Alan Myers issues Kenny Tete to Everton update after Fulham hijack attempt
Everton have been battling to complete the signing of Kenny Tete with the right-back’s contract at Fulham due to expire this summer, and their chances of signing the 29-year-old have now emerged.
The Toffees have plenty of work to do in the summer transfer window, as they prepare for a move to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock.
Everton went into the summer transfer window with just 14 senior players under contract, emphasising the need for them to make new signings in a variety of positions.
One of those areas that they need to strengthen is at right-back, although they now appear to have missed out on one target for that role in the form of Tete.
Fulham in line to keep Kenny Tete
It had been reported that Everton were in talks to complete the signing of Tete this summer, as they looked to strengthen on the right-hand side of their defence.
The Dutchman was due to be out of contract at the end of this month, after spending the last five years with Fulham.
However, according to a new update from Sky Sports journalist Alan Myers’ it is now unlikely that Everton will be signing Tete ahead of next season.
Instead, the 29-year-old is expected to redo terms with Fulham, after the Cottagers moved in to agree a fresh contract with the right-back.
Everton dealt a blow with new update
Football Insider Verdict
There is no denying that this will be seen as a significant setback by those connected with the Toffees, given their need for a new right-back, and the fact Tete is proven in that role at this level.
Everton have been tipped to make ten signings in the remaining ten weeks of the window, but they will not want to risk leaving those until the last minute.
Getting a solid signing such as Tete done now, would therefore have been a strong start to the summer business in terms of incomings.
His availability on a free would also have been useful, in terms of helping to keep funds available to invest on other potential targets as well.
Of course, Everton have been linked with other right-backs such as Kyle Walker at Man City, so they do still have options to strengthen in that position.
But if they do miss out on Tete, the pressure will be on to find another option who will be just as good an option for David Moyes‘ side.