Everton’s search for a right-back continued to dominate the agenda, David Moyes missed out on one long-standing transfer target, and attention also turned to one of the country’s brightest young prospects. Here’s everything that happened on Read Everton today.
Everton move on from Wan-Bissaka
The biggest development of the day came as Everton’s pursuit of Aaron Wan-Bissaka appeared to reach its conclusion. After weeks of speculation linking the former Man United defender with a reunion with David Moyes, the Blues have now turned their attention elsewhere.
Attention is instead focusing on alternative right-back options, with the position remaining the club’s clearest priority before the Premier League season gets under way. It is another reminder that, despite a productive summer so far, Moyes still has important work to do in the transfer market.
Bowen reunion was explored — but never happened
We also received confirmation that Jarrod Bowen did hold discussions with David Moyes over a possible move to Everton before deciding his future lay at West Ham United.
Moyes is understood to have personally attempted to persuade the England international to make the switch following the Hammers’ relegation, but Bowen ultimately committed himself to remaining in east London and signed a new contract instead.
It closes the door on what would have been one of Everton’s headline signings of the summer and underlines the ambition behind Moyes’ recruitment plans, even if not every target can be landed.
Young talent on Everton’s radar
There was more encouraging transfer news elsewhere, with Everton reported to be leading the race for highly-rated Bristol Rovers youngster Ollie Dewsbury.
The teenager is regarded as one of the brightest emerging talents outside the Premier League and would represent another investment in Everton’s long-term future rather than an immediate first-team addition.
It fits a recruitment strategy that has increasingly balanced experienced additions with younger players capable of developing under Moyes.
The bigger picture at right-back
Today’s stories also reinforced one obvious theme: Everton’s right-back search is entering a decisive phase.
Wan-Bissaka may now be out of the equation, but the need has not changed. Rico Lewis continues to be linked, Zakaria El Ouahdi remains under consideration, while several other names have featured throughout the summer. Brooke Norton-Cuffy still looks the favourite. We think.
With pre-season gathering pace, supporters will expect movement sooner rather than later as Moyes looks to have his preferred back four in place before the new campaign begins.
Ndiaye to United?
Man Utd see Iliman Ndiaye as a genuine target this summer, but any move remains stalled while the club works out what to do with Marcus Rashford, according to Fabrizio Romano.
What it adds up to…
Today’s coverage mainly centred on recruitment, but with a clear shift in direction.
One long-running pursuit has come to an end, another never quite got beyond exploratory talks, while Everton continue to position themselves for both immediate improvement and future development.
The priority remains obvious: solve the right-back issue, and much of the summer’s transfer puzzle should begin to fall into place. Hopefully. Maybe. Who knows.
