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Everton eye Fulham starlet but face Arsenal competition

By Parth Jhaveri

Everton's Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Everton at Bramall Lane stadium in Sheffield, northern England, on July 20, 2020. (Photo by PETER POWELL / various sources / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Images)
Everton's Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Everton at Bramall Lane stadium in Sheffield, northern England, on July 20, 2020. (Photo by PETER POWELL / various sources / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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As the Director of Football, Marcel Brands’ job is not only confined to improving the first team squad, signing players capable of turning the dream of European football into reality but also to transform the academy in a way that it continues to produce players that can become a mainstay in the senior team in the future.

Brands has taken his time to up the standards of the academy and sign some of the most exciting youngsters across Europe and continue to nurture them at Finch Farm. From his track record at PSV, one can make a safe bet that Brands knows the scouting circles well and is proficient in discovering young gems with prodigious potential. Gini Wijnaldum and Hirving Lozano are probably the most popular youngster signings by Brands from his time at PSV.

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The Dutchman replaced Steve Walsh as the Everton football director in 2018 with a vision to pace the European football dream for the first team and inject resources to also prepare for the future. Brands is an expert when it comes to picking young players and Everton fans will already attest the notion.

Jarrad Branthwaite and Niels Nkounkou are examples of smart signings. The duo have had their Everton senior team debuts under Carlo Ancelotti and have shown tremendous promise and flair in limited appearances. Branthwaite has been sent out on loan to Blackburn Rovers to continue his metamorphosis. Nkounkou’s explosive performances earlier in the season meant that he would continue to train with the first team and remain with the senior squad.

Everton in talks with Ibane Bowat

Everton and Marcel Brands are now eyeing another starlet who could follow the successful path of Branthwaite and Nkounkou. The Toffees are in talks to sign Fulham U-18 centre back Ibane Bowat who shot to prominence after helping the London side win the Southern Premier League last term.

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are interested in signing Bowat but face competition from four Premier League clubs. Arsenal, West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion also want the young defender whose deal is expiring in the summer. Fulham have already offered him a professional contract which he will be eligible to sign in June but the interest from four Premier League teams could be flattering.

Perhaps, Fulham’s Premier League status is still in danger which could be a decisive factor for Bowat in deciding his future. The Scotsman is also wanted abroad as FC Koln also initiated contact but the failure to agree terms with an intermediary meant that the Bundesliga outfit’s chase came to a dead end.

Everton first team is heavily stacked with central defence options in the team and do not need to further boost the squad depth in that department, which means, Bowat is being targeted for the future. With Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate, the Everton central defence is secured for seasons to come.

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If the Merseysiders manage to sign Ibane Bowat, he would be given the right incubation to progress and germinate until the time is fit for him to be promoted to the senior team. A number of clubs are behind the starlet and Everton won’t find an easy way to convince him but with Brands on the negotiation table, nothing can be ruled out.

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