Stuttgart attacker Nick Woltemade was a name thrown out as someone Everton were keeping an eye on earlier in the summer, but the rumors went out the window when it was starting to look like the inevitable was happening: the German star was heading to Bayern Munich. Because of course he was.
But now, things seem to have changed on that front, with multiple outlets indicating that the giant German club are pulling out of talks with Stuttgart over the player and that he will report to preseason training with his current club.
This is quite a turn, considering all the noise surrounding Woltemade after his dominating performance at the U21 Euros. He played in five matches and scored six times for his country, adding three assists en route to a spot in the tournament final, which they'd lose to England 3-2.
And so it seemed like only a matter of time before the massive clubs throughout Europe would come calling, but the player was set on remaining in Germany, which means there's was only one avenue out of Stuttgart that made any sense.
Well, now it looks like Everton could have a chance to shake things up a bit and add another exciting young talent alongside Thierno Barry, who officially began his time with the Toffees today.
No additional links have been made outside of Sebastien Vidal of Weekend Sports suggesting that Everton need to take advantage of Woltemade's sudden availability and try to convince him to leave Germany and come to Merseyside.
With Bayern turning their attention to Liverpool's Luis Diaz, the Woltemade ship truly seems to have sailed for the German club. It may be expensive for Everton to dive into this pool, but if their reported budget is to be believed, this is exactly the type of move that they should be eyeing.
There are other needs, yes, particuarly at right back, that have been exposed in the first two preseason matches. But if a player of this caliber is indeed available, Everton need to get involved.