Everton just about survived a nightmare of a campaign.
Thankfully, it ended well, but only just, and once again, the fans can take great credit for the support they gave the team and the manager. They can’t be put through that again.
Which is why talk about the transfer window is on the lips of supporters. Fans know it is vital that Everton add to their squad this summer if they are to avoid a repeat of the last two seasons.
Crysencio Summerville is a name that has been linked with Everton in recent weeks, but the Blues could now face competition from Sevilla for the forward’s signature. Victor Orta, the La Liga side’s new director of football, is believed to be keen on a reunion with the 21-year-old at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium this summer.
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Orta left his role as Leeds United director of football ahead of Javi Gracia’s sacking and the appointment of Sam Allardyce at Elland Road. Summerville has also been linked with a return to Feyenoord; however, it appears the forward will only consider his options after his involvement at the under-21 European Championships with the Netherlands comes to an end.
Amadou Onana has previously generated interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, and the midfielder is believed to once again be on the radar of the Stamford Bridge club following his first season in the Premier League. However, the ECHO understands that claims Onana has informed Everton that he wants to leave this summer are categorically untrue.
There are key areas that Everton simply have to prioritise, with the most important being up front. They cannot afford to enter the new season without adequate support for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
So it is little surprise that the Blues have been linked with a move for Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres. However, if reports from Portugal are to be believed, the Sweden international appears to be on the brink of signing for Sporting CP.
Joel Piroe is a new name that has emerged in recent days. Wales Online reported on Thursday that Everton, along with Nottingham Forest, have made tentative enquiries for the forward but are yet to firm up any interest with a serious approach.
Piroe, who's currently with the rest of the Swansea City squad at a warm-weather training camp in Spain, is almost certain to leave the Swansea.com Stadium this summer. The forward, who is also being linked with Leicester City, has netted 41 goals in two seasons in the Championship.
Wilfried Gnonto’s agent revealed earlier this week that his client is keen to remain in the Premier League and is attracting interest from a number of clubs. The 19-year-old enjoyed an impressive debut season at Elland Road despite Leeds' struggles in the top-flight.
Gnonto scored four goals and provided four assists for the Whites after signing from FC Zurich last summer. He is one of a number of Leeds stars that Everton have been linked with.
The 19-year-old is currently representing Italy at the Euro U21 Championships in Romania and Georgia, and while that remains his primary focus at the moment, talks are planned, according to his agent Claudio Vigorelli, with the Leeds hierarchy.
In terms of outgoings, Sheffield United are interested in signing Mason Holgate. As reported by the ECHO on Monday, the Blues will allow the defender to leave the club, either on loan or on a permanent basis, should a suitable offer be submitted this summer.
LOSC Lille are also keen to re-sign Andre Gomes. The ECHO understands that Lille boss Paulo Fonseca is keen to bring the midfielder back to the Stade Pierre Mauroy following a successful loan spell at the club last season.
Gomes started 18 games in the French top-flight across the campaign, with his team finishing fifth and securing a Europa Conference League play-off round spot. Lille do not have the option to make the midfielder’s loan move a permanent one, but the Ligue 1 club are keen to bring the 29-year-old back to France, either on loan or on a permanent basis.
While Everton also rejected a bid from Ipswich Town for forward Ellis Simms earlier this week, The 22-year-old has been linked with a host of Championship clubs following the conclusion of last season, and interest remains from the Tractor Boys, but it remains to be seen when and if the Portman Road club will return with a second bid.
