In what would be quite the move, Everton are now reportedly plotting a late hijack to sign an Argentina international ahead of Crystal Palace, having already held talks.
Moyes “will relish” transfer control
Following Kevin Thelwell’s move to become Rangers’ new sporting director, Everton are yet to appoint a replacement and that could yet leave David Moyes pulling the strings on the transfer front. That’s at least according to Keith Wyness, who worked closely with the manager during his first stint at the club as CEO.
Wynnes told Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast: “I’m still concerned about the recruitment team. We still haven’t got the whole team in place, and Thelwell and Purdy have moved on.
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The Frenchman left the club at the end of the season.
“But in a funny way, this will play right into Moyes’s hands. Having worked with him for so many years, I know he will relish the ability to have control over most of the signings and he does know what he’s doing.
“There’s no doubt about it, he understands players. But the thing is, with the demands of a modern-day manager, does he have the time he used to, to be able to go out and see those players? He loves to do it.”
Whether Moyes’ role is a help or hindrance for the Toffees remains to be seen, but it certainly hasn’t stopped recent rumours from arriving. Everton have been linked with moves for the likes of Jack Grealish and Vladimir Coufal in recent weeks in two deals that would hand those in Merseyside an ideal start to their summer business.
Coufal would particularly make sense given that he worked so well under Moyes during their time together at West Ham United. Now a free agent, Everton could make their move and add vital depth to their side.
It’s in Merseyside that Coufal could also be joined by an Argentina international, as Everton look to launch a last-gasp move to sign an experienced shot-stopper ahead of Crystal Palace.
Everton plotting late Benitez hijack
Whilst the last Benitez didn’t enjoy the best spell in the blue half of Merseyside, it could be second time lucky for the Toffees. According to Eindhovens Dagblad, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton have now held talks in an attempt to sign Walter Benitez ahead of Crystal Palace, who have held a meeting in London with the goalkeeper.
A free agent after leaving PSV Eindhoven at the end of the season, Benitez has quite the decision to make this summer. Although he is unlikely to have a starting role at his next club now that he is 32 years old, there’s no doubt that the Argentine still has a wealth of experience to offer.
Everton could certainly do with a backup for Jordan Pickford too. As things stand, both Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia are set to depart at the end of their current deals this month, opening the door for another shot-stopper to arrive.
As backups go, signing a player who is still part of Argentina’s plans wouldn’t exactly be a bad piece of business by all involved at Everton, having earned his first cap last year.
