David Moyes faces 'really unhelpful' Everton transfer issue as news leaks from Finch Farm
Everton have been linked with several high-profile names this summer amid their move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Jarrad Branthwaite has missed Everton's opening matches of the Premier League season, leaving David Moyes short at the back.
With that in mind, Everton were then linked with Nathan Ake amid news of Branthwaite's injury.
However, reports of such a move appear to be wide of the mark, with a supposed leak emerging from the Merseyside club.
This story includes exclusive comment from football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley.
Everton have to deal with Nathan Ake leaks
Everton may have been backed to land Ake, but reports of their interest in the Netherlands international were said to be false.
Indeed, news of their apparent interest was reported online, only for reputable journalists to refute the claims.
Now, football finance expert Dan Plumley - speaking exclusively to Goodison News - has weighed in on the controversy.
"Yes, it's certainly not helpful," he said.
"We know the football world, we know how it operates, we know things are going to get leaked, sometimes they can come from all manner of resources, especially when you're dealing with the transfer window.
- Ake has four Premier League titles to his name
- He has endured lengthy spells out with injury
- Faces a battle for minutes under Pep Guardiola
"It's just a lot of it is noise, isn't it, but for a club, that's really unhelpful, especially when you are trying to get the best deals done possible.
"You don't want that external noise. You'll hear people in the industry say this a lot, that the best deals are the ones that are done under the radar and behind closed doors all the way through.
"So, yes, it's unhelpful. Clubs have got to deal with it.
"It's just the modern-day football world and social media fuels that, but it's really unhelpful when you're trying to get deals done and at the best value for your club."
David Moyes needs more centre-backs within his ranks
While Ake may not be moving to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Moyes certainly needs more depth at centre-back.
Of course, in Branthwaite, they have one of the brightest prospects in English football, but he has endured fitness issues.
In his absence, Tarkowski and Keane have tried their hardest for the Toffees, but more quality is needed.
Victor Lindelof has been linked with a move to Everton, meaning a signing could be imminent.
However, rather than targeting experience, the Merseyside club would be better off adding youth.
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