With the signing of James Tarkowski all but confirmed, Frank Lampard and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell continue to work behind the scenes to prepare for potential transfer business this summer.
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: Chelsea consider Richarlison bid as Everton insistent over transfer fee
READ MORE: 'Can’t even imagine’ - Dan Meis makes admission over Everton new stadium
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?
Jordan Veretout
Where?
Calciomercato
What?
Everton have joined the race for Roma midfielder Jordan Veretout, according to reports. The 29-year-old made 50 appearances last season, scoring four goals and adding 10 assists as Jose Mourinho’s side won the Europa Conference League. Veretout has also played five times for France.
He has previous experience of Premier League football, having played 29 times for Aston Villa as they were relegated from the Premier League in 2015/16. Roma are reportedly looking to overhaul their midfield this summer and the Frenchman is available for around £13m. Marseille and AC Milan are also interested in the midfielder.
Veretout would provide depth and competition in a problem area of the pitch for Everton as Lampard looks to reshape the spine of his squad with Fabian Delph set to leave the club and Allan and Andre Gomes facing uncertain futures.
Who?
Luca Pellegrini
Where?
Corriere dello Sport
What?
Everton have reportedly been handed the opportunity to sign Luca Pellegrini from Juventus. The left-back, 23, began his career at Roma before a £19.8m move to Juventus in 2019. He has made just 21 appearances for the Old Lady after loan spells at Cagliari and Genoa.
And according to Corriere dello Sport, Pelligrini’s camp have been told to find a new club. The defender, who has one cap for Italy, has been offered to the Toffees, West Ham and Fulham. He has also attracted interest from Italian side Torino but as of yet no bid has been forthcoming.
Back in July 2019, the Italian was included in UEFA.com’s ‘50 for the future’ list of ‘ones to watch in 2019/20’ alongside players such as Erling Haaland and Ibrahima Konate. Pellegrini can also play in a more advanced role, having filled in in centre-midfield and his flexibility would be attractive for Lampard.
Who?
Moussa Niakhate
Where?
Florian Plettenberg
What?
Everton have been given an opportunity to re-enter the race for Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate this summer, according to Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The 26-year-old French centre-back was expected to join Nottingham Forest. However, after Steve Cooper’s side tabled what was labelled a ‘ridiculous’ offer, Mainz are reluctant to re-enter negotiations. Everton had been credited with an interest earlier this summer and could take advantage of the breakdown in talks.
Niakhate has made 135 appearances for Mainz since 2018 and previously played for Metz and Valenciennes. West Ham and Newcastle had also been linked with the centre-back but the Hammers have just signed Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd while Newcaslte are focusing on Lille’s Sven Botman. This may give the Blues a free run at Niakhate as Lampard looks to tighten up a leaky defence that shipped 66 goals last season, the most Everton have ever conceded in a Premier League campaign.
