Everton, across the past week, have seen their interest dominated by Jarrad Branthwaite.
After all, he is set to be the first player to get his first England cap coming from the Toffees since 2021.
Whilst their form has been faltering and therefore it was unlikely that anyone other than Jordan Pickford was going to break into the squad, it marks a particularly impressive personal campaign for the 21-year-old to do so amidst such unsettled circumstances around Goodison Park.
However, one report has now emerged suggesting that there is another future England international already in their ranks, with Douglas Lukjanciks the player in question.
Everton have another future England international?
As penned by The Daily Mail, the Toffees are currently in possession of an exciting young starlet who has already caught the interest of both the England international setup and Everton’s first team.
And whilst that promising future seems certain, the worry is it may not be on Merseyside.
After all, journalist Craig Hope then goes on to state how a number of top clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa, are vying for his signature despite Lukjanciks having agreed to move to Goodison Park this summer.
The piece states: ‘Leverkusen, German rivals RB Leipzig and French club Marseille have all watched Lukjanciks, who is regarded as one of England’s most promising keepers and has often played above his age group, including with the national team and Everton Under-18s.
‘But it is not just foreign clubs who are circling, with Tottenham, Aston Villa and Southampton regular observers of the youngster.’
He then goes on to say: ‘Lukjanciks, who finishes school this summer, is set to join Everton’s academy as a scholar in July, but the interest from home and abroad could yet see him decide to continue his career elsewhere. That would be a blow for the Toffees, who have him earmarked as a future first-team keeper.’
Kevin Thelwell is leading an academy revolution
Having struck a deal for Kingsford Boakye in January, and set to welcome Linfield’s teenage sensation Braiden Graham to the club this summer, it is clear that Kevin Thelwell is leading an academy revolution that could save Everton millions over the next few years.
After all, their significant lack of funds has restricted them in the market for the last few windows now, hampering any progress they can make.
So, by instead investing in the future, the hope is that they can soon cultivate some top talents for the first team, or at least be able to sell them on for a much-needed profit.
Seeking to pry youngsters from elsewhere seems a necessary evil at the moment, given the lull Everton’s academy is currently experiencing.
After all, Dyche recently admitted that there was no one he was willing to call up to his senior squad.
Hopefully, in a year or two should Thelwell continue his revamp, this can change dramatically.