Everton are believed to be readying an offer to sign a Real Madrid player this summer in an ambitious move, according to reports.
Everton set for interesting summer after excellent Moyes campaign
When the final whistle blew on Everton's 3-0 dismantling of Chelsea at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last weekend, the magnitude of what David Moyes has achieved on Merseyside became that bit clearer.
EVERTON MOYES
A club that spent years teetering above the relegation zone, that endured the anxiety of points deductions and a turbulent stadium transition, now find themselves eighth in the Premier League, three points off fifth and pushing seriously for European football in their debut season at their new home.
Moyes, now 62, returned for a second stint at the club he managed for eleven years between 2002 and 2013, and the transformation in mood and momentum has been striking.
Beto's double and Iliman Ndiaye's contribution against Chelsea underlined a cohesion and confidence that has been built gradually but convincingly.
The Toffees have been one of the Premier League's genuine stories of the season.
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The Toffees are making plans to back David Moyes.
And with the Friedkin Group ownership seemingly ready to back their manager this summer, the ambition is not simply to consolidate — it is to push on.
European qualification would represent a seismic moment for the club.
The recruitment plans emerging suggest Moyes is already preparing for exactly that possibility.
Everton preparing bid for Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio
Indeed, FootballTransfers relays information that Everton are preparing a £26m bid for Real Madrid centre-back Raul Asencio — and in doing so, would be moving against his former employers in the process.
Real Madrid's Andriy Lunin and Raul Asencio reacts after Leganes' Diego Garcia scores their first goal
West Ham are also understood to have the 23-year-old on their shortlist, with Moyes potentially set to go neck and neck with his former club.
For a man who left the London Stadium in the summer of 2024 after delivering a Conference League trophy, only to watch them sink into a relegation fight under Nuno Espírito Santo, there would be a certain satisfaction in that.
Asencio is a technically polished, physically imposing Spanish defender who caught the eye during a breakthrough period at the Bernabeu, and FT report that Everton are eyeing what would be a 'statement of intent' move for Asencio.
Despite signing a new six-year contract at Real last summer, he has found regular minutes hard to come by this season.
Real Madrid CF’s Raul Asencio (c) celebrates goal with Kylian Mbappe (l) and Arda Guler
Moyes' motivation is straightforward.
James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have served Everton well but neither represents the long-term solution at the heart of defence.
Asencio, at 23, offers the blend of physical authority and technical composure the manager is looking for — a player he apparently believes can anchor the Toffees' backline for years to come.
Asencio was born in 2002 in Valencia and came through the youth ranks at Real, graduating to the first team after impressing in the reserve side, Real Madrid Castilla.
He made his senior breakthrough in the 2024/25 season, deputising capably during an injury-hit period and catching the eye with his composure and aerial dominance at the heart of Los Blancos' defence.
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The Toffees could take advantage of his situation.