Everton ‘could pay £15m for new signing’ as advanced transfer talks held
Everton could end up agreeing a transfer package worth as much as £15million as they enter advanced talks to sign a brand-new centre-back.
David Moyes is expected to hold talks with the Friedkin Group as he targets transfers this summer.
A host of first-team players are out of contract at the end of the season and could move on from Everton, with centre-back Michael Keane expected to depart.
Therefore, it looks as though the Toffees are already thinking about the long-term future at Bramley-Moore Dock as they close in on the signing of a brand-new defender.
Everton close to transfer agreement with Hearts
As reported by the Edinburgh Evening News (21 April), Everton are closing in on a deal to sign Hearts teenager John Dodds in the summer window.
Moyes is keen to tap into Scottish talent, with Everton now in advanced talks about signing Dodds.
The centre-back is still only 16 years old. However, ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes the total transfer package could still reach as much as £15m.
“It will be a transfer which includes add-ons,” King said.
“I would imagine the initial transfer fee will be worth £3million. Should this player make a certain number of first-team appearances for Everton, appearances for the national team, by the time Doods is 20 years old the fee could reach around £15m.
“I’d imagine the idea would be to bring this player in, and he can learn his trade by playing and training alongside Jarrad Branthwaite. He is Scottish, Moyes is Scottish, so that will also help him to settle in. Therefore, I think this shows what Everton are starting to get back to in terms of their recruitment.”
Everton must trust Moyes’ judgement
A transfer package worth £15m is a lot for a teenager playing his football in Scotland. However, Moyes has proven since he returned to Everton that he deserves to be trusted.
| Everton | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Results under David Moyes | 5 | 6 | 4 |
Therefore, if this is a player that he wants the Toffees to sign, then the Friedkin Group need to ensure they get a deal across the line.