Frank Lampard and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell continue their work behind the scenes to prepare for potential transfer business ahead of the summer transfer window.
The duo will have to work smart, with funds reportedly tight at Goodison Park as Everton continue to deal with Financial Fair Play barometers and manage the move to their future Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
With a number of fringe players under contract, and unlikely to be moved on due to their wages, the Blues may have to compromise in some of their summer business.
READ MORE: Frank Lampard has already explained key Everton quality James Tarkowski would improve
READ MORE: 'Wasn't his fault' - Nathan Patterson reveals Dele Alli and Frank Lampard talks after Everton injury
YOUR SHOUT: HAVE YOUR SAY ON EVERTON'S SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW
However, they continue to be linked with a host of new faces along with speculation regarding departures from the club.
We have rounded up the latest Everton transfer gossip below.
Who?
Steven Bergwijn
Where?
The Daily Mail
What?
Everton have been linked with a move for Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn. The Dutch international, who signed for Spurs in January 2020 from PSV for a rumoured £26.7m fee, has made no secret of his desire to leave the club after becoming frustrated by a lack of opportunities. He has eight goals in 83 appearances for Antonio Conte’s men but made just four Premier League starts during 2021/22.
Everton face competition from Ajax, who have already had a £17m bid rejected, according to The Daily Mail. Currently on international duty, Bergwijn last week told AD: “I just need to go play. I want to leave Spurs now, that’s for sure. Is it important that my new club plays in the Champions League? That’s not my top priority. It would be nice, but what’s important is that I’m going to play."
“I wasn’t allowed to leave Spurs in the winter and then I didn’t have any problems. But for the last few months, I was hardly looked after there. I want to go and play somewhere weekly. It would be nice if there was clarity soon. My situation now has to be different.”
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Spurs want around €30m for the winger, which may prove prohibitive to Everton.
Who?
Rodrigo Becao
Where?
Gazzetta dello Sport
What?
With the speculation over James Tarkowski’s arrival continuing to dominate Everton’s transfer speculation, it is clear Lampard is on the lookout for a new centre-back. And the latest player to be linked with the club is Udinese’s Brazilian defender Rodrigo Becao.
The 26-year-old centre-back, who made 36 appearances for the Italian side as they finished 12th in Serie A, is ‘very popular’ with Everton transfer officials, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. Becao is valued at £17m by his club and would be a more expensive alternative to Tarkowski.
The Brazilian played 35 out of 38 league games, missing two due to suspension and a singular game due to injury. His durability will be welcome news to Everton fans who have become frustrated by the fitness problems faced by arguably their best defender, Yerry Mina. The Colombian missed 24 games through injury across the season, according to Transfermarkt. Fellow centre-half Ben Godfrey also struggled with injuries, and recently opened up on the ‘mentally’ tough season he experienced. Becao would provide a younger option if Everton fail to secure the signing of former Burnley defender Tarkowski.
Who?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Where?
The Telegraph
What?
With their new found riches following last autumn’s takeover, Newcastle continue to assert their presence in the transfer market. They are reportedly keen to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to The Telegraph. However, things have not progressed as they had hoped as the Toffees have said they are unwilling to sell the 25-year-old a club they view as a direct rival.
Calvert-Lewin struggled with injury throughout the season, making just 17 Premier League appearances and scoring five goals. However, he did score the all-important winner in Everton’s dramatic and unforgettable 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace which secured Premier League survival for the club.
Newcastle will continue to monitor the situation regarding a move for Calvert-Lewin and are likely to make a formal bid for the striker in the hope he asks to be allowed to make the switch to the North East. However, Everton are likely to remain steadfast in their desire to retain the former Sheffield United youngster.
