Everton Targeting ‘Wonderful’ 11-Goal English Talent Amid Manchester City Interest – Journalist
Everton's January Window Was Quiet, But a Busy Summer Awaits.
The Friedkin Group officially took control of Everton in December, raising fans’ hopes for an active mid-season transfer window.
However, the club made just one signing, bringing in Carlos Alcaraz on loan from Brazilian side Flamengo.
Despite the anticipation, Everton remained cautious due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), and manager David Moyes was unwilling to spend money on players who wouldn’t significantly strengthen the squad.
However, the situation is expected to change in the summer, with reports suggesting The Friedkin Group will provide Moyes with a substantial transfer budget.
Several players may depart as their contracts expire, paving the way for new arrivals. One promising talent Everton have reportedly set their sights on is a highly rated prospect from League One.
Everton Targeting Harrison Duncan
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Everton are keen on signing Rotherham United’s 16-year-old defender Harrison Duncan.
Writing on his Patreon, Nixon states that the Merseyside club is eager to beat the competition for Duncan, who has been described as “a wonderful, wonderful talent” by his manager Steve Evans, as reported by the Rotherham Advertiser.
Duncan is a name to watch closely. Earlier this season, Evans highlighted the youngster’s growing reputation, stating, “There were so many scouts watching him.
I was surprised by some of the names on the list – they were from big clubs, both in the Premier League and the Championship.
For him to be only four months past his 16th birthday and to handle the occasion as he did tells you a lot about him.”
Duncan has also drawn comparisons to John Stones, a former Everton defender now at Manchester City.
Evans has suggested that the teenager, who has remarkably scored 11 goals from centre-back at youth level this season, possesses similar qualities to the England international.
Everton have a history of developing young defensive talents, having signed Stones from Barnsley in 2013 and now boasting Jarrad Branthwaite, another highly rated centre-back often likened to Stones.
Although Duncan has yet to make his senior debut for Rotherham, he is on the verge of breaking through.
He was included in the matchday squad for their recent fixture against Blackpool, indicating that his first-team opportunity may not be far away.
Competition for Duncan’s Signature
While Everton are eager to secure Duncan’s services, they face stiff competition.
Manchester City have been tracking the young defender, with Alan Nixon previously reporting that the reigning Premier League champions have shown interest.
West Ham United have also been linked with the teenager.
With multiple top clubs in the race, it remains to be seen where Duncan will land.
However, Everton’s ambitious new ownership and the prospect of playing in a brand-new stadium could be attractive factors in their bid to convince him to join.
