Everton now face a transfer battle with Bayer Leverkusen to sign an “impressive” £30 million+ defender, according to a recent report.
Everton are stepping up transfer plans for David Moyes
Given the Blues cannot be relegated from the Premier League, David Moyes and co are now slowly turning their attentions to the summer transfer window and next season, as Everton move into their new stadium.
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This would cause a stir this summer.
Moyes is keen for his side to strengthen their forward line during the summer and has identified Evan Ferguson as a top target. The Republic of Ireland international is currently on loan at West Ham from Brighton after falling down the pecking order with the Seagulls. Ferguson’s long-term future with Brighton is up in the air, and Moyes is looking to take advantage of this by luring him to Everton, where he thinks he can improve his game.
As well as looking at the top end of the pitch, Everton are also looking to improve their defensive options this summer. Jarrad Branthwaite’s future remains a hot topic of debate, and while the Toffees would like him to stay, they already have their eyes on potential replacements. Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah has been linked with a shock move to Everton, and former scout Bryan King now believes the defender would be “happy” to join the blue side of Liverpool.
Everton looking to beat Leverkusen and sign £30m+ star
Quansah is not the only defender on the Premier League side’s radar, as according to Tuttomercatoweb, relayed by Sport Witness, Everton are looking to sign David Hancko from Dutch side Feyenoord.
The report states that the Toffees are interested in signing the 27-year-old, as they would like to build their defence around him. However, Everton are not alone in their pursuit, as Juventus reportedly already have an agreement over personal terms with the player. While Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen are also keen on striking a deal for the experienced centre-back.
Everton hope they have an advantage in the race, as they and Leverkusen are willing to offer a straight cash deal for Hancko, who Feyenoord are looking to get around €40 million for, which is roughly £34 million. Hancko is predominantly a centre-back but can also play at left-back if needed, which is ideal for Moyes, as he looks for versatility in his defence.
The Toffees do already have plenty of options in their backline, but Michael Keane is on course to depart when his contract expires this summer.
James Tarkowski is not getting any younger, and as mentioned, Branthwaite continues to be linked with a move away, so a new centre-back could be very much needed this summer for Moyes, and if he wants Everton to get back into contention for Europe, then a rebuild of his backline may be what is needed, with Hancko, who has been dubbed “impressive” by Ben Mattinson, at the heart of it.
