Jacob Greaves transfer race set for conclusion amid Everton interest as medical update emerges
Everton look set to miss out on defensive target Jacob Greaves to Ipswich Town who are also rivalling them in the race for Jaden Philogene.
The Toffees are interested in the Hull City centre-back this summer but were said to be facing “serious” competition from the newly-promoted club [Telegraph, 18 June].
That competition appears set to prove successful with David Ornstein reporting for The Athletic on 7 July that Greaves is on his way for a medical with Kieran McKenna’s side.
It may not prove to be such a disappointment to Sean Dyche at Goodison Park thanks to Everton having rebuffed attempts from Manchester United to sign star man Jarrad Branthwaite.
But with Ben Godfrey already sold after rejecting contract extensions [HITC, 11 June] and Michael Keane potentially leaving [Alan Nixon, 7 July] as well there is still likely a need for a new centre-back.
Everton also want Jaden Philogene from Hull City
Now, with talkSPORT’s Alex Crook reporting on 8 July that Ipswich are also in the “box seat” to land Philogene as well it could be that missing out on the winger is more of a blow to the Toffees, with a deal said to have been agreed with the Tigers and the 22-year-old willing to join [Daily Mail, 7 July].
There has been extensive competition for the wide man, with Crystal Palace among those to have also made a bid [TEAMtalk, 5 July], but Ipswich might be about to land a double-deal.
Everton are no strangers to transfer races ending in frustration over the past couple of years so Kevin Thelwell will surely be ready to shift focus elsewhere.
And since Jack Harrison and Iliman Ndiaye have already been brought into the attacking ranks it is not a total emergency for either of the Hull City pair to head elsewhere.
There is plenty of time left before the 30 August transfer deadline for the Toffees to continue adding reinforcements, but being beaten to the punch by a promoted side for a pair of targets may well sting.
In other Everton news, Alan Myers has shared an update on Dan Friedkin’s takeover and whether it could go through in time to impact the transfer window.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.