Everton’s summer activity has been rather barren thus far, but that could now be all about to change.
With their shaky finances and two big international tournaments ongoing, there seemed to be far too many barriers in the way for Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell to navigate through the market with the intelligence and ease the require given the restrictions they face.
However, it seems they have now settled on one target, and are now closing in on their first acquisition of the summer.
Everton closing in on Tim Iroegbunam
That’s according to journalist John Townley, who has now revealed to Birmingham World that the Toffees are in advanced talks to sign Aston Villa youngster Tim Iroegbunam.
The 20-year-old was used sparingly last campaign by the Villans, but remains a hugely promising prospect capable of bursting into the Premier League soon.
However, we are yet to learn the price that Everton will likely pay, although can assume it will not be anything too lofty.
The report reads: ‘Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sell midfielder Tim Iroegbunam to Everton.
‘The 20-year-old is free to leave Villa Park this summer three years after joining the club from West Brom. He spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Queens Park Rangers, but struggled for minutes under Unai Emery last season.’
Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Amadou Onana, and the two deals could end up being connected once Belgium’s Euros campaign ends.
Who is Tim Iroegbunam?
The young midfielder, who traded West Bromwich Albion for Villa Park in 2022, has been regarded as a hugely exciting Birmingham-born talent for many years now.
Coming up alongside Louie Barry, who went on to join Barcelona briefly, it is a measure of his bright future that Steven Gerrard rated him supremely highly during his short and ill-fated stint with the club.
The Liverpool legend noted, just two years ago: ‘Tim Iroegbunam, I’ve spoken before about, he was the most ready to come in and help us.
‘Dougie was on a yellow card and I didn’t want to go down to 10 men because it was important we stopped the losing run, it was important we kept a clean sheet and I thought Tim was terrific today.
‘He played with calmness and maturity and he’s going to be looking at me all week for more game time now. He’s a top professional. He’s in the gym before training, he’s in the gym after.
‘He needs to come out of his shell, he needs to find his voice because now he’s in men’s football and we think the world of him, he’s got a big future here. But it’s my job to keep managing his game time, to prepare him for a big career.’
With 19 senior appearances for Aston Villa under his belt at the top level, and plenty more having spent a spell on loan with Queens Park Rangers, his form and pedigree even earned him a call-up to the England U20s setup.
A move to Everton could see him afforded ample time to develop and break into a first-team where the level is far lower than his current club, and might prove a shrewd acquisition for Dyche.