- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Everton are now eyeing a deal for a new winger as Sean Dyche tries to strengthen his squad on a relatively small budget.
As it stands, Everton boss Dyche currently has only two recognised wide players in his entire squad, given that both Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison have returned to their parent clubs.
It’s a precarious situation, and although there’s a long summer ahead to get the squad in order, the funds to do so aren’t necessarily available.
Everton will need to be creative in the transfer market, regardless of whether they decide to sell the likes of Amadou Onana to raise capital.
That being said, TBR Football understands that Everton now want to sign Fulham winger Bobby De Cordova-Reid.
The 31-year-old Jamaican international is out-of-contract at Craven Cottage at the end of this month and has been in talks with the club in recent weeks, with manager Marco Silva keen for him to stay.
However, TBR has been told that Dyche is ready to offer Cordova-Reid a long-term deal at Everton, helping to solve their lack of options on the wing.
Everton willing to hand Bobby De Cordova-Reid a long-term contract
Cordova-Reid made 41 appearances for Fulham this season across all competitions, scoring six Premier League goals.
Of course, one of those goals sunk Dyche’s team at Goodison Park back in August, when Fulham stole a 1-0 win.
Alongside Everton’s interest, Cordova-Reid, who was labelled ‘outstanding’ by a former manager, enjoys admiration from abroad including clubs in the MLS, but the winger seems likely to remain in England this summer.
Cordova-Reid isn’t the only free agent Everton have been exploring a move for in recent weeks, and Lazio’s Daichi Kamada was reportedly of strong interest.
Abdoulaye Doucoure could play in a deeper role next season, opening up an opportunity for a new signing as a no.10.
However, Kamada has now agreed to join his former Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, meaning Everton will look elsewhere.
As mentioned, Amadou Onana still seems the most likely sale for Everton, given the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United have previously shown interest.
The club’s PSR struggles would be eased by such a move – but even so it would be a surprise if Everton entertained offers for Jarrad Branthwaite, who has become so crucial to Dyche’s progress.
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