Everton are looking to make a statement signing in the summer transfer window, having set their sights on an “incredible” Crystal Palace star.
Toffees making summer plans with new Moyes contract in pipeline
The Toffees signed off in perfect fashion before the international break, defeating Chelsea 3-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which leaves David Moyes’ side firmly in European contention, given that they are just three points behind fifth-place Liverpool.
Although the Friedkin Group initially viewed Moyes as a short-term appointment, there is now a belief he is the right man for the job on a longer basis, and formal talks about a new deal are set to take place at the end of the campaign.
The Scot is set to be given the opportunity to play a more prominent role in recruitment, should he commit to a new deal, and Moyes has already confirmed he wants Jack Grealish to remain on Merseyside beyond the end of the campaign.
When asked whether he envisages Grealish playing under him next season, the 62-year-old said: “Yes I do. I am still giving him the electric prod – keep going – and making sure I am getting more out of him every week.
“He is not too old but he is getting to the wrong age. He has to keep showing what he is capable of. The biggest thing for me is that he has been getting through the games. I have not been feeling like I need to take him off.”
However, with Moyes’ side scoring just 37 goals this season, which is the fewest of any top-half side, they are looking to inject some fresh quality into the attack this summer.
Everton plotting statement signing of Crystal Palace star
According to a report from Sports Boom, Everton are now plotting a major move for Crystal Palace star Ismaila Sarr, and they are preparing an opening bid of €30m (£26m), although it could take as much as £55m – £60m to tempt the Eagles into a sale.
The Eagles would be willing to negotiate Sarr’s exit, should they receive offers in that ballpark, but they remain in a strong negotiating position for the time being, as the forward is under contract until 2029.
Palace teammate Will Hughes may be very disappointed if the Senegal international moves on this summer, recently saying: “A couple of lads said Ismaila Sarr is phenomenal. He’s so underrated. Not only in our team I think, but in football in general. What he produces week in, week out, over a number of years now. It’s been incredible really.”
Indeed, the 28-year-old has now proven himself across several seasons in the Premier League, chipping in with 25 goals and 16 assists in the competition during spells with Palace and Watford.
However, £60m would be a huge price to pay for Sarr, who lacks experience at a top club, and paying a fee in that region would make the £70k-a-week forward the most expensive signing in Everton’s history.
Everton’s most expensive signings of all time
The Toffees’ biggest arrivals in their history.