One of Everton’s January transfer targets is likely to be available this summer.
Then manager Frank Lampard and director of football Kevin Thelwell led efforts to prise Anthony Elanga from Manchester United in a loan move to help improve the squad’s forward options. It was a plot that was unsuccessful as the OId Trafford side held onto the winger - who often featured in matchday squads but was a bit-part player in the second half of the season.
With Man Utd flush with wide options, it is thought Erik ten Hag would sanction a deal that would see Elanga leave the club. While the preference may be for that to be on loan, bids of around £10m are likely to be considered.
Sean Dyche’s thoughts on Elanga are unclear but his availability could tempt a recruitment unit that thought he could improve Everton’s squad as it desperately sought attacking reinforcements in January. In the end, the club concluded the month weaker than it started. Having been seeking two forwards the club signed none and sold Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United.
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The Blues' attacking dilemma has not been solved and needs addressing as a priority this summer. With money thought to be tight, and Man Utd open to business, Elanga could present a relatively cheap opportunity to add much-needed depth. The winger is currently on international duty with Sweden and scored in the 4-1 win over New Zealand on Friday.
The 21-year-old recently said of his season: “It’s been hard but I can’t control it, it’s just a matter of being strong in the head and showing that I’m ready when the coach wants me to play, but right now the season is over, and it was a good season for the club."
Elanga is not the only Man Utd player Everton have been linked to, with some reports suggesting winger Amad Diallo, who scored 14 goals as Sunderland reached the Championship play-offs last season, could be on Dyche's wishlist. Scott McTominay has also been linked.
Ten Hag is expected to give Diallo an opportunity to impress in pre-season before making a decision on his short-term future, while the Red Devils manager would prefer to keep McTominay unless a sizable bid - probably beyond Everton’s budget, particularly considering central midfield is not an urgent priority - was put forward.
