Everton has engaged in discussions to acquire a £150,000-a-week midfielder, with manager Sean Dyche showing a keen interest in the player.
As the Toffees prepare to kick off their Premier League campaign this weekend against Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park, Dyche is reportedly satisfied with the club’s transfer activities thus far.
However, he remains eager to further bolster his squad to avoid a repeat of last season’s relegation battle.
Everton’s Summer Signings
Last season proved challenging for Everton, as they languished near the bottom of the table for much of the campaign.
Despite these struggles, Dyche managed to steer the team to safety.
The goal for the upcoming season is to climb higher in the standings, and for this, Dyche has sought robust backing from the club’s hierarchy in the current transfer window.
The Everton board has responded by securing five new signings so far. The club has re-signed winger Jack Harrison from Leeds United on loan, brought in Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa, Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille, Jesper Lindstrom on loan from Napoli, and made their most expensive acquisition in defender Jake O’Brien from Olympique Lyon.
O’Brien joined Everton at the end of July in a deal valued at £16.4 million. The defender, who impressed in Ligue 1 last season, expressed his excitement about his Premier League move.
“I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed,” O’Brien said. “I’ve been dreaming of this kind of move in the Premier League, with such a historic club. It’s a very exciting move for me.
When the transfer window opened, there were other clubs interested, but there was only one club I wanted to join – Everton.
They’ve shown faith in me, and now it’s my turn to prove myself on the pitch.”
Despite these acquisitions, Dyche is likely still on the lookout for additional reinforcements, and recent reports suggest he has identified a priority target.
Everton’s Interest in Kalvin Phillips
According to TEAMtalk, Dyche’s main focus for the remainder of the transfer window is securing a new midfielder, with Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips being a prime target.
The report indicates that Dyche is eager to bring the England international, who earns £150,000 a week, to Goodison Park.
In recent days, Everton is said to have held talks with Manchester City regarding a potential deal for Phillips.
With Manchester City reportedly struggling to find a permanent buyer for the midfielder, they are open to another loan move, which aligns with Everton’s interest in a loan arrangement with an option to buy.
Earlier this month, reports suggested that Everton was leading the race to sign Phillips on loan, and this could still be the case as negotiations are underway.
Phillips, a talented midfielder known for his defensive abilities and passing range, could significantly strengthen Everton’s midfield.
His experience at both club and international levels would be a valuable addition to Dyche’s squad, providing stability and creativity in the middle of the park.
Conclusion
As Everton looks to improve upon last season’s performance, their transfer activities reflect a clear intent to build a more competitive team.
The addition of new signings and the potential acquisition of Kalvin Phillips demonstrate Dyche’s commitment to enhancing the squad’s quality and depth.
With the Premier League season set to begin, Everton fans will be eager to see how the new signings integrate into the team and contribute to a more successful campaign.
Dyche’s strategic moves in the transfer market could be pivotal in ensuring the Toffees steer clear of another relegation scrap and aim for a stronger finish in the league.
