“Here We Go” Incoming? Fabrizio Romano Reveals Everton Have REIGNITED Talks for £17m ‘Next Cafu’ in Deadline-Day Bombshell

Everton’s search for a new right-back this January has seen them cast a very wide net, with a long list of names linked to a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Players such as Emil Holm, Wesley, Vanderson, Ben White, Yukhym Konoplya and Brooke Norton-Cuffy have all been mentioned as potential targets as the Toffees look to strengthen a key area of the squad.

Now, as the transfer window enters its final week, it appears Everton are focusing their attention on Norton-Cuffy.

According to respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Merseyside club have stepped up their interest and reopened discussions with Genoa over a possible deal.

Romano revealed on X that the England Under-21 international could be on the move before the January deadline, with several clubs showing interest.

He stated that Everton, along with another Premier League side and a number of Serie A teams, have resumed contact regarding the 22-year-old defender.

This update follows a report from Ben Jacobs of Give Me Sport last week, which claimed Everton had already made an enquiry for Norton-Cuffy.

At the time, Genoa reportedly indicated they would consider offers in the region of £17 million.

Everton’s return to the negotiating table suggests that valuation has not deterred them, and they may be prepared to push ahead with a deal.

Norton-Cuffy has been a regular feature for Genoa this season, making 20 Serie A appearances, during which he has contributed one goal and one assist.

Since joining the Italian club from Arsenal in August 2024, he has adapted quickly to top-flight football in Italy.

Before his permanent move abroad, the Arsenal academy product gained valuable experience across the English leagues, enjoying loan spells with Lincoln City, Rotherham United, Coventry City and Millwall.

His time at Lincoln, in particular, was eye-catching, earning him the nickname “Norton-Cafu” due to his energetic displays and attacking intent from right-back, drawing comparisons with Brazil legend Cafu.

Interestingly, Cafu himself has recently spoken highly of Wesley Gassova, another player Everton are reportedly in talks to sign from Al-Nassr, as the club looks to cope with Jack Grealish’s absence following a broken foot.

The potential arrival of Norton-Cuffy could also have implications for Nathan Patterson.

The Scotland international has started Everton’s last three matches in all competitions after previously featuring sparingly this season.

However, Sky Sports report that Sevilla are interested in taking Patterson on loan, and Everton may be willing to sanction a move if a suitable replacement is secured first.

Despite strong recent performances against Aston Villa and Leeds, Patterson has struggled with muscle injuries this term, and a temporary move elsewhere could help him regain full fitness and consistency.