer. They are also looking to improve their academy signings.
Alongside their academy additions, Everton have also signed Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George permanently after their loan spells last season, while they also acquired Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.
Everton are believed to be ahead of the likes of Arsenal, Stoke City and Fulham, and are now his most likely destination.
Dewsbury is currently training with Everton this week ahead of a possible move to the Toffees. Dewsbury became the second-youngest player to ever represent Bristol Rovers at the age of 15 years and 255 days and has made 22 appearances for the club.
Over the last few years, the 18-year-old has spent time on loan at Yate Town, Taunton Town and Weston-super-Mare, and is a Wales youth international.
Speaking on the youngster, Bristol Rovers' first team manager Steve Evans has spoken about Dewsbury's character.
"Yeah, Ollie's first and foremost a terrific lad, comes from a lovely family.
"I've not met them, but the things that I discussed with Ollie, he was in yesterday, he was having a cool down with us yesterday, and I asked him how good it feels to get nearly 90 minutes, because he's not had enough game time at Weston, and that's the disappointing thing.
"He's not got enough minutes on the pitch, and we always believed if you get him on that pitch, he's better than that level, and he got man of the match on Saturday, scored the only goal in a 1-0 win, and was in and around us yesterday. So we like Ollie."
Dewsbury won Apprentice of the Season for the League Two club last year, and he predominantly plays as a left-sided forward or striker. Previously speaking on his play style, Dewsbury spoke about the physicality of playing at senior level at such a young age.
"People talk about physicality in the senior game as well, and it’s such a big thing, but there are also ways around it. As a striker, I can peel off my marker and get into pockets of space.
“The gaffer spoke to me about different ways of receiving the ball rather than just trying to pin a massive, older centre-back. He used to be a defender so he gave me some great tips. I’ve learned so much from him in training. I want to keep learning, developing and getting better.”
Although everyone wants to see Everton bringing in signings to improve the senior squad, it's a huge positive that the Toffees are looking to improve their academy options too.
For many years now, Everton have struggled to bring through players capable of playing for the first team, and that is clearly something they are looking to change.
The signings of Barrett, Hutchinson and Dewsbury will significantly bolster the options in the academy, identifying young talent from around England.
Everton do appear to be heading in the direction of becoming a better-run club, and it's a clear strategy after the academy restructuring.