Everton consider move to sign Celtic star after Jack Grealish update
Everton have enjoyed a strong start to the season so far despite having failed to win any of their last four games across all competitions.
West Ham held Everton to a 1-1 draw last time out, with the Toffees now having picked up two wins, two draws and two defeats in their opening six league games.
As a result, Moyes is not content to stop adding to his squad and building on their progress so far, with plans being put in place for the January transfer window.
Everton are tracking three new strikers to add to their squad amid concerns about the performances of Beto and Thierno Barry in the season’s early stages.
Another name who has emerged on the Toffees’ radar is Celtic star Daizen Maeda, who could leave Brendan Rodgers‘ side in January after being unsettled by interest in the summer.
Everton consider move to sign Daizen Maeda from Celtic
Football Insider revealed on 3 October that Maeda is open to leaving Celtic with a move to the Premier League seen as a tempting prospect.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Everton are undecided about pursuing the Japan international given he would ideally play in the same position as Jack Grealish, whose starting position is cemented under Moyes.
While the boss may opt to play Maeda as a centre-forward, a role he has featured in heavily for Celtic, a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium is considered unlikely as things stand.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I’m sure the player himself will be interested in a through the Premier League to play at the highest level possible.
“For Everton, it’s an interesting link because Maeda is probably best operating down the left wing, but Grealish is there right now as well and he isn’t going to get ahead of Grealish in that role.
“Obviously he has played up front as well and maybe that’s where Everton see him as a number nine rather than a wide forward as well.
“But for right now, think Celtic will be looking to keep hold of Maeda.
“It’s maybe something that might be revisited in the summer window, especially if the player is unsettled up in Glasgow. It might be best for everybody if there’s a parting of the ways.”
Rodger is believed to be reluctant to lose his star man amid ongoing frustrations at the board over their transfer market decision-making during the summer.
Everton plot permanent Jack Grealish swoop
Football Insider revealed on 31 August that Everton are already planning to land Grealish on a long-term deal after his tremendous start to life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees have a £50million option to buy at the end of his loan spell, but it is currently considered unlikely that they will complete a deal at that price.
Instead, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 16 September that Everton will negotiate a discounted price with Man City to land Grealish.
Football Insider revealed that Grealish will have to take a pay cut to join Everton permanently and is now prepared to do so to facilitate the move.
Since his move to the Toffees, the England international has picked up four assists in eight appearances and is beginning to get back to his best level.
For more Everton and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.