Everton at now or never stage with Lutsharel Geertruida interest amid Sunderland U-turn
Everton have to act now if they want to secure the signing of Lutsharel Geertruida, with Sunderland now lining up a move to sign him permanently.
The RB Leipzig loanee has been a big part of the success at the Stadium of Light this term, as he started 17 Premier League games to help his loan club into the Europa League.
However, the Black Cats had shown little desire to trigger their option to sign the Dutchman permanently, prompting Everton to make their interest known.
Sunderland have now undergone a total U-turn in their stance on the 25-year-old, and have opened talks with Leipzig about a permanent deal, according to Keith Downie.
Geertruida is due to return to Germany when his loan spell officially expires at the end of June, but Regis Le Bris and Co. are now trying to prevent that.
News of Sunderland's change of heart simply must spark the Toffees into action if they still want to win the race for Geertruida.
Lutsharel Geertruida wants Premier League stay amid Everton links
Everton and Aston Villa have both been linked with moves for Geertruida in recent weeks, after reports in Germany suggested that he would be leaving Sunderland as planned.
The Merseysiders got a first-hand taste of the quality that the right-back can provide in the penultimate game of their league season, when he starred in Sunderland's 3-1 win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
David Moyes and Co. have clearly been impressed by the ex-Feyenoord man this term, and had lined up plans for him to solve their right-back issues ahead of 2026-27.
However, the possibility of them securing a deal is now hanging by a thread, with Sunderland in talks over a move to trigger their £18million purchase option.
Football Insider revealed back in May that Geertruida would welcome the chance to stay in the Premier League this summer, and would consider any offers that came his way.
Everton must now move quickly to present themselves as a genuine alternative option to a return to Sunderland, otherwise the Black Cats will surely have a clear route to a deal.
Everton have added new right-back to summer shortlist
Everton have considered countless different right-back options in recent months, and Atalanta's Raoul Bellanova is the latest man to join their shortlist.
Reports in Italy have suggested that there is a growing market for the 26-year-old in the Premier League, with the Toffees one of his strongest suitors at the moment.
Bellanova started 15 games in Serie A last term and contributed one assist, a far cry from last season's efforts, which saw him notch nine assists.
Moyes and Co. are keen on the quality that the Italian provides, and he is currently seen as a leading contender to fill their right-back slot next term.