Everton could look to add another English diamond to their ranks this summer in the form of ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher, according to reports - with the Toffees joining the race to land his signature after just one season outside the Premier League at Atletico Madrid.
The Merseyside club have marked their new era with the arrival of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - incidentally from Chelsea - whilst Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling has also moved on a permanent deal, and Manchester City star Jack Grealish has made the short trip down the M62 to play in the royal blue. However, Gallagher could also fall into that bracket with a move of his own.
Report: Everton 'Eyeing Late Attempt' to Sign Conor Gallagher
Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher in action
The report by TBR Football understands that Everton could now make a late attempt to sign Gallagher from Atletico in the final knockings of the summer transfer window, as David Moyes aims to bulk his midfield with the addition of an England international and Champions League star, who only moved to Atletico last summer in a swap for Joao Felix, where he earns £200,000-a-week in the Spanish capital.
The former Cobham youth graduate is a popular man amongst Premier League clubs, especially with the transfer deadline approaching thick and fast on Monday - with a whole host of clubs 'monitoring' his situation in the final week of the window.
Sources at TBR Football have been informed that the Atletico midfielder is a wanted man, with former loan club Crystal Palace thought to be interested alongside Newcastle United, but Everton are another club who could make a move, with Scottish boss Moyes keen on adding real top-flight quality and experience to his squad in a bid to finish in the top-half of the Premier League. TBR journalist Graeme Bailey said:
"I think there are quite a lot of Premier League clubs interested in him. I wouldn’t rule Everton out either."
The Toffees have one of the smallest senior squads in the Premier League, despite their additions this season - having lost the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Mason Holgate, Ashley Young and Neal Maupay this summer.
Gallagher would join Dewsbury-Hall, Charly Alcaraz, Idrissa Gueye, James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam in the cohort of central midfield players, though he would excel in the centre of the Toffees' park and make them a real force to be reckoned with at their new, loud Hill Dickinson home - where they have a 100 percent record after disposing of Brighton in a 2-0 win over the Seagulls on Sunday afternoon.
Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.