Everton Exclusive: David Moyes ‘pushing hard for big-name return’
David Moyes has been a driving force behind Everton attempting to hire Brighton’s David Weir as their new sporting director.
The 54-year-old captained Everton during Moyes’ first spell as manager, made 266 appearances for the club, and remains a fans-favourite on Merseyside.
He then returned to Goodison Park in a coaching capacity with the club’s reserve and academy sides and now looks set for a third spell at the club.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 20 February that Everton are in advanced talks to appoint Weir and a deal is believed to be close.
Moyes is now said to be “pushing hard” to reach a full agreement after extensive behind-the-scenes talks and negotiations between all parties.
This is according to Football Insider journalist Connor Humm, who explained that the Toffees are keen to establish a more structured approach.
Everton looking to push forward after David Weir deal agreed
Everton are looking to establish a culture and vision behind-the-scenes at the club under The Friedkin Group’s ownership, after their struggles in recent years.
Weir’s appointment alongside Moyes and attempts to land Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear, ahead of the move to the Bramley Moore Dock Stadium, is set to represent the ushering-in of a new and ambitious era.
The ultimate goal is to see the club returned to former glories after recent struggles with relegation, with their last Europa League campaign coming in the 2017-18 season.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Humm explained that Weir will play a key role in steering them in the right direction.
“Moyes apparently has been pushing quite hard for it,” he told Football Insider.
“He wants him as they worked together back in the day when Weir played for Everton, so there’s a relationship there between them already.
“He’s got a decent track record at Brighton.
“It looks like it’s going to get done, it’s not done yet but there have been a lot of positive talks.
“That’s going to be a big one for Everton to get him over the line. He’ll help get them on a better track.
“When you look at the last three or four years, they’ve been around relegation, and a club that size should not be in that position.
“They’ve got the new stadium and everything now, they’re getting everything set behind the scenes to push forward and get back to where they were.
“They want to be challenging for Champions League and Europa League spots.
“So getting Weir in will be a big move for Everton.”
David Moyes spearheading new Everton set-up
As well as Moyes’ work behind-the-scenes to bring Weir to Goodison Park, the manager is also helping to oversee a new direction for the transfer department.
Football Insider revealed on 9 February that the manager is aiming to sign young, British stars as part of a new recruitment focus which has worked for him in the past.
The aim will be to help the players develop into elite talents at Everton before they either establish themselves in the starting XI or can be moved on for a significant profit.
Moyes has had previous success in that department, notably with West Ham star Jarrod Bowen in recent years who signed from Hull and went on to lift European silverware with the Hammers.
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