One week to go: Everton's transfer window checklist

(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

In a week’s time, on September 1, the summer transfer window will slam shut (it always has to slam shut, it can never just close gradually).

And while Everton have addressed some of their needs, they are still lacking in some key areas, and they still have plenty of work to do.

Angus Kinnear claimed 70% of the Premier League’s deals get done in the final week of the transfer window. I’m not particularly sure on the accuracy of his claim, but it will certainly be a busy time for lots of clubs.

Everton need to be busy too, so with a week to go, here’s what still needs to happen.

BUY A RIGHT-BACK

This can’t get any more obvious. It’s already dragged on far too long — Kinnear can dress it up how he likes, it’s a failure that a right-back is not already through the door.

David Moyes, in his post-match press conference after the win over Crystal Palace, said Everton want to ensure they get a quality option in that position, but it simply should not have taken so long. 

They cannot allow this situation to drag on into deadline day, either. Kinnear has said a right-back will come in, and the club must get it done.

MOVE ON SOME FRINGE PLAYERS

Tim Iroegbunam seemed as if he could be on his way to Hull City, but the Tigers are keen to structure a deal heavily in their favour, and have used a minor injury to the midfielder to support that negotiation target.

Everton are open to moving Iroegbunam on for the right fee, and the correct structure of a deal, and I still see this as one that’s likely to get done, whether it’s to Hull or another team.

Carlos Alcaraz is also up for grabs. I like Charly, he’s got plenty of talent and drive, but Moyes just does not seem to trust him. There has, however, been a significant lack of interest in the playmaker so far, but I would not be at all surprised if a loan move, perhaps with an obligation or option to buy, comes to fruition late in the day.

Nathan Patterson simply must be sold. I don’t know what Everton are waiting for. Moyes isn’t going to play him, so what’s the point? Let the lad move on.

That trio are the main fringe players who could move on without impacting the squad too much.

LOAN OUT AZNOU

Adam Aznou was a notable absentee from Everton’s squad against Palace. No reason was given for his absence, either.

It’s a huge shame, as Aznou has impressed in pre-season and, in my book, should have made the bench ahead of Patterson, given the Scot is so clearly up for sale.

But it goes to prove the point that Aznou, right now, is not seen as ready for Premier League football, fairly or unfairly.

And if he isn’t going to get some minutes, then he needs to be out on loan and playing regularly, which means Everton making a call and getting a temporary switch sorted in the coming days.

They’ll then need to go and bolster their left-back options, but that needs to happen anyway, as this should be Vitaliy Mykolenko’s final season at the club.

SHIFT BETO IF POSSIBLE

Beto will never get any criticism from me for his effort or endeavour, or his desire to do well for Everton.

However, he is 28 and has just a year left on his deal, though Everton do reportedly hold an option to extend his contract by a further season.

But really, Everton should be looking to cash in on Beto now, and that could open the door to bring in a forward who actually plays like they have the experience of a 28- or 29-year-old, which Beto simply does not do more often than not.

Beto is a good finisher and between February and May, he seems to turn into a different beast, but his all-round game is lacking and that can really hamper Everton’s build-up play.

If a good offer comes in, say in the £17-20M region, then Everton should cash in, albeit they will have to ensure a quality replacement is lined up.

MAKE A CALL ON GREALISH AND NDIAYE 

I’m of the view that if Jack Grealish is to come back, then it will not necessarily mean that Iliman Ndiaye leaves the club.

However, if Ndiaye is to leave, then let’s put it this way — I don’t see another winger coming in on top of Grealish.

Grealish featured as Manchester City came from 1-0 down to beat Bournemouth 2-1 on Sunday, but the feeling is he is still very much up for grabs.

Perhaps City will change their tune, but if Everton want him, which they clearly do, at least on loan, then the deal is probably there to be done right up until the end.

I’d be all for Grealish coming back, but the points about a potential move then blocking the pathway of Tyrique George or Tyler Dibling are fair.

If it is a case of Ndiaye out, Grealish in, then there would be no pathways being blocked, because really, George and Dibling should not be starting every game anyway. 

But, losing Ndiaye at this point would seem a bit of a sickener, especially to a Premier League rival, which would likely be the case.

City have been credited with interest, and you’d imagine Ndiaye’s name may be brought up in relation to talks over Grealish, while Arsenal and Manchester United are also fans of the Senegal international. Aston Villa, too, could be ones to watch, albeit the same could be said when it comes to Grealish.

What Everton must do when it comes to Ndiaye is set a clear deadline and a high benchmark. 

As Moyes has said, it would take an “outrageous” offer for Everton to come to the table. Well, Kinnear and Co. must make sure that it really is an outrageous fee — nothing less than £70M should be considered at this stage of the summer.

Read more - Selling Jake O'Brien would be a step in the wrong direction for Everton

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