‘Takefusa Kubo update emerges as Everton suffer major Dibling setback’
Everton have once again been linked with Takefusa Kubo amid reports that their move for Tyler Dibling has fallen apart.
The Toffees are on the lookout for new wingers after the loans of Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom ended, with Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil their only current senior wide options.
The latter has performed well as a No.10 in recent months, further highlighting David Moyes’ need.
Tyler Dibling emerged as a major target, but Everton have seen an offer of £40million rejected, with Southampton countering with £45million, plus £5m in add-ons and a 25% sell-on clause.
Everton are understood to see that as far too steep for a player who only has 33 games under his belt in the Premier League to date, and are now considering other options.
Everton linked with Takefusa Kubo again
Kubo hasn’t dominated the headlines, but he is a name that has been whispered alongside Everton for some time now.
And the Japan international is being touted as an option for the Toffees once again, with Everton insider and former club employee Alan Myers revealing interest remains in the player from the blue half of Merseyside.
| Real Sociedad stats | Takefusa Kubo |
| Appearances | 137 |
| Goals | 23 |
| Assists | 15 |
Even at just 24 years old himself, Kubo is a far more experienced prospect than Dibling, clocking up 137 appearances for Real Sociedad to date, notching 23 goals and 15 assists along the way — not to mention seven goals in 44 caps for his country.
Kubo still has three years left to run on his contract and won’t come cheap, but he is a proven commodity and has the speed, skill and end product to seriously level up Moyes’ attack.
Everton ramp up Grealish interest
Even if Everton sign Kubo, they’ll need another winger, and Jack Grealish is feeling more and more like a realistic option for them.
The Toffees are understood to be pushing to sign the 39-time England international on loan after he has fallen out of favour at the Etihad Stadium, though even that won’t come cheap with Man City demanding a high salary contribution and loan fee.
Even so, it will still be more cost-effective in the short term for Everton, who are attempting a serious rebuild as they move into a new stadium.
Everton could face competition from the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham for Grealish’s signature.
However, the 29-year-old has the perfect skillset to thrive under Moyes, who backs himself to re-ignite the former Aston Villa man’s career.
It’s been a frustrating window so far for Everton, but the best may yet be ahead of them.