Everton are showing interest in James McAtee and Jack Grealish of Manchester City, according to Mark Douglas of The i Paper.
The Blues are prepared for a busy summer as a massive squad rebuild will be underway following several departures. The move to Hill Dickinson Stadium as well as growing optimism following David Moyes’ return are seen as opportunities to recruit players.
However, signing the Manchester City pair will be far from simple. “The i Paper understands that Everton are also very keen on Manchester City’s James McAtee, although he has plenty of options both in England and across a host of Bundesliga clubs,” the report said.
“There is also understandable interest in his teammate Jack Grealish, although there remains huge uncertainty about what kind of financial commitments that would require and that is on the backburner until City’s stance becomes clearer.”
The club is expected to hold a crucial recruitment meeting this week to define its targets more clearly. David Moyes is expected to play an important role along with chief executive Angus Kinnear. Transfer specialist Nick Hammond has begun his work in tandem with Kinnear and is also expected to join the meeting despite not having a permanent role in the club’s offices.
“Although there are funds to significantly reshape the squad, The i Paper understands that Everton intend to once again use the loan market – and will likely utilise both of their domestic loans,” the report further stated.
The Blues could also be open to two overseas loans, something which they also did last summer.
Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom, Armando Broja and Orel Mangala have all returned to their parent clubs following the conclusion of their loan spells at the club.
Jarrad Branthwaite “not for sale”, Everton make their position clear
According to the report, the Blues have also made it clear that young defender Jarrad Branthwaite is “not for sale” following interest from Chelsea in recent weeks. The 22-year-old has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs but under the new ownership, there is a strong determination to hold on to one of their key assets.
Moyes has also requested the club to resist offers for Branthwaite who has a contract until 2027. The Blues rejected two offers from Manchester United for the central defender last summer.