In the final hours of the winter transfer window, Everton are working hard to get a couple of deals over the line as Sean Dyche plans to reinforce the squad for the relegation battle. In what will come as a surprise, Everton are eyeing Manchester City midfielder, Kalvin Phillips.
The Toffees have been dealt a blow in the chase of Stade Rennais winger Kamaldeen Sulemana who prefers to go to Southampton instead of joining Everton. The Merseysiders had been working proactively to sign Sulemana and made progress when Rennais accepted a £22 million bid from Everton as well as Southampton. The 20 year old has chosen to sign for the Saints, leaving the Toffees stunned once again.
Everton are still to sign a player in January and despite being linked to a host of players, no new name has arrived at the gates of Finch Farm. Dyche was announced as the new manager yesterday and has started working on transfers. It appears that apart from attackers, the former Burnley man is also looking for midfield options.
Yesterday, the news of Everton wanting Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher emerged. In fact, the Toffees submitted a £40 million bid and were awaiting a response from Chelsea and Gallagher. The 22 year old rejected the idea of joining Everton and instead wants a move to a top six Premier League side.
Everton want Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips on loan
Today, another midfielder from a top six side has been linked to Everton. According to The Express, EFC have made an attempt to sign Manchester City midfielder Phillips on loan until the end of the season. The 27 year old signed for the Champions in the summer of 2022 and has had an injury troubled season. So far, the former Leeds United man has just made three Premier League appearances spanning 18 minutes.
Phillips has played just 165 minutes of football as he was out of the team for a large part of the season until now. There are no further updates about Phillips and Everton but this does indicate that Dyche is looking to fortify the midfield.
Perhaps, the same issue would arise with Phillips as it did with Gallagher. Even though on a loan deal, it remains to be seen if the Englishman would join a side that is in the midst of a relegation battle.
The Toffees have less than eight hours until the transfer window shuts still no player has arrived to strengthen the squad.
Will Kalvin Phillips join Everton?