‘Everton leapfrog Leeds in race to sign incredible forward’
Everton are currently leading the race to sign West Brom forward Tom Fellows this summer despite rival interest from Leeds United.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former Leeds and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained that the Toffees laid the groundwork for signing the 21-year-old in the January transfer window.
Leeds, meanwhile, are planning more ambitious signings to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League, with Fellows on their list of options.
Football Insider revealed that Everton are well-placed to sign Fellows as David Moyes is determined to strengthen with younger talents in the wide areas.
The England Under-21 international has been a long-term target for the Toffees after they agreed terms with him in January, but were unable to reach an agreement with the Baggies.
However, Robinson told Football Insider on 19 July that West Brom could try to keep Fellows as Ryan Mason eyes behind-the-scenes talks over a new contract.
Everton rival Leeds in race to sign Tom Fellows
After an “incredible” season in which the winger recorded 14 assists and scored four goals in 45 league appearances, he has attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs.
Former West Ham scout and close David Moyes ally Mick Brown told Football Insider in February that Everton are prepared to complete Fellows’ signing in the summer.
Now, Robinson has explained that the Toffees are at the front of the queue for his signature but he will likely cost a “big fee” if he is to leave The Hawthorns.
“He was heavily linked with the move in January,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s 21, and if you look at his attacking stats this season in terms of goals and assists, 14 assists is incredible in a team that finished ninth in the Championship.
“Leeds, I’m not surprised that they’re in for him.
“In all honesty, their recruitment has been underwhelming so far in this window.
“Looking at what Sunderland have done, they’ve got some big players in and recruited heavily.
“Leeds have bolstered their defence, so I’m hoping they’re building from the floor upwards.
“Tom Fellows would fit that bill, he’d be a great signing, but Everton are ahead because of where they were in January with him.
“I do think he’ll go in this window because of the length of his contract.
“This is where West Brom are going to get a big fee for him.”
Nottingham Forest lead Toffees in race for Jacob Ramsey
While Everton are believed to be leading the race to sign Fellows, they have fallen behind Premier League rivals in the race for Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey.
Football Insider revealed on 20 July that Nottingham Forest are leading the race for Ramsey despite the Toffees planning an ambitious move to strengthen their squad.
Forest would be prepared to move ahead of rivals for his signature, with the allure of European football and willingness to spend big giving them an advantage.
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 18 July that Aston Villa could accept £50million for Ramsey, with Morgan Gibbs-White’s exit potentially facilitating the move.
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