Everton have been linked with Nice defender Melvin Bard amid talks.
Grealish return speculation continues after his latest Manchester City appearance too.
Moyes faces selection decisions before Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie at Preston.
Everton’s possible move for Melvin Bard, the latest Jack Grealish speculation and positive updates on James Garner and Jordan Pickford feature in Monday evening’s news and talking points.
Everton talks with Nice over Bard claimed
Everton have reportedly stepped up their interest in Nice defender Melvin Bard.
An initial report claimed the Toffees had enquired about the 25-year-old, before a second French social-media source said Everton and Nice were in “intense negotiations” over Bard.
The left-back is also said to have approved a possible move to England, although neither club nor one of France’s established transfer outlets has confirmed that talks are advanced.
Bard made 44 appearances for Nice last season and is contracted until 2028.
Grealish return story refuses to disappear
Jack Grealish came off the bench during Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, but his future remains the subject of speculation.
Some City supporters questioned his contribution and suggested he should return to Merseyside, although social-media reaction does not represent the club’s position.
Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear recently confirmed that contact with Grealish and City had been maintained following the winger’s loan spell at the Hill Dickinson.
Whether a financially workable agreement can be reached before the deadline remains the decisive question.
Transfer tracker updated
Bard and Grealish are among the names covered in our updated Everton summer transfer tracker.
David Moyes has already added five senior players, but right-back remains the clearest outstanding priority. Guela Doué is the leading target after two Everton bids were rejected by Strasbourg, with Timothy Castagne and Daniel Muñoz among the alternatives.
Gabriel Jesus, Liam Delap and Richarlison have also been linked as Everton consider adding another forward.
How Everton could line up at Preston
Attention will soon turn towards Wednesday’s Carabao Cup second-round tie at Preston North End.
Moyes has provided no firm selection clues, so our Everton predicted XI for the Preston game is necessarily an educated guess.
Mark Travers, Nathan Patterson, Jake O’Brien, Adam Aznou, Brennan Johnson and Beto could all be handed opportunities.
The suggested side is: Travers; Patterson, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Aznou; Hackney, Armstrong; Johnson, Alcaraz, George; Beto.
Garner makes encouraging return
James Garner’s appearance against Crystal Palace came earlier than expected following summer hernia surgery.
The midfielder replaced Hayden Hackney after 79 minutes, although Moyes admitted Garner probably would not have featured had Christian Nørgaard and Tim Iroegbunam been available.
His return gives Everton another midfield option, but it would be a surprise if he were asked to start at Preston so soon after his operation.
Moyes dismisses Pickford concern
Moyes has also rejected suggestions that Jordan Pickford could suffer a World Cup hangover.
The goalkeeper produced an important fingertip save from Eddie Nketiah while Saturday’s game was goalless, helping Everton build the platform for their 2-0 victory.
Moyes described the save as “brilliant” and said Pickford had returned looking “as sharp as a tack” despite his shortened preparation.
Prime Minister returns to watch Everton
Andy Burnham attended Saturday’s victory on his first Everton visit since becoming Prime Minister.
The lifelong Blue and season-ticket holder watched from the directors’ box because using his usual South Stand seat would have required other supporters to be moved for security reasons.
Burnham was accompanied by his family and Peter Reid, while Moyes revealed the Prime Minister had wished him luck during a pre-match telephone conversation.
Everton academy’s finest
Finally, a new Read Everton feature examines the club’s long record of developing talented footballers.
The Everton academy retrospective covers the emergence of Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley, as well as John Stones’ development after arriving from Barnsley as a teenager.
It also looks at the academy’s honours, its importance to the club and the sporting and financial value provided by homegrown players.
Moyes dismisses Jordan Pickford hangover after ‘brilliant’ Everton save
Moyes dismisses Jordan Pickford hangover after ‘brilliant’ Everton save
Moyes explains surprise Garner return as Everton injury picture improves
Moyes explains surprise Garner return as Everton injury picture improves