Everton have been linked with targets across the globe as Rafa Benitez looks to make his first signing as manager.
With the start of Premier League on the horizon, the Spaniard will be hoping to bolster the Toffees squad ahead of his first season in charge.
Here, we take a look at the latest gossip and rate how likely the rumoured moves are to happening…
Who?
Thierry Small.
Where?
What?
Manchester United and Arsenal are said to be leading the chase to sign Everton’s 16-year-old left-back.
Small became the youngest player in Toffees history last season when he came on as a late substitute in a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup. Aged 16 and 176 days, he broke the record held by Jose Baxter by 15 days.
As The ECHO reported on Saturday, the offer of a professional contract remains on the table for the highly-rated youngster who will be eligible to put pen to paper when he turns 17 on August 1.
However, there are doubts whether he will sign and The Athletic report that Small has not returned to Everton training during Rafa Benitez’s first week with the club.
Bayern Munich are also said to be interested.
Who?
Matheus Nunes.
Where?
Sport Witness via Correio da Manha.
What?
Amid all of the managerial chatter before Benitez was appointed, Matheus Nunes’ name continually cropped up at the start of the summer as a potential player signing.
Since June and into July, various reports have stated a deal was close while others said Everton had cooled their interest.
Club sources dismissed the speculation that was around last month.
However, new reports coming from Portugal claim the Toffees could be in a transfer chain.
According to Correio da Manha, champions Sporting are waiting to sign Manuel Ugarte from Famalicao and won’t complete a deal until Matheus’ future is sorted.
The publication states the Brazilian’s possible switch to Everton is pending the approval of Benitez.
Who?
Allan Saint-Maximin.
Where?
What?
Everton are searching for a winger and a skilful player with pace would certainly fit the bill.
It’s encouraging to read then, that Benitez has been linked with going back to Newcastle to land the eccentric wideman.
Valued at around £60million, the 24-year-old is reportedly seen as an option amid doubts over Richarlison’s future.
According to Goal, Carlo Ancelotti has made contact with Richarlison over a switch to Real Madrid.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Benitez, before leaving St James’ Park, was against the Magpies signing Saint-Maximin in 2019 so could he really make a move?
