Sean Dyche once came so close to signing Scott McTominay and admitted his arrival could have turned his Everton fortunes around.
The 54-year-old told talkSPORT that the Scotland talisman 'was on' for a switch to the Toffees before he left Manchester United.
Scott McTominay in action for Scotland against Japan
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McTominay could have proved a transformative signing at EvertonCredit: Getty
McTominay has developed into one of Europe's most influential midfielders since his £25m switch to Napoli in August 2024.
The 29-year-old claimed the Serie A MVP Awarden route to firing Antonio Conte's side to their fourth league triumphlast season.
His debut campaign saw him become an instant hero in Naples, and he was rewarded with a top 20 finish in the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
McTominay added the latest chapter of his recent fairytale by scoring a bicycle kick to help Scotland reach their first World Cup in 28 years.
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And Dyche revealed it could have been so different for him had the midfielder continued his post-Old Trafford career at Everton instead.
The ex-Toffees boss confirmed the club's serious interest in McTominay during an appearance in the talkSPORT studios.
Dyche reveals how close Everton came to signing McTominay
"When I was at Everton, I was very close to getting McTominay, do you know that?" Dyche told friend and actor Jonny Owen live on air.
"Very close, couldn't believe I missed out on him, I couldn't believe, I think his agent said he was on for it and everything."
Dyche had been desperate for reinforcements after PSR-related issues forced Everton into the £50m sale of Amadou Onana.
Scott McTominay scoring for Man United against Everton, whom he nearly joined when Sean Dyche was manager
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McTominay scored in a 2-0 win over Dyche's Everton in 2023Credit: AFP
Sean Dyche reveals how close Everton came to signing Scott McTominay
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The midfielder was 'very close' to moving to the Toffees before he joined Napoli
McTominay, who had fallen out of favour at Man United under Erik ten Hag, had been earmarked as the ideal fit to bolster the midfield.
Instead, the 67-cap Scotland international moved to Napoli, while Dyche was sacked by Everton half a season later.
"There was a deal [for McTominay]," The former Burnley and Nottingham Forest boss added.
"I'm not gonna name, there was a player who's going the other way, and all that business, and I couldn't get it over the line.
"I reckon that could have changed everything for me."
Scott McTominay kiss Italian Super Cup title
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McTominay has become a superstar since his move away from Man UnitedCredit: Getty
'Couldn't believe' he wasn't playing
McTominay, who enjoyed a 22-year association at Man United, made only 18 Premier League starts during his final season at the club.
That was despite registering what was then his best scoring campaign, having netted 10 times in 43 appearances in all competitions, which he surpassed with 12 Serie A goals last term.
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Dyche continued: "What a player - I couldn't believe he wasn't playing at Man U, I couldn't get my around [the fact that] he wasn't playing.
"I couldn't believe it."