Everton have identified Villarreal’s Pape Gueye as a potential target as they continue their search for midfield reinforcements, according to Cadena Ser.
Everton have been monitoring the 27-year-old for some time. Villarreal’s transfer business has been quiet so far this summer as they wait to resolve his future, with Gueye considered the club’s “main candidate” for a major sale, with funds earmarked for further spending elsewhere in the squad.
Gueye joined Villarreal from Marseille in 2023 and has established himself as a regular in central midfield, known primarily for his defensive work and ball-winning ability. He was capped by Senegal at this summer’s World Cup before their elimination in the knockout stages.
David Moyes currently has Hayden Hackney, Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner as his deeper-lying midfield options, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carlos Alcaraz and Harrison Armstrong all options for more advanced roles.
Everton are yet to make a formal offer, and Villarreal’s asking price has not been disclosed. Transfermarkt value the France-born Senegal international at €40m.
Gueye has previously spoken of his desire to move to the Premier League, revealing in February he had begun learning English, “the language of business.” Manchester United were credited with interest earlier in the year but are not understood to have made an approach.
Villarreal expect movement on Gueye’s situation in the coming days or weeks. Everton’s midfield search has already yielded Hackney’s arrival from Middlesbrough, with Alcaraz also subject to loan interest from River Plate.
