Opinion: Clear frontrunner emerges in Everton’s transfer race as David Ornstein shares medical update
Everton likely to lose defensive target Jacob Greaves to Ipswich Town, who are also competing for Jaden Philogene.
Everton have shown interest in Hull City center-back Jacob Greaves this summer, but face serious competition from newly-promoted Ipswich Town (Telegraph, 18 June).
David Ornstein from The Athletic reported on 7 July that Greaves is set to undergo a medical with Kieran McKenna’s side, suggesting Ipswich is likely to succeed in securing the player.
However, this may not be a major disappointment for Sean Dyche at Goodison Park, as Everton has successfully fended off Manchester United’s attempts to sign star player Jarrad Branthwaite.
Despite this, with Ben Godfrey sold after rejecting contract extensions (HITC, 11 June) and Michael Keane potentially leaving (Alan Nixon, 7 July), Everton still needs a new center-back.
Adding to their challenges, Alex Crook from talkSPORT reported on 8 July that Ipswich is also leading the race to sign Jaden Philogene. A deal is reportedly agreed with Hull City, and the 22-year-old winger is willing to join (Daily Mail, 7 July).
Philogene has been in high demand, with Crystal Palace among the clubs making bids (TEAMtalk, 5 July), but Ipswich might secure both him and Greaves in a double deal.
Everton have experienced transfer disappointments in recent years, so Kevin Thelwell is likely prepared to shift focus elsewhere. With Jack Harrison and Iliman Ndiaye already added to the attacking lineup, missing out on the Hull City pair isn’t critical.
There is still ample time before the 30 August transfer deadline for Everton to bring in reinforcements, but losing out on two targets to a newly-promoted side could still sting.
