Everton are already drawing up a shortlist of targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
David Moyes is expected to be backed with a substantial budget, and that will only increase if Everton qualify for European football.
The Toffees shelled out in excess of £100m last summer, so that number could be eclipsed after the club decided to keep their powder dry in the January transfer window, bar a loan deal for Tyrique George.
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Rico Lewis is emerging as an Everton target, and so too is Southampton’s highly-rated midfielder Shea Charles.
Now, there is a fresh rumour linking the club to a Premier League star who is on Real Madrid’s radar.
West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
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Everton target Mateus Fernandes has been linked to Real Madrid
Everton are ‘strong admirers’ of West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, and they could make a swoop for the Portugal international this summer.
Although, the Toffees are facing serious competition for his signature, as Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been linked.
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According to DefensaCentral, Real Madrid could even make a move for Fernandes if West Ham are relegated to the Championship.
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Real have been alerted by his £27m relegation release clause, so the Spanish giants would immediately become the favourites to complete a transfer.
With that said, it seems highly unlikely Everton stand a chance in this transfer race, so they should be looking at other options.
Middlesbrough talisman Hayden Hackney has been linked to the Hill Dickinson Stadium and could cost around £30m.
Hackney has been one of the best players in the Championship this season, and he’s impressed for a number of years with England’s under-21s.
The Boro star would be a much more realistic option for Moyes’ midfield.
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