“Everton in SHOCKING £30M Race to Snag ‘PHENOMENAL’ O’Brien Upgrade – The NEXT Deulofeu Will BLOW YOUR MIND!”

Everton manager David Moyes has wasted no time reacting to his side’s disappointing opening-day defeat against newly-promoted Leeds United, moving decisively in the transfer market to strengthen his squad.

The Toffees have now struck a significant deal, with Southampton’s highly-rated youngster Tyler Dibling set to join for £40 million.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has been described as a “world-class talent” by former Saints academy chief Andy Goldie, and his arrival is expected to inject some much-needed spark into Everton’s attack.

In particular, Moyes hopes that Dibling’s creativity and directness will solve the long-standing issue on the right flank.

However, while the addition of such a promising forward is a step in the right direction, there is still a sense that more work must be done if Everton are to challenge for a place in the top half of the Premier League table. Most pressing among their needs is the recruitment of a new right-back.

Everton’s full-back dilemma

Last season, the club parted ways with veteran Ashley Young, who left at the end of his contract.

Although captain Seamus Coleman remains with the squad, the 35-year-old is firmly in the twilight of his career and can no longer be relied upon to carry the load across a full campaign.

For the season opener at Elland Road, it was Jake O’Brien who filled in on the right-hand side of defence, with Nathan Patterson sidelined through yet another injury setback.

O’Brien, a 24-year-old who has earned praise for his tenacity and commitment, is naturally a centre-back. While he has shown himself capable of doing a job when asked to step out wide, Everton’s lack of a specialist right-back is glaring.

Moyes and his recruitment team are now keen to address this gap with a signing who can provide energy, dynamism, and consistency down the flank.

Everton eye Hector Fort

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are preparing to sanction the departure of highly promising defender Hector Fort, with the 19-year-old attracting strong Premier League interest.

West Ham United have already made an approach for a season-long loan, though the report indicates that Everton are also firmly in contention.

Barcelona rejected an offer worth over £30 million for Fort last summer, underlining the value they place on his potential.

It would not come as a shock if Everton had to dig deep financially to secure his services, especially with other English clubs circling.

What Fort could offer Everton

Fort is a versatile full-back comfortable on either side of the defence, boasting technical quality and composure on the ball.

His attributes have led to comparisons with former Everton favourite Gerard Deulofeu, another product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.

Deulofeu made an immediate impression when he joined the Toffees on loan during the 2013/14 campaign, registering eight goal contributions in 29 games and earning praise from then-manager Roberto Martinez as a “real diamond.”

While Deulofeu was more of an attacking winger, Fort offers similar flair but from a deeper position, with his passing range, intelligence, and calmness under pressure making him a modern full-back suited to Moyes’ style of play.

Journalist Antonio Mango has already described him as possessing “immense” talent, and his numbers back that up.

According to FBref, Fort ranks in the top 1% of Europe’s top-five league full-backs for pass completion, the top 2% for attempted passes, the top 26% for shot-creating actions, and the top 14% for ball recoveries per 90 minutes.

Though he only featured in 17 La Liga matches last term, his 92% pass completion rate and error-free record highlight a maturity beyond his years.

Fort’s arrival would immediately improve Everton’s right side, providing balance and attacking thrust while freeing O’Brien to return to his natural central role.

Much like Deulofeu once did, the Spaniard could arrive with a point to prove and ultimately become a fan favourite at Goodison Park.

For Moyes, securing both Dibling and Fort could prove pivotal in shaping a side capable of climbing the Premier League table this season.