Manchester City could sell Rico Lewis this summer, and Everton have learned the approximate asking price.
It will be a big summer for the Toffees, especially if David Moyes manages to deliver European football.
A new right-back is high on the agenda, with Seamus Coleman out of contract and Nathan Patterson likely to be offloaded. There is also a desire to get Jake O’Brien into his preferred position in the middle.
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Guardiola and Grealish absolutely adore him… 👏
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, interacts with Rico Lewis.
Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington/Copa.
It’s a position that Everton have long been looking to address.
But seemingly, the right target just hasn’t cropped up.
Heading into the summer, a few names have been mentioned.
One target for Everton includes Rico Lewis, who has fallen by the wayside at City in recent times – and Everton may now have learned how much it will take to sign him.
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The ‘likely’ Rico Lewis asking price this summer as Everton eye defender
Rico Lewis warms up for Manchester City.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
The Chronicle has reported on Lewis’ situation, because Newcastle United are one of the clubs showing an interest in the player.
And the publication say that Manchester City are likely to want ‘in excess of £30 million’ for their academy product.
That feels like a lot to pay, for a player who has not been a regular starter for quite a long time now.
But ultimately, City have the player contracted to them until the summer of 2030.
They are well within their rights to ask for that much.
And in fairness, City sold another of their academy products Oscar Bobb for a fee just below that, and Lewis has considerably more Premier League experience than the winger.
Everton could do double Man City deal this summer
Of course, Lewis is not the only player from City Everton could move for.
It is expected that Everton will again look to move for Jack Grealish, who made a big impression this season during his loan, before suffering that season-ending foot injury.
Grealish is thought to be keen to stay, so it’s just whether the clubs can reach an agreement.
But given the interest in Lewis, one wonders if there is scope for some kind of double deal.
Rico Lewis and Jack Grealish playing for Manchester City.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Lewis could be a decent addition for Everton. While he does lack in the physicality department, there is no denying that he’s strong technically and is also versatile enough to operate in central areas.
You don’t make over 100 appearances for Man City these days under Pep Guardiola if you don’t have something about you.
He has so much experience under his belt already and has six or seven years to go before he even reaches the start of his peak, which is amazing to consider.
So potentially, a fee just above £30 million could actually be a decent bit of business by Everton.
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