The summer transfer window is finally here and it promises to be an exciting few months for Everton fans.
Newly-appointed CEO Angus Kinnear said it’ll be an unprecedented summer for the Toffees, who have several first-teamers leaving on free transfers.
David Moyes has admitted it’s not an ideal situation to be in and is still working on a number of contract renewals, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
“It’s a situation you don’t see very often,” the Everton boss explained. “I’m not saying there’s not 10 or 11 players out of contract at other clubs, but we’ve got five on loan, so we’ve got to give those players back unless we’re going to buy them.
“So it’s an unprecedented situation I see when I’ve come in. Do I really want a huge overhaul? Probably not.”
Moyes has no choice but to overhaul his ranks, and after making his first signing of the summer in Carlos Alcaraz, it appears they’ve now moved one step closer to their second.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Everton target James McAtee left out of Manchester City squad
Everton are looking to add creativity to their midfield ranks with Moyes identifying the lack of goals in recent years as an area to improve over the summer.
That said, the Toffees have recently made contact to sign James McAtee, who is valued at around £35m by Manchester City.
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McAtee, despite limited minutes, has enjoyed a pretty productive season for the Citizens, netting seven times in all competitions.
But, it’s understood Pep Guardiola is ready to sanction McAtee’s sale, and just days after Everton’s approach, he’s now been left out of the Club World Cup squad.
City jet off to the US later this month to take on Wydad AC, Al Ain and Juventus, but the 2002-born will be staying in England, likely to negotiate his exit.
Everton face competition for McAtee
Everton aren’t alone in their interest in McAtee.
It’s being reported that Moyes’ former club West Ham United are keen to take him to the capital, whilst Nottingham Forest and newly-promoted Leeds United are circling.
Forest, on paper, would be seen as the favourites given the lure of European football, but the Toffees’ new stadium paired with the Friedkins’ lofty ambitions could be enough to tempt him to Merseyside.
It’d only be a short move away from home, too, with just 36 miles separating the Hill Dickinson Stadium and the Etihad.