Everton seem fully aware that they don’t currently have the necessary firepower available to David Moyes for next season.
Fortunately, Everton are set to sign Thierno Barry from Villarreal, but attacking additions won’t stop there as the club heads into a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Of course, attacking talent will be sought across the Premier League before the end of August, and Tottenham Hotspur are also on the hunt for fresh impetus up top.
New manager Thomas Frank has just held his first training session in N17, and Daniel Levy will now be fully up to date with the Dane’s plans and his desired direction for the squad.
And as the transfer window unfolds, both Everton and Tottenham might both end up competing for the same player, who’s just shone alongside Barry at the U21 Championships.
Everton in talks to sign Manchester City’s James McAtee
According to The i Paper, Everton are now in dialogue with Manchester City over a move for England U21 international James McAtee.
Now 22-years-old, McAtee has earned a strong reputation across the Premier League, despite only making 34 senior appearances for City.
And in his six appearances captaining Lee Carsley’s U21 side this summer, McAtee showed exactly why so many teams are keen to sign him from City.
According to the report, McAtee has interest from the Bundesliga, with Borussia Dortmund considering a move for another promising English talent.
But Moyes is also a ‘big admirer’ of McAtee’s talent and there have already been talks with City about a deal.
Of course, Tottenham have shown interest in McAtee this summer themselves, a player who they must have been planning to add for their new era under Frank.
The report suggests that any deal for McAtee this summer might cost around the £25m mark.
Pep Guardiola has spoken about James McAtee’s future
Speaking in April, City boss Pep Guardiola confessed that he would like McAtee to stay at the club for next season.
However, he did understand that might not be the preference of the 22-year-old, “For the age I would like him to stay,” Guardiola said.
“I understand, the players want more minutes. I understand that. I would like him to stay, he’s an Academy player, he knows the patterns, he’s a lovely person, a lovely guy.
“He trains really good, plays in different positions. I like him but with the squad, it’s how we finish and we will see.”
An exceptional young talent, and judging by the fact that McAtee only played 15 Premier League games last season, it does seem like an opportune time for change.