Who Everton could sign next after Aznou as Moyes admits to being desperate

David Moyes has hinted at being exasperated at Everton’s relative lack of transfer activity so far.

Moyes has struggled to sign the players needed to build on Everton’s 13th-place Premier League finish last season.

Thierno Barry has been signed from Villareal, while Mark Travers and Adam Aznou have arrived. Carlos Alcaraz has also made his loan move permanent.

Yet Everton still look short in key areas of the pitch. When you consider the players who have been released, they look weaker than last season in some positions.

As per The Times (30 July), Moyes said on Everton’s pre-season tour of the United States: “We’re desperate to get things moving on.

“We’ve got to start getting moving, because it won’t be long until it’s a bit close to the end of the window.”

In wake of Moyes’ comments, Goodison News reviews a shortlist of players who could realistically sign for Everton before the Premier League season begins.

Tyler Dibling

Everton are interested in signing Southampton midfield star Tyler Dibling.

The 19-year-old shone in the Premier League last season, despite Southampton being one of the worst sides in the history of the competition.

It’s believed that Southampton want at least £40million for their midfield gem, but there’s likely room to negotiate a more realistic fee.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Former Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles is now at Lyon, but he is open to returning to the Premier League.

Moyes could give him that opportunity, although the transfer fee could be a sticking point, as Maitland-Niles was a regular starter for the Ligue 1 side last season.

Wilfred Ndidi

Wilfred Ndidi is a midfield enforcer who’s established in the Premier League.

His team Leicester were relegated in the Premier League last season, and he’s unlikely to want to play in the Championship.

Ndidi could be available for just £9m, which is a bargain for a player of his calibre.

Wilfred Ndidi
Wilfred Ndidi has decided to stay at Leicester City

Douglas Luiz

Douglas Luiz has been Everton’s main transfer target on the wing this summer.

The Brazilian only signed for Juventus last summer, but has failed to settle in Italy.

It was initially believed to be a straight shootout between Everton and West Ham for his signature. However, Luiz has recently said that he wants to play in the Champions League next season.

Jamie Vardy

This would be a short-term signing, but perhaps worth a punt on a free transfer.

Vardy, 38, is convinced that he can still do a job in the Premier League.

Jamie Vardy Leicester statistics
SignedMay 2012
Appearances500
Goals200

He scored 10 goals for an awful Leicester team last season, and Moyes has shown interest in giving him one last shot in the top tier.

The former England international could be a nice alternative to Barry, even if it’s just in cup competitions or during the last 15 minutes of a game.

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