Three Everton targets being considered after Tyler Dibling setback
Everton’s push for Southampton talent Tyler Dibling appears to have reached an impasse.
The Toffees are keen admirers of the teenage winger, who registered four goals and three assists in 38 appearances across all competitions last season — despite the Saints suffering a horrendous campaign.
However, as reported by David Ornstein, Everton’s latest bid of £40million has been rejected. Southampton have countered with £45m, plus £5m in add-ons and a 25% sell-on clause — a huge amount for a player who has just 33 games of Premier League experience.
Everton now look set to walk away from negotiations and pursue other targets, so who are the alternatives?
Malick Fofana (Lyon)
Malick Fofana has attracted attention from Liverpool in recent months, owing to a sensational 2024/25 campaign in which he registered 11 goals and five assists in 41 appearances across all competitions for Lyon.
However, the Reds look more focused on getting Alexander Isak over the line before possibly pursuing a deal for Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo.
But there’s a lot of uncertainty around Lyon right now, and there’s every chance Fofana could follow Rayan Cherki out of the exit door.
Fofana has already been mentioned as an alternative target to Dibling for Everton, and the idea of him lining up alongside Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil behind Thierno Barry should be an exciting one for supporters.
Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)
While not dominating the headlines, whispers of Takefusa Kubo being an Everton target have persisted for a while now, and they’ve cropped up once again.
Everton insider Alan Myers has once again listed Kubo of interest to the Toffees this summer, alongside the likes of Fofana, James McAtee and others.
| Real Sociedad stats | Takefusa Kubo |
| Appearances | 137 |
| Goals | 23 |
| Assists | 15 |
The former Real Madrid youngster would certainly be a more proven option for David Moyes, having notched 23 goals and 15 assists in 137 appearances across all competitions for Real Sociedad — including scoring five times in La Liga last season.
Kubo still has four years to run on his Sociedad contract and is only 24 years old, so there’s every chance he will cost a similar price to Dibling. It could come down to whether or not Moyes feels he can translate his La Liga form to the Premier League as a more ready-made option than the Southampton youngster.
Jack Grealish (Man City)
Jack Grealish is the winger who has arguably been linked to Everton more than any other this summer.
It’s going to be a complicated deal to get done, with Grealish commanding a very high salary, and Man City demanding a large fee even just for a loan.
However, the 39-time England international has the perfect skillset to play under David Moyes, who is understood to be confident in getting the best back out of the winger.
Everton could face competition from the likes of West Ham and Newcastle for Grealish this summer, not to mention former club Aston Villa.
But he would represent a major statement of intent if they can get it over the line as the Toffees move to their new stadium.
And with this one being a loan deal, there’s every chance Everton will still move for someone like Fofana or Kubo, even after signing Grealish.