TFG to override David Moyes with new Everton hire, centre-back lined up

Everton are already putting plans in place to ensure a majorly experienced footballing operations team at Bramley-Moore Dock from next season.

The Friedkin Group are looking to return the Toffees to their former levels of competitiveness, as they leave Goodison Park for their astonishing new waterfront arena this summer.

Angus Kinnear has already been confirmed as the incoming CEO at Everton, with a new hierarchical system amalgamating the football and business sides of the Merseysiders' operations, headed up by the outgoing Leeds United chief.

Everton want centre-back as priority after appointment is made

Everton are already reshuffling and making further appointments ready for one of their most exciting seasons ahead in years.

Kinnear looks set to bring with him Leeds' recruitment consultant Nick Hammond, with the new hire working under the incoming CEO as part of TFG's new structure.

The directorial team will work closely with David Moyes over new signings, for which the Everton support are far more excited than in January, when they knew they were shackled by PSR - something Moyes transparently admitted as they solely brought in Carlos Alcaraz on loan.

However, according to TBR Football's Graeme Bailey via Everton News (23 April), one of Hammond's highest-priority tasks will be to sign a centre-half.

It is understood the need for a centre-back among the Everton hierarchy is not with a view to replacing the in-demand Jarrad Branthwaite, but instead to add to their current pool of defenders - with three other positions wanted.

"[Hammond will] be the lead on Everton transfers, along with the other group going in there even though David Moyes is there," Bailey said.

"I think there’s quite a few centre-halves that they’re looking at. I don’t think Branthwaite is going to leave, personally. Hammond is coming in and he’ll do his work on that."

TFG and Moyes must brace for Branthwaite bids

The latest news to have emerged is exciting to Everton fans, as a European model begins to take shape on Merseyside, a la TFG on the other side of their footballing empire, AS Roma.

But the view that Branthwaite could stay beyond this summer will be music to their ears. Players such as the towering central defender are key to keep in the building to act as a springboard for future success.

Hopefully, from the Toffees' perspective, they can convince Branthwaite that Bramley-Moore Dock is not just the best place to develop, but also to in time yield European football and silverware.

Of course, financially, it will be a tough task, and there will be several clubs already in the Champions League and Europa League with at least a credible interest in the England international.

But Everton managed to perform admirably to keep hold of him last summer, and are in a much more fruitful position for the future 12 months on.