David Moyes still believes there is work to do at Everton this summer
David Moyes looks on during the Premier League Summer Series match between West Ham United and Everton at Soldier Field, Chicago. Photo by Daniel Bartel - Premier League/Getty Images
David Moyes looks on during the Premier League Summer Series match between West Ham United and Everton at Soldier Field, Chicago. Photo by Daniel Bartel - Premier League/Getty Images
Everton’s summer transfer business is not expected to end with the acquisition of Jack Grealish. The 29-year-old became the club’s sixth signing of the window when his season-long loan move from Manchester City was confirmed on Tuesday.
David Moyes welcomed the addition - one he hopes will help the Blues’ longstanding creative issues - by saying: "I think we’re getting him at a good time because he’s experienced, he understands the Premier League, and we’re all fully aware of the levels he’s capable of performing to."
Grealish will provide another attacking option for Moyes to call upon and bring experience and Champions League-winning pedigree to the dressing room at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
While the England international has the potential to add a new dimension to Moyes’ forward line, his impact is likely to be undermined if other areas of the squad are not addressed.
Everton have no specialist option on the right of the midfield and, while Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil have both been used there during pre-season, that has been an area of priority all summer.
As yet, Everton have been unable to find a solution to the hole left by Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison, who shared responsibility for the right wing last season but returned to their parent clubs when their loan deals expired.
Francisco Conceicao, Johan Bakayoko and Takefusa Kubo are among the options explored by Everton, while three bids for Tyler Dibling have been turned down by Southampton. The club is looking elsewhere after its final offer, a package to the value of around £37.5m, was rejected but with Dibling having been left out of the Saints’ squad at the weekend, a move could yet be revisited should the south coast club be willing to compromise.
Everton are also understood to be open to strengthening at right back. Nathan Patterson is being assessed for a potential hernia injury while club captain Seamus Coleman, who came on at left back in the friendly defeat to Roma on Saturday, is not expected to be heavily relied upon. Jake O’Brien looks favourite to start the season in that role but, while he has impressed there under Moyes, the centre back remains a makeshift solution.
There were hopes Kenny Tete would join in July, only for the Fulham defender to make a late call to sign a new deal at Craven Cottage.
Another area Everton are interested in is central midfield, particularly a deeper-lying player. The club has options in the middle, with Idrissa Gueye and James Garner having played through pre-season and younger players such as Tim Iroegbunam and Harrison Armstrong also earning opportunities.
But there is a feeling a further, more experienced option - one who could also help cover the departure of Gueye to the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal - would be helpful.