Everton are doing everything they can to strengthen their squad in this transfer window as they try to avoid cashing in on their best talent to comply with financial rules.
The Toffees have signed Iliman Ndiaye, Tim Iroegbunam and Jesper Lindstrom, but have so far had a good run of form in this transfer window. The big-money sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa, plus the departures of Ben Godfrey and Lewis Dobbin, have left them in a healthy position so far.
Sean Dyche could soon be looking to add defensive reinforcements in the form of Lyon player Jake O’Brien, who could be a central defensive partner or replacement for Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite. Whether the latter stays or not, the squad looks stronger than it was at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Now, there is the question of whether they will look to strengthen their midfield by betting on Kalvin Phillips.
All the latest Premier League club news | Premier League team fixtures for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings
Could Everton sign Kalvin Phillips?
According Insider information about footballPhillips has told Manchester City he does not want another loan away from the Etihad Stadium, having struggled during a brief spell with West Ham last season.
The same publication says City are willing to accept offers of £20 million ($25.7 million) to prise the England international from their squad, with both Everton and Aston Villa interested in the player.
10.2 – Kalvin Phillips won possession back for his side an average of 10.2 times per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season; the highest average of any player with more than 900 minutes played. Safety. photo.twitter.com/j7V9IaFnu8
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 4, 2022
However, it is claimed that Everton and Villa would prefer a loan deal to a permanent transfer, meaning any deal is likely to be tricky.
Phillips is likely to have more assurance of regular first-team football at Goodison Park given Onana is now at Villa, but the lure of the Champions League could be tempting.
It seems a deal worth considering for Dyche given the low potential fee for a player City bought for an initial £42 million ($54.2m) just two years ago.
