Why Everton must pull out all the stops to get Barcelona deal done
Everton are reportedly keen on signing Barcelona's Hector Fort as David Moyes accelerates plans to sign a new right-back.
Toffees fans are crying out for a new right-back signing as they grow restless at their lack of depth in the position right now.
Jake O'Brien emerged as Moyes' first-choice option there last season despite naturally being a centre-back, with Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson deputising.
Coleman's exit and Patterson's likely departure both mean that a new arrival in the position is the absolute priority for Everton as it stands.
A new report from journalist Seb Vidal states that the Toffees are interested in signing Barcelona defender Fort to bolster their depth on the right of the backline.
Fulham and Inter Milan are also keeping tabs on his availability as it stands, so Everton will have to move quickly to get a deal done.
Is Hector Fort the answer to Everton's right-back woes?
Fort joined Barcelona's La Masia academy at the age of seven and progressed through every age group to make his senior debut in 2023.
He made a real impact on loan at Elche last season as they avoided relegation from La Liga by one point, with three goals and two assists in 17 appearances.
The 20-year-old ranked highly for several statistics when compared to other La Liga full-backs, proving why he would be a smart signing for the Toffees.
He registered two more goal contributions than O'Brien last season despite playing approximately 2,600 fewer minutes.
He registered better pass accuracy per 90, (25.2 to 23), more successful dribbles per 90 (1.49 to 0.17) and more accurate long balls per 90 (1.49 to 1.18) than O'Brien too.
The Irishman was a better tackler in his respective top flight, and made more clearances, but Fort made more blocks per 90 (0.93 to 0.09), interceptions per 90 (1.12 to 0.43) and won possession more often in the final third per 90 (0.75 to 0.17).
O'Brien is five inches taller than Fort and registered a slower top speed and fewer sprints per 90 than the Barcelona youngster, which may also point to why Moyes is keen on his services.
Which other right-backs have Everton been linked to?
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Celtic's Alistair Johnston wants to join Everton, but their interest has cooled with the two clubs apart on his valuation as it stands.
Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz was linked to the Blues on Monday, while West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also been mooted to move to Merseyside.
RB Leipzig's Ridle Baku has also emerged as a target, so it is clear that the club know they must make a signing soon before the season kicks off in 10 days time.