{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Everton transfer news as Manchester City reject Rico Lewis bids
Everton are named among interested sides after more than a dozen clubs have had loan bids rejected for Manchester City wonder Rico Lewis, according to the Sunday Express.
The newspaper has shared via their print edition [30 July, pg 5] that Pep Guardiola is keen to use Lewis as part of his first-team squad in the coming season, following a number of impressive displays in last season’s treble-winning campaign.
It is also reported that the English defender is set to be rewarded by City with the offer of a new long-term contract on the table. Everton were named among Brighton, Leeds and Southampton as some of the clubs interested in his signature.
An ambitious option
A loan bid for Lewis was an ambitious option for Everton to pursue, given the large role he played in Guardiola’s side last season, often replacing star names such as Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo in what is regarded as the best team in the world.
It seems a strange decision for Everton to target a player who predominantly features as a right-back, given they have Nathan Patterson and a newly-adapted talent in James Garner both occupying the position, even in the absence of club captain Seamus Coleman.
However, it is a clear sign of intent and the first suggestion that the club will dip into the loan market this summer if talented players that can improve their team do become available.
Everton are strapped for cash this summer amid plenty of questions over their finances, so loan moves could be a key part of the latter stages of this transfer window, with the squad needing improvements in several key positions.
In other Everton news, stats prove one striker should be made Everton’s priority signing this summer.