Everton have been exploring a deal to sign James McAtee for most of the summer transfer window.
David Moyes wants to add more creativity to his ranks and is hopeful of further additions before the new Premier League season.
Everton take on newly-promoted Leeds United at Elland Road on August 18, so there’s just over a week to get deals done.
The Toffees are confident of signing Jack Grealish from Manchester City on a season-long loan deal and Tyler Dibling is also being linked, too.
Now, there has been a fresh development on another rumoured target James McAtee.
James McAtee playing for the England U21s.
Photo by Tullio Puglia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Who James McAtee wants to join out of Everton and Tottenham Hotspur
Everton have been in talks to sign McAtee this summer after it’s become apparent that Pep Guardiola no longer has a plan for him at Man City.
Guardiola didn’t take the 22-year-old to the Club World Cup and is willing to sanction his sale for around £40m.
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However, GiveMeSport are now reporting that McAtee wants to join Tottenham Hotspur, and the North Londoners are ready to meet his valuation.
He is keen on linking up with Thomas Frank and is just waiting on Spurs to make an official move for him, so from an Everton perspective, it looks like the deal is off.
It’s not understood if the Toffees were still actively in talks with his camp, particularly after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s arrival at Finch Farm.
Everton appear more focused on wingers
It seems Everton are more focused on bringing in two wide players rather than another creative midfielder, with Dewsbury-Hall playing that role against Roma.
Dibling has handed in a transfer request and was therefore left out of Southampton’s opening day clash against Wrexham.
So if Everton up their £43m bid, that deal should materialise over the coming week and he could even be in the matchday squad against Leeds United.
Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo is also on Moyes’ radar and is believed to be an alternative target, along with Malick Fofana, who is waiting for Champions League offers.