Everton have reportedly made checks on Blackburn Rovers talent Tom Atcheson ahead of the summer transfer window.
Everton will be busy this summer – and a new centre-back is high on the agenda.
Which of these players do you want to see Everton SIGN in 2026?
The following names have been suggested by fans on TalkingPoints…
Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr
Credit: Getty Images/Yasser Bakhsh
The Toffees have two players who aren’t really suitable for the long term in James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, who are both 33.
Keane is actually out of contract at the end of the season, of course. But he may yet end up extending.
But Everton do need to start thinking about life after the duo.
And it seems Tom Atcheson has caught the eye of Hill Dickinson officials.
Everton have scouted Tom Atcheson
Tom Atcheson playing for Blackburn Rovers.
Photo by David Watts/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
According to TEAMtalk, Everton are one of several clubs to have made checks on Blackburn Rovers youngster Tom Atcheson.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Atcheson, 19, made his Rovers first-team debut in the 2023/24 season, and has racked up 11 appearances for the club so far.
His exciting rise was further underlined recently when he was called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the first time.
The teenager actually signed a new contract at Ewood Park as a reward for his development.
That gives Rovers a little bit of protection over the player. However, it may prove futile in terms of keeping hold of him this summer, because a lot of clubs are interested.
Supposedly, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Sunderland, Everton, Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion have all made checks on Atcheson in recent weeks.
Atcheson tipped for big future as Nathan Collins comparison made
One man who knows all about Atcheson’s qualities is his manager, Michael O’Neill.
After Atcheson penned his new deal with Rovers earlier this week, O’Neill said (via Rovers.co.uk): “Tom’s been a real find for us in the last couple of years.
“He’s someone we knew about when he was in our Under-19s and Under-21s, and he’s a player who we knew had a lot of potential.
“He’s at an age now where he has the security of a long-term contract and he can establish himself as a permanent first team player here and play on a regular basis.
Birmingham City v Blackburn Rovers - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Paul Bonser – CameraSport via Getty Images
“For Tom, I’ve seen young centre-backs develop and go on to play in the Premier League. When I look at him now, I see the same traits as someone like Nathan Collins and Harry Souttar, who I had at Stoke.
“Different players, but I see Tom having the same sort of qualities to bring him to that level.”
The Nathan Collins comparison is cause for encouragement, given his impressive rise at Brentford.
Atcheson has also been compared to Phil Jones, who was also once a young central defender coming through at Blackburn.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox