Everton expected to win race for player Sunderland chiefs think is perfect
Everton are looking to end the winter transfer window by bringing in some much-needed reinforcements.
Beto had looked to be leaving the club, but it now appears that decision has changed. The Guinea-Bissau forward scored a 97th-minute equaliser for the Toffees against Brighton, and it might have saved his Everton career.
David Ornstein has reported that Beto will not be allowed to leave, and despite that update, it seems it has had no effect on David Moyes’ pursuit of Chelsea’s Tyrique George.
The 19-year-old is a versatile option who can play down the middle as a number nine, and it looks like he has been appreciated by another Premier League side.
Sunderland view Everton target Tyrique George as ‘perfect’
Sunderland are interested in Chelsea’s George, with senior figures at the Mackems rating the young talent highly.
However, for the Toffees, there may not be anything to be worried about. Reports suggest Moyes’ side will seal the George transfer as the deadline ticks closer.
According to Fichajes, Sunderland have been monitoring George, and the sporting directors at the Stadium of Light believe the Chelsea youngster would ‘perfectly fit’ into their plans going forward.
While they may appreciate the player highly, it does seem like they have left it too late to agree on a deal for him as Everton are the frontrunners for his signature.
Everton will have to move quickly, though, as if there are any signs of a deal stalling, the Black Cats could be there to swoop in.
George to fill Jack Grealish void for Everton
With Beto likely to stay at Hill Dickinson for the rest of the season, George, who has been touted as a number nine option, will likely now play out wide for the Toffees.
Jack Grealish’s injury has left the Blues light in that position.
While he has mainly been a left-sided forward in the youth setups at Cobham, George has been a utility player in the senior squad.
| Played as | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Right Winger | 9 | 1 | 1 |
| Left Winger | 9 | 1 | 2 |
| Centre-Forward | 8 | 2 | 2 |
His position has often shifted across all three roles in attack. However, his time as a striker has been his most fruitful for the London club.
Time will tell where he will fit into Moyes’ plans, but right now, filling the gap left by Grealish makes the most sense.
Especially seeing as the club will already have two strikers in Beto and Thierno Barry for the rest of the season.
Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.