Sources: Everton work on midfielder signing as David Moyes plan clear
Everton are working to add another midfielder to their squad before the 3 September transfer deadline, sources have told Football Insider.
The Toffees are in the market for a central midfield player who is ready to slot straight into their first-team and challenge for a place in the starting XI.
Hayden Hackney has already joined the club this summer, but it is understood that David Moyes also wants another new signing who is already proven in the Premier League.
However, sources say that the Merseysiders' budget for the deal is tight, after their moves for Hackney and Tyrique George earlier in the window.
That duo are currently Everton's only new additions to the squad so far this summer, while they also triggered their £18million option to keep loanee Merlin Rohl.
Moyes is not satisfied with his midfield options at the moment, and is working with the recruitment team to identify possible options to strengthen.
Everton short of central midfield options
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that James Garner faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the season after undergoing groin surgery.
The 25-year-old's injury lay-off is set to test the depth in a midfield group that is short of bodies at the moment.
Hayden Hackney, Tim Iroegbunam and Harrison Armstrong currently stand as the only senior options to operate at the base of the midfield, and the latter two have both been linked with moves away of late.
Idrissa Gueye has left the club upon the expiry of his contract, while Rohl has been used in an auxiliary right-back role so far in pre-season.
Moyes is adamant that he wants to get another body through the door in that area before the first game of the season on 22 August.
The Scotsman has several youthful options to choose from at the moment, but is planning to add a more experienced head who is already accustomed to the Premier League.
Iliman Ndiaye wants to leave Everton
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Iliman Ndiaye "wants to leave" Everton amid interest from Al Hilal.
The Toffees' star winger has already held talks with his agent regarding the move, and is understood to have been promised "huge" wages by the Saudi Pro League outfit.
Brown believes that Ndiaye has always viewed Everton as a "stepping stone," and feels that the club may be "forced" into selling him in the coming weeks.
The Senegal international is under contract on Merseyside until the summer of 2029, but is set to have eye-watering money put on the table for him in the Middle East.