David Moyes is keen to sign players from the Championship this summer transfer window.
Just a couple of weeks into his second tenure at Everton, David Moyes made it clear that a big part of his transfer strategy going forward would revolve around recruiting from the second tier.
“We continue to look closer to home, which is the Championship,” Moyes explained back in January.
“Last year, the Championship produced some incredible players like (Morgan) Rogers, (Adam) Wharton, (Jaden) Philogene possibly. The Championship is always a place we should be looking to see.”
The Scotsman has certainly implemented that vision in the early stages of the window, as the Toffees have been linked to several EFL stars.
With that said, here is every Championship player Everton have been linked to.
Photo by Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
Every Championship player linked to Everton
Maxime Esteve (Burnley)
Moyes actually personally scouted Maxime Esteve last season, and it’s understood that the Burnley centre-back is being eyed as Jarrad Branthwaite’s successor, if indeed he leaves for Chelsea.
The Clarets are demanding £35m to sanction Esteve’s sale.
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Ben Doak (Middlesbrough on loan from Liverpool)
Everton are in talks to sign Liverpool winger Ben Doak, which would be the first business done between the two clubs since 1992.
Doak enjoyed a productive loan spell at Middlesbrough last term.
24 appearances
3 goals
7 assists
Michael Cooper (Sheffield United)
It’s very recently emerged that Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper is on Moyes’ radar as he looks to provide cover for Jordan Pickford.
That deal seems unlikely, though, as Cooper doesn’t want to leave the Blades to sit on the bench.
Josh Brownhill (Burnley)
Everton have been linked with Burnley’s Josh Brownhill for months, with his future at Turf Moor far from secure.
Brownhill’s contract expires this summer and he is yet to pen a renewal. West Ham United are well-placed to land his signature.
Trai Hume (Sunderland)
The Toffees are in the market for Seamus Coleman’s successor, and Sunderland’s Trai Hume has been identified by Moyes.
It’s been reported that a £20m offer could tempt the Black Cats into selling.
Gustavo Hamer (Sheffield United)
Gustavo Hamer was awarded the Championship Player of the Season after his stellar campaign with Sheffield United.
46 appearances
10 goals
8 assists
Everton have contacted the Blades over a deal for Hamer and have been told offers of around £20m will be considered.
Dan Neil (Sunderland)
Everton tried to sign Dan Neil in January but decided to keep their powder dry after being quoted £15m to get him out of the Stadium of Light.
It has come to light that Moyes is planning to reignite his interest in the 23-year-old midfielder, however, the Friedkin Group want him at Roma.
Jason Knight (Bristol City)
Jason Knight played every minute of every game last season for Bristol City, helping them to the play-offs for the first time since 2008.
Such form has seen Everton add Knight to their shortlist, and it’s understood a ‘good offer’ would see a transfer materialise.
Chris Rigg (Sunderland)
Everton have been linked with Chris Rigg for months, as have many of the top-end Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool.
Rigg is considered one of the best teenage midfielders in the country and is valued at around £40m by Sunderland.
Dennis Cirkin (Sunderland)
Moyes wanted to sign a new left-back to provide Vitaliy Mykolenko with more competition during the winter transfer window.
The Everton boss closely followed Dennis Cirkin last term and could make a move for him in the coming weeks.