Everton lay groundwork to sign multiple British rising stars – O’Rourke
Everton are aiming to sign young, British stars as part of a new recruitment focus, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that David Moyes is the driving force behind the new transfer plan after seeing success with it in the past.
Everton’s ultimate aim is to bring young players to Goodison Park and have them develop into stars in the starting XI, giving them the platform to develop.
However, it will also allow them to become more financially stable if they are able to sign players for low fees before selling for huge profits.
Their focus will also rest on picking up talents from the Championship and EFL divisions, similar to previous deals to sign the likes of Tim Cahill and Phil Jagielka.
Moyes also saw success with this plan during his time at West Ham, poaching Jarrod Bowen from Hull City, who went on to secure European silverware for the Hammers.
Everton transfer plans laid out after David Moyes decision
Everton are confident this new plan could set them up both in terms of improving and bolstering Moyes’ squad, but for years into the future.
A new focus on developing British talents at the club is set to begin in the summer, but work is already underway behind the scenes to identify targets.
They have had previous success recruiting from lower divisions including in recent years, with the likes of John Stones, Jordan Pickford and Abdoulaye Doucoure arriving from Championship sides.
This will work in tandem with the academy setup at Finch Farm, as they aim to find the next Anthony Gordon, Ross Barkley or Wayne Rooney to bring into the side.
Those three academy stars rank inside the Toffees’ top 15 record sales, with Gordon’s sale to Newcastle providing a crucial cash injection during their difficult financial spell.
David Moyes to reignite Tom Fellows interest in summer
One player who fits perfectly into Moyes’ new transfer plans is West Brom star Tom Fellows, who has attracted interest from the Toffees among multiple Premier League sides.
Everton missed out on a deadline-day deal to sign the 21-year-old in the mid-season window, despite having agreed personal terms with the player.
Football Insider revealed on 7 February that they are now planning to reignite that interest in the summer, when the Baggies’ asking price is expected to become more achievable.
Fellows has been one of the Championship’s most impressive young players this season, notching ten assists from his 30 appearances – the most in the division.
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.