With two signings tied up, and another just around the corner, Everton are getting business done early.
Tim Iroegbunam represents the acquisition of a young, promising midfielder, whilst regaining Jack Harrison on loan sees someone familiar with Sean Dyche’s setup return for little cost.
And with Iliman Ndiaye having recently had his Everton medical, an announcement is surely imminent on that front too.
However, despite this action-packed start to the summer, Kevin Thelwell is still pushing for more.
Ironically enough, one of his targets is in turn pushing to join the Toffees too.
Yankuba Minteh still wants to join Everton
The latest comes courtesy of Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, who has offered an update on Everton’s pursuit of Newcastle United winger Yankuba Minteh.
Whilst negotiations seemed to be going swimmingly, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin expected to leave and free up the necessary funds, that deal falling through in turn scuppered Thelwell’s efforts to acquire the Gambian.
That was, after reports emerged stating that Minteh saw Everton as his priority destination.
Well, that stance seemingly has not shifted despite interest and a bid from Lyon, as this report states: ‘Market news at Newcastle: Yankuba Minteh, Feyenoord striker on loan from the English club, wants to go to Everton, a club with which he has already found an agreement.
‘Meanwhile, Lyon have submitted a 40 million offer to the English club for the Gambian player. Newcastle, which will have to make divestitures by the end of the month, are pushing for the striker to go and play in France.
‘Minteh himself, however, has not changed his mind at the moment and would like to go to Everton.’
A turning point summer for Everton?
After so many years of sacrificing their best players in favour of financial parity, at last it seems that Toffees are done being slaves to PSR.
Having acted with caution and sustainability ever since Thelwell entered the building, they have earned a summer where they can spend a little without having to desperately sell stars like Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana for under their market value.
And should these new acquisitions prove to be successes, this summer will be remembered as the turning point, where Everton finally went from a side just happy to stay in the Premier League to a true stalwart of the division capable of beating anyone on their day.
With each new signing, they move closer to that goal, and Minteh would only bolster their efforts as well as emphasise the pulling power this historic institution still boasts.