Everton are eyeing a move to sign Manchester City star Rico Lewis this summer to solve their right-back issues, according to TEAMtalk.
The Toffees are in the market to strengthen their defensive options after allowing Seamus Coleman to depart at the end of his contract, while Nathan Patterson is also expected to leave this summer.
Jake O'Brien has been the first-choice right-back since David Moyes joined the club, but he is now keen to bring in a traditional option in that position, and the England international has emerged as a top target.
Everton Want to Sign Rico Lewis
rico lewis
Lewis, who has been described as 'extraordinary', lost his place in the Man City team last season under Pep Guardiola, with Matheus Nunes preferred at right-back for the majority of the campaign.
That has seen the potential of an exit floated, with Everton the club showing the strongest interest in the 21-year-old, as they look to strengthen their right-back position.
Moyes is understood to be a huge fan of the defender, who can also play in midfield, and has personally called for the Toffees to move to sign him during the transfer window. City are open to his exit for the right price, and it has now emerged that new manager Enzo Maresca has given his departure the green light.
While Everton are the team with the most interest as things stand, there is competition for his signature from the likes of Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, and Fulham.
It's currently unclear if City would be open to sanctioning a loan move, with Everton also keen to re-sign Jack Grealish after his successful loan spell last season. It's believed that the Citizens would prefer a permanent deal, and have put a £30m asking price on the defender.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Rico Lewis in action for England.
Everton are in desperate need of a new starting right-back, and while they have been linked with a number of players, Lewis is one that seems very much available and also of the required level.
His ability to play in tight spaces and also in multiple positions will come as a huge boost to Moyes, but he also has the defensive quality to slot straight into the side and hold his own when it comes to duels and doing his job at the back in a team that isn't as dominant as his current Man City side.
The club can get a deal done that would hugely strengthen their squad, and improve their chances of securing European football next season, so this is one to watch in the coming weeks after the green light was given.
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