Everton have made signing a new midfielder their top priority until the end of the transfer window, with Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips high on their shortlist.
The Toffees have had a summer start to the summer, having already brought in five new signings, something fans could never have dreamed of.
Iliman Ndiaye, Tim Ireogbunam, Jake O’Brien, Jack Harrison (loan) and Jesper Lindström (loan with option to buy) have joined Sean Dyche’s squad so far.
However, it would be a surprise if the window continues in the same vein. They don’t seem to have much money left to spend and are actively trying to sell Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and Neal Maupay.
There is also uncertainty over the future of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has less than 12 months left on his contract and is attracting interest from Premier League sides.
Dyche wants to keep hold of the centre-forward, but if the Toffees can’t tie him down to new terms, they may be forced to sell.
Everton are still looking for a new midfielder to replace Amadou Onana, who joined Aston Villa in a £50m deal.
As previously reported and now confirmed by The Athletic’s Paddy Boyland, Dyche greatly admires out-of-favour Man City star Kalvin Phillips and Everton are keen to take him on loan.
Pep Guardiola is ready to part ways with the England international, but the Cityzens would rather sell him. If he goes out on loan, they want an obligation to buy included in the deal.
Everton are considering the possibility of Phillips
Everton have options in mind should Phillips miss out, while Strasbourg star Habib Diarra has also been heavily linked with a move to Goodison Park.
The 20-year-old is regarded as one of the most promising midfielders in Ligue 1 and the Toffees are said to be monitoring his situation closely.
He can play as a number 10 or in a deeper number eight role and had four goals and two assists in 35 appearances for Strasbourg last season.
Diarra is likely to have to be a permanent signing rather than a loan, with Strasbourg looking for around £25m, so the structure of the deal will be key for Everton.
Sources have informed TEAMtalk that Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu is another possible option for the Toffees.
The 20-year-old midfielder made 15 appearances for Chelsea last season and has many admirers in the corridors of power at Stamford Bridge.
We understand Everton would like to sign Ugochukwu on loan, but Chelsea may be reluctant to sanction one as Conor Gallagher closes in on a move to Atletico Madrid.