Exclusive: Everton had ‘four players all ready to sign’ on deadline day
Everton had deals for four players lined up and ready to sign on transfer deadline day, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Toffees’ January business was heavily restricted by profit and sustainability constraints which limited the deals they were able to do.
Ultimately, they were able to complete the loan signing of Flamengo midfielder Charly Alcaraz, 22, which includes a £16.5million future fee if he makes eight appearances.
The expectation is that his loan move will become permanent in the summer, with his Premier League experience and energy in midfield valued by David Moyes.
Everton had also prioritised a move to sign a striker during the transfer window to bolster their options up front, but failed to find the right man.
West Brom winger Tom Fellows was close to making a late move to Goodison Park, but they were unable to find an agreement before the deadline, as Football Insider revealed.
Everton miss out on late January transfer flurry after PSR twist
Moyes had eyed a potentially busy transfer window after taking over from Sean Dyche at the start of the month, while new owners The Friedkin Group were prepared to back the new boss.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 29 January that there was room within the PSR constraints to get deals over the line on deadline day.
However, they were ultimately unable to find agreements which worked for the club in the positions Moyes wanted to strengthen.
Leaving the deals until late in the window restricted the opportunity for Everton to get deals over the line, despite their efforts on deadline day.
Alcaraz’s arrival from Flamengo, though, has filled a key position in the side as they looked to add energy, tenacity and dynamism to their midfield.
Chelsea star available for ‘reduced price tag’ after January twist
One player Everton were heavily linked to throughout the January transfer window was Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, as he is no longer part of Enzo Maresca’s plans.
West Ham are said to have retained an interest in his signature, while a number of clubs including Everton will join the race as a result of their long-standing interest.
Chelsea are keen on securing a permanent move for the 26-year-old, and clubs will be expected to match a reduced asking price as they will be more free to spend in the summer.
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