Everton are "looking" to complete the signing of a "brilliant" Premier League defensive midfielder before the end of the summer transfer window.
Moyes delighted after historic Everton victory
The Blues' first-ever competitive game at their new stadium couldn't have gone much better, following a 2-0 win against Brighton in the league on Sunday afternoon.
It was a proud day for Everton manager David Moyes, in terms of being in charge of the opening match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and he loved what he saw from his players and the fans.
"It was everything we wished for. We wanted a positive result today. We had a great atmosphere, a terrific new stadium. What I'm trying to do is hopefully give everybody a team which we can enjoy watching and be proud of. Today came close with their effort, their commitment.
"Some of the quality was very good, but there were other bits of it not so good. But, overall, really pleased with the result. [The atmosphere] was really good. I've got to say, we want to build on it. We have to build on it. We have to make sure that we've a stadium where, even when the game's a bit lulled, the supporters keep with us all the way."
Everton showed enough quality to suggest that they can enjoy a much-improved season in 2025/26, but that doesn't mean that further signings aren't needed this summer.
Everton "looking" to sign Yves Bissouma
Speaking to Football Insider, former scout turned transfer insider Mick Brown reports Everton still have Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma on their "radar" before the window closes next Monday.
"He’s a player Moyesy likes so I have no doubt he’s on their radar, especially if Tottenham are planning to listen to offers for him. I saw him play for Brighton against Wolves a couple of years ago and he didn’t put a foot wrong, he was brilliant and it was a really impressive performance. I don’t think he’s shown that since he’s been at Tottenham to be honest.
"Maybe the set-up there doesn’t work for him, I don’t know what it is. But a move somewhere like Everton might be what gets the best out of him, playing under David Moyes in more of a structured system. I think Tottenham have been open to letting him go, so if Everton are interested then there will be a deal to be done.
"They’re not the only side interested in him, but he’s also not the only player they’ve been looking at. If they decide he’s the one they want, it’s a deal that could work out for everybody."
The £55,000-a-week Bissouma is now a hugely experienced player with 191 Premier League appearances to his name, so he could be a shrewd addition for Everton, with 35-year-old Idrissa Gueye not able to play every week now.
At 28, the Spurs midfielder is at a good age to come straight in as a key man for the Blues, and the fact that he is struggling to be a prominent figure in north London means a move away could appeal.
Bissouma would be a slight risk, considering he has arguably tailed off at Spurs, as Brown alludes to, but if Moyes believes he can get the best out of the Mali international, The Freidkin Group should make a move for him.