‘James McAtee has just been seen at a Liverpool hotel, a very good Everton source tells me’
James McAtee could be the first of a huge number of incomings at Everton before the transfer window slams shut.
Earlier this month, Football Insider exclusively revealed that McAtee is planning to quit Manchester City on a permanent basis this summer.
The 22-year-old was pushed further down the pecking order at the Etihad by the arrivals of Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, and wants to leave City for the good of his development.
David Moyes’ side have been linked with the England under-21 captain, and a bid of £25million should be enough to secure his services.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – revealed that he has been told by a very good source that McAtee was recently seen at a hotel in Liverpool, potentially discussing a move to the Toffees.
Everton set for ‘very busy’ transfer window
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that the Toffees could bring in as many as eight new signings before the end of the window.
Football Insider exclusively revealed last month (18 June) that Everton plan to back David Moyes in the transfer market with a budget of around £70million.
Wyness added that it was going to be a “very busy summer” at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “We know that there’s going to be up to about eight incomings, which is a lot, but I think we’re going to see that. I think they’re busy.
“I had a very good source of mine tell me that James McAtee was seen at a hotel in Liverpool recently. It’s one of those classic stories that you read about all the time, was last seen in a baker’s shop near the stadium.
“It did come from a reliable source. So there may well have been negotiations going on there, and I hope there have been.
“There’s been a lot of talk about different players. I think we’re going to see about eight different players coming in, plus things like a backup goalkeeper, and all those sorts of positions. It’s going to be a very busy summer at Hill Dickinson Stadium.”
Ashley Young to join Everton’s Premier League rivals
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed that Ashley Young is unlikely to remain in the Premier League next season.
Young left Everton last month following the expiration of his contract and despite being 40 years old, has no plans to retire.
However, sources say that the former Manchester United man may be forced to drop down to the Championship in order to find a new club.
The full-back is also expected to have offers from abroad, but is happy to make the move to the second tier of English football.
For more Everton and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.