Everton receive Lesley Ugochukwu boost as Fabrizio Romano shares Chelsea loan update

Chelsea are apparently ready to out Lesley Ugochukwu this summer and that could spell good news for Everton as Sean Dyche looks to bolster his midfield options.

On 19 July, journalist Fabrizio Romano posted on X with an update that the Chelsea midfielder was expected to leave the club on loan in the transfer window with a view to increased game time.

While Romano didn't specify names when mentioning interest in the 20-year-old from Premier League and Bundesliga clubs, the Toffees have previously expressed their own intentions to sign Ugochukwu [Foot Mercato, 13 July].

Several midfielders have already departed Goodison Park this summer and another high-profile one is set to follow, with Ugochukwu a potential replacement – albeit temporary – for the Toffees next season.

Everton should push button on Lesley Ugochukwu loan transfer

With Amadou Onana set to leave the club for a £50million move to Aston Villa in the next few days [Fabrizio Romano, 18 July], Everton's lack of depth in central midfield is only becoming more apparent.

Tim Iroegbunam headed the other way to Goodison Park earlier in the window, but his arrival doesn't accommodate for the loss of Onana, as well as Andre Gomes and Dele Alli after their contracts expired.

Ugochukwu, a tall, dynamic midfielder who has been named in France's squad for the 2024 Olympics despite just 15 appearances for Chelsea, has a much better chance of doing so next season.

The Toffees will have a fight on their hands to sign the 20-year-old if there is widespread interest in both the Premier League and Bundesliga, complicated further by the collapse of Dan Friedkin's takeover [The Athletic, 19 July].

However, given the Toffees were interested in signing the midfielder before Chelsea made him available for loan and have space to fill in their midfield, Goodison Park may prove to be the destination that best suits Ugochukwu's talents.

In other Everton news, an update on Andy Bell and George Downing has emerged after the takeover collapse.

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